Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
This chapter relates Paul's first appearance before the Roman governor, Felix. Accused by the lawyer Tertullus (verse 1) of riot and defiling the Temple, he defends himself clearly and factually: he is simply not guilty, he says.
Felix is married to a Jewish woman and already knows about Christianity, 'the Way' (verse 22). While as a senior Roman administrator he might be expected to be decisive and where necessary ruthless, in Paul's case he hesitates. Partly, Luke tells us, it's because he has an eye on the collection Paul has been making for the Jerusalem church (verse 26); see (1 Corinthians 16.1–4; 2 Corinthians 8.1–9.15; Romans 15.14–32). Roman provincial governors weren't all motivated by a desire to serve the public; many of them made huge fortunes from their appointment.
But Luke also tells us that 'as Paul went on discussing about goodness, self-control, and the coming Day of Judgement, Felix was afraid' (verse 25). At one level, we might just think Paul has taken the opportunity for gospel witness. At another, though, he is following in the footsteps of Jesus: at both their trials, the accused became the judge. For Tertullus and Felix, Rome is the ultimate authority; Paul knows that God is supreme, and that his judgement is all that matters. No wonder Felix was afraid.
God, help me to remember that you are the righteous judge of all, and that in the end, all that matters is that I'm right before you.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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