Articles
Righteousness, Self-Control, and the Judgment to Come
The latter part of the book of Acts deals primarily with a period of time when Paul was imprisoned (Acts 21-28). During this period of Paul’s life he had the opportunity to speak before several governing authorities. On such occasions he primarily presented to them the truths of the gospel instead of focusing on simply justifying himself. Acts 24 tells about the interactions between Paul and a Roman governor, Felix. In the beginning of Acts 24, Paul makes a defense before the Roman governor Felix. Felix delays making a decision on Paul’s case yet during this time Felix and his wife will come to hear Paul talk about “the faith in Christ” (Acts 24:24, NKJV). We are not given a record of the exact words Paul used on this occasion but we are given a summary of the main points in the message which he presented as well as a record of how Felix responds. Acts 24:25 says, “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you’” (NKJV). Let’s notice some things we can learn from Paul’s teaching and Felix’s response on this occasion.
Paul taught Felix about righteousness. The term “righteousness” would refer to right conduct before God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 gives us a list of behaviors that are identified as unrighteous. In teaching about righteousness, one would need to point out sins which are violations of what God has said is right (1 John 5:17). Preachers and teachers of the gospel need to help people understand where they have violated God’s standard of right and thus are guilty of sin (Romans 3:23). Such is what Peter and the apostles did on the day of Pentecost when 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:23, 36). The term “righteousness” is also used in reference to how God is going to take sinful people and make them righteous before Him. Such a usage of the word can be seen in passages such as Romans 1:17; 3:21. Paul would certainly not only point out where Felix had violated God’s standard of right and wrong but would also tell him about how God makes it possible for him to be made righteous or justified. Such should be what we do as well when people recognize their lost condition before God (Acts 2:37-38).
Paul taught Felix about self-control. Christian living requires an individual to possess self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 mentions self-control as being an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul speaks of his need for disciplining his body and bringing it into subjection. Jesus taught His disciples must be willing to deny self (Matthew 16:24). Felix appears to be a man based upon secular history who lacked self-control. Paul is making it plain to Felix what he will need to develop in his life in order to be an acceptable servant of God.
Paul taught Felix about the judgment to come. The final judgment is not a topic which many people want to talk or hear about today but it is an important topic which we all need to consider. God’s word clearly teaches all men will be judged on the basis of their deeds in the body (Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:6-10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15). We do not know when the judgment to come will take place (Matthew 24:36, 42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) and so we need to always be watchful and ready for the Lord to return in judgment (Matthew 24:45-51; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8). If one is lost in sin, thinking about the judgment to come should be a terrifying thing like it was for Felix (Acts 24:25). People who are lost in sin need to be reminded of the fact that the judgment to come will bring about everlasting destruction for them unless they are saved from the wrath to come (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10). The descriptions of hell given throughout the Bible should cause us all to want to avoid going there (Matthew 24:51; 25:30; Mark 9:43-48; etc.). People sometimes look down upon preaching which attempts to motivate people to obey God as a result of fearing eternal punishment. However, such is the manner in which Paul taught Felix and others (2 Corinthians 5:11). We need to help people to see how fearful it is to fall into the hands of a living God who is a consuming fire (Hebrews 10:31; 12:28-29).
Felix understood what Paul was saying. Felix understood his lost condition. Felix was fearful. Yet Felix delayed obeying the message. Felix’s statement, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:25, NKJV), is one of the saddest statements in Scripture. Many people today are responding just like Felix. People know what it is they ought to do, are fearful of the consequences of not doing what they ought to do, but are putting it off till a more convenient time. Are you waiting for a more convenient time like Felix was? If so, we encourage you not to delay but make haste to obey the Lord’s commands (Psalm 119:60).
