Felix and Drusilla made for quite a pair. Felix governed the region around Jerusalem for Rome, with Drusilla his Jewish wife always close at hand. She left her first husband for Felix, drawn to power and ruthlessness. Curious, or perhaps merely bored, they pulled Paul (their prisoner) out of his cell for an interview.

Not much for chit-chat, Paul dove right in, speaking about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

In his few minutes with this power couple Paul reached for their jugulars. Neither lived a life of self-control or righteousness and the idea of a coming judgement unnerved them. When Felix later met with Paul, he fished for bribes more than he listened. Neither Felix or Drusilla showed any hint of embracing the Way.

Paul spent two years in house arrest under Felix. It must have been agonizing for a man filled with determination and energy to sit and listen to the self-absorbed Felix diesel on and on. If Paul had any hair he pulled it out.

For some unknown reason, the Lord put Paul under Felix’s thumb. Even while Drusilla and Felix turned away, I wonder if members of their household or the Roman guard followed Jesus as a result of time with Paul? Perhaps this period allowed Luke to work uninterrupted on his two volume series we know as Luke & Acts?

I don’t know why God puts us in seemingly endless situations, trapped by our circumstances. But I do know that the Lord works beyond my sight. I need to maintain faith, knowing that more good happens behind the scenes than I realize.

Acts 24 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jon Tyson

A group of determined men, furious at Paul over his teachings about Jesus, decided to silence him permanently—they formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. These amateur assassins planned to ambush Paul on his way to a meeting with the chief priests.

But they talked too much. Paul’s nephew heard of the intrigue, told Paul and then the Roman commander of Jerusalem. The centurion placed Paul under heavy guard and sent him north, foiling the plot. I wonder how long before the thirsty conspirators took a drink?

Paul owed his life to his sharp-eared nephew. Hearing the word on the street, this young man slipped quietly away with his information. Smart and brave and loyal to Paul, he proved the right person in a tight spot.

Paul got loads of help in tight spots. He obviously respected people, showed kindness to his family, and engendered feelings of concern and loyalty. Multiple people traveled with Paul, and many more helped meet Paul’s needs. He built friendships wherever he roamed. It’s a good practice for me to remember as I make my way through life.

In this instance we see one dramatic payback for Paul’s investment in people—his care for others reciprocated by his clever nephew.

Acts 23 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Viktor Talashuk

In the American Civil War, flags gave direction in the chaos of battle. If fighters kept their unit’s flag in sight, they knew where to go. But if the flag went down, or even worse fell into the hands of the enemy, soldiers might find themselves lost in the midst of raging hostility.

Gratefully, the Lord raises a flag for us in our most difficult situations. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

In this psalm of lament God moves as a Divine Warrior. At times we stagger under the ceaseless demands and tragedies of life. Yet those who respect and follow the ways of the Lord find safety under his flag.

With so much blaming flying around these days, questions arise about prosperity. Is it ok to seek prosperity in a world where others lack basic needs? How much is enough, and should I share more of what I have?

David revealed his perspective as he prayed for Jerusalem:

May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

David sought peace and security and prosperity not for his benefit alone, but for the sake of his family and friends, and for the sake of the house of the Lord.

Peace and security are not a given—impossible to experience in many places in our world. I must remember that a quiet Saturday morning is a gift from the Lord, evidence of his blessings of peace, security and prosperity.

Seek prosperity? Absolutely, but do so in order to bless others and expand the flourishing of God’s ways among us.

You and I both know the world needs it.

Psalm 122 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Randy Fath