“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24.25.)
Introduction. How mighty must that gospel be, which cannot be driven out of the heart even by trouble, persecution, and sorrow! When Paul is brought before Felix to be tried, he reasons ‘of righteousness, continence, and judgment to come.’ The judge trembles while the prisoner tries him.
(1) The Appropriate Sermon. As Governor of Judea, Felix extorted to such an extent that the Emperor Nero had to restrain him. How appropriate of the apostle Paul to reason with him concerning righteousness. Drusilla was noted for her superlative charms and unbridled voluptuousness. She had been engaged to Antiochus, who refused to marry her; was later married to Azizus, a king, whom she deserted; and at the time of Paul’s address was living as the wife of the lascivious Felix. How appropriate of Paul to reason with her on continence. And how appropriate, since Felix was the judge, of Paul to reason with him on the ‘judgment to come.’ What the apostle did, every minister ought to do. He selected a topic appropriate to his audience. Many ministers would flatter kings and princes, trim their doctrine, and make themselves pleasing. What we must do is unsheathe the sword and let the majesty of naked truth smite at your hearts. But we talk about generalities today; we are afraid to point you out and tell you of your sins personally. Blessed be God, from that fear I have been delivered long ago. The best eulogy that could be passed on the apostle Paul was the fact that ‘Felix trembled.’
(2) The Afflicted Audience. The prisoner has everything to his disadvantage: the chain, the prison dress, the slandered character. But with believing hand, he lays hold on the sword of truth, and with this, forces apart the joints and marrow. Who does not see here more than human eloquence at work? What is it that makes men tremble under the sound of the Gospel? Conscience, if not thoroughly seared, will blush the cheeks. But conscience is so thoroughly corrupt that it is not enough to make a man tremble. The Holy Spirit works in some men’s hearts with restraining Grace only. This quickened the conscience of Felix, and compelled him to tremble. It is a temporary work that can be quenched. Its design is not salvation. But what shall be said of you who never so much as tremble? You have been mouthing high heaven with your blasphemies; now you stand unmoved in the house of God. O race of evil doers! He that has lost feeling has lost hope; he that is past conscience God the Holy Spirit has given up.
(3) The Lamentable Disappointment. Stop Felix; let Paul continue. You have business to get to; have you no business for your soul? It will live forever. And you have no hope in heaven, no blood of Christ, no pardon of sin, no sanctifying Spirit, no imputed righteousness. As the lamb licks the knife, you go back to the lust that ruins you. Many of you have often been impressed under the ministry. You must have a little more pleasure? Will you count it pleasure when you come to die? You hope for a more convenient season? The young man may die; the old man must! You procrastinate when the knife is at your throat? How do you know you will ever feel like this again? Men have their warnings, and all men who perish have had a last warning. Unless you repent, you must perish; unless you trust Christ, you must be cast away forever. Take heed!
Selection from Conclusion. “To be laughed at is no great hardship to me…Laugh at me: but o! believe in my Master! Make my body as the dirt of the streets, if you will: but damn not your own souls!”
