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The Acts of the Apostles
sum of money Paul might secure his release. The apostle, however,
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was of too noble a nature to free himself by a bribe. He was not guilty
of any crime, and he would not stoop to commit a wrong in order to
gain freedom. Furthermore, he was himself too poor to pay such a
ransom, had he been disposed to do so, and he would not, in his own
behalf, appeal to the sympathy and generosity of his converts. He also
felt that he was in the hands of God, and he would not interfere with
the divine purposes respecting himself.
Felix was finally summoned to Rome because of gross wrongs
committed against the Jews. Before leaving Caesarea in answer to
this summons, he thought to “show the Jews a pleasure” by allowing
Paul to remain in prison. But Felix was not successful in his attempt
to regain the confidence of the Jews. He was removed from office
in disgrace, and Porcius Festus was appointed to succeed him, with
headquarters at Caesarea.
A ray of light from heaven had been permitted to shine upon Felix,
when Paul reasoned with him concerning righteousness, temperance,
and a judgment to come. That was his heaven-sent opportunity to see
and to forsake his sins. But he said to the messenger of God, “Go
thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for
thee.” He had slighted his last offer of mercy. Never was he to receive
another call from God.
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