Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tuesday's Devo -What is Your Platform?

Read Acts 24
Paul is brought before Felix, the governor and his accuser, Tetullus is speaking his beef against Paul. He accuses him of being a pest, a leader of a rebellion, a ringleader of the Nazarenes and profaning the temple. Paul was a pest to the religious community but it was the Word he preached that divided the people. The only rebellion he was a part of was the rebellion against the truth. He had vowed one vow which, I guess in their eyes, made him a leader of the whole sect. Profaning the temple would not fall in the governor's interest since he is not a Jew.
Now it's time for Paul's defense. He declares his innocence once more and then confesses his faith. After all, that is why he came. He keeps talking about resurrection because that is the power of the cross.
Nothing that Paul is accused of is worthy of arrest or imprisonment but Felix is a weak leader and he wants to wait and ask Felix (another Felix), the chief captain who is coming soon. He puts Paul in house arrest and allows him to have company.
When Felix #2 comes he brings his Jewish wife Drusilla. They listen to Paul and send him back to prison so they can think about it. He was hoping Paul would try to bribe him so he kept asking to meet with him. This went on for 2 years till he needed to make a decision. He decided to keep the Jews happy and left him bound. By the way, "Felix" means "happy". I guess it was his destiny to please man and keep them happy.
The great thing about all these false accusations was that it kept giving Paul a platform to proclaim the truth to those who would have never came to hear him speak. It got the message out of the church building. If we don't go to the world the Lord will find a way for us to have a platform. Jail anyone?

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