Acts 24:24-26
What is written? (ESV)
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.
What does it say?
Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla sent for Paul to hear him speak about faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the coming judgement. Felix was alarmed by the message and sent him away but continued to meet with him as he had other motives of getting a bribe from him.
What is its immediate context?
Paul has been arrested upon a return trip to Jerusalem (following his third missionary journey) and is being held by the Roman governor, Felix.
How Acts 24:24-26 is applied across Bible answers
Can the Godly influence ungodly political leaders?
This isn't quite the same as situations we see in governments preceding Rome. Paul has no state position or title, quite the opposite. However, he does have access and opportunity for influence over the political authority at that time. However, and unlike the Old Testament examples, we are not told if Paul's efforts were effective over the two years (vs 27) for either a personal change in Felix or in any policy matters.
What happens next in the Bible?
In speaking "about faith in Christ Jesus," Paul spoke to Felix about the "now" ("righteousness and self-control") and the "next" ("the coming judgment").
