Imprisoned Preachers

Into - We come to a portion in Paul’s story where he is languishing in a Caeserean jail and he has just argued his case before another government representative, Felix...

Acts 24:22–27 ESV

But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Investigative

Felix had an accurate knowledge of the Way

You would think that this would have brought him to repentance but it doesn’t. Instead opting to wait until Lysias comes down as an objective witness.

He knew that Christians weren’t revolutionaries and weren’t trouble makers by doctrine.

The problem is this takes two years to occur, Lysias must have gotten lost

Yet Lysias ALREADY told him what he thought of the matter in the letter to Felix…he thought Paul was innocent!!

Paul was allowed access to his friends to attend to his needs

More than likely this would’ve been Luke as well as others that would’ve came and attended to him.

So you’re imprisoned…well kinda.

Imagine what it’d be like to visit a father figure, friend, loved one unjustly incarcerated and wondering what God was doing

This is the third time Paul has argued his case and IS STILL locked up.

I remember watching people in the visitation room in jail. As mothers and kids would be weeping as they held their hands up to the glass willing to do anything to touch their loved one again. Then as they came out of the room, I’d watch the inmate put back on the hard image they needed to survive this arena. At that moment I was reminded that all of us have a mask. That mask many times will allow us to survive but also eventually forget what brings us life. I wonder if Paul wrestled with that?

Felix desired to know more about the Way but was intimidated with its truths

So Paul has a chance to explain the truths of the Gospel and doesn’t pull any punches which terrifies Felix

What scared him was talk of faith, righteousness, self-control, and judgment.

Felix had contrived to steal his wife Drusilla from her former husband

Felix had ulterior motives to exploit Paul’s situation for money

Paul was incarcerated for two years without a final trial

Felix unjustly left Paul in prison to win approval of the Jews.

Rumor has it that Felix had in fact created an uproar by sicking his soldiers on some Jews around that same time. Rome heard about it and had him replaced with Festus.

So Felix was doing this as an olive branch to hopefully get back into good graces with the Jews.

Have you ever been used as a pawn in someone else’s game? Imagine what Paul must’ve felt like.

So now here Paul is, sitting in a jail, for two years without a final decision, and presumably without clarity from the Lord on what is to happen next.

TR: I’ll pause there and ask us to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve said and the truths of this passage, in a few moments I’d like for you all to verbally respond in a Q&A time to two questions. 1) Where is this passage challenging or presenting some conflict with you? 2) Where is this passage bringing some clarity to you or confirming something for you?

Expressive

As we move into a time of response and explore what God is doing among us, I’d like to outline some ground rules.

Please don’t share more than a minute so other people can have a time to respond, you can also text in a question or statement in the GroupMe.

Please remember we are different humans with different opinions and it’s okay to hear something you don’t agree with.

This is a time to be nourished by listening to what the Spirit of God is doing amongst each other.

TR: SIT DOWN ON A STOOL

Collective

TR: STAND UP

I’d like to take a minute to collect our clarities and our conflicts

What are some themes you see on the board?

What are our feelings? What is intriguing?

What might God’s Spirit be saying?

Declarative

In order to preach to captives sometimes you have to enter the jail.

Which means this is not going to be an easy journey and at times you’re going to feel lost! Mistreated! And confused!!

Imprisoned preachers must face the false freedoms of this world with friendships

Imagine what Paul would’ve felt like if all those he had worked diligently for abandoned him during this time!

Maybe you have felt that way!

Imprisoned preachers must face the fearsome leaders with fearsome truths

What about the times when you have to tell someone a hard truth that you know is going to end in your pain? What do you do?

Of all the people in the world that they could’ve heard it from it is from YOU!!

Imprisoned preachers must face the injustices of the favored with faith

This is a true test of not only character but BELIEF! Why do you believe God has put you in that position!

So if you’re done wrongly, exploited, or dismissed just so that someone else can receive an advantage, you must face it with a trust

LAND IT LOUD

A sincerity that Yahweh has not forgotten you! He has planned this journey long ago and no amount of rebuttal, injustice, betrayal, abuse of authority, etc. will derail you.

WHY?!?! Because here’s the main point of this passage…The disappointment of humanity can be an appointment orchestrated by divinity.

What you’ve experienced as a setback God has orchestrated as a move forward!

You might see Paul exploited in a Caesarea but Yahweh was orchestrating it as Paul being expedited to Rome

So now examine your own life, what is the Lord challenging you on? How have you interpreted resistence to your efforts? Goals? Expectations?

How might the Lord be using that to orchestrate a divine appointment?

End with meditative prayer as the praise team comes up