Unstoppable! 'Felix Plays Politics to the End' — Acts 24:27

Saturday, November 18, 2023

After two years went by [with Felix having frequent discussions with Paul], Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.

— Acts 24:27 NLT

Key Thought

In yesterday's Unstoppable, we noticed how Felix let his competing loyalties get in the way of faith and wasted his opportunity to turn his heart to Jesus. Today, we see that he was willing to let Paul sit in prison for two years and then leave him there because he wanted to gain the favor of Jewish leaders and the people who had grown tired of his rule. We trust that Paul used his time in prison to bless others and lead them to Jesus.* Unfortunately, Felix wasted this time and further moved his heart from godliness. Paul may have been held in prison by Roman authority, but Felix had put himself in a far worse prison because of his divided loyalties and lack of integrity.** Let's refuse to let anyone but our loving and compassionate Father have any influential rule over our hearts!

* See our first set of Related Scripture Readings.
** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings for some biblical teaching against divided loyalties.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, may my heart ever hold you and your will as holy and appropriate for my life. I ask you, Holy Spirit, to help me see anything that competes for my loyalty and anything that could threaten Jesus' lordship in my life. I want to love you, dear God, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I ask for help to do this, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 1:12-14, 4:21-22
  • Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:15-18; James 4:7-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 24:27 NLT — After two years went by [with Felix having frequent discussions with Paul], Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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