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.” 23 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.
24 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. 25 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.”26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
The theory, I heard long ago, was that the soap operas were named because they sold laundry soap advertising during those daytime shows. And housewives would be ironing their families’ clothes watching the soaps thinking, Well at least I don’t have it that bad. Someone in the show – if not many of them – had it much worse than they did. It got them through the day.
I wonder what got Paul through the day during those two years of his imprisonment under Felix. Surely it wasn’t Paul imagining people worse off than he was! It was his friends, his brothers and sisters in Christ who were allowed access to him during those two years. They were the ones who gave a drink of water to “one of [Jesus’] disciples” (cf. Matthew 10:42). They would not lose their reward. And Paul would be encouraged, strengthened, and sustained in life and mission.
Felix and his Jewish wife knew something of the message of Jesus, and they would come to hear from Paul. Paul apparently touched a nerve for Felix sent him away rather than listen to him, and repent and believe the message of Jesus Paul was preaching.
I notice one of the key teachings Luke mentions is that of self-control. I wonder if that was what really touched Felix. Perhaps he had an issue with that. Maybe he couldn’t keep himself from wanting to hear more from Paul, but also couldn’t keep himself from a lifestyle of selfish self-indulgence. Perhaps he realized that if he were to repent and believe in Jesus, his whole world would be turned upside down. So it is with Jesus.
And the world just keeps on turning. People on TV may epitomize a wanton abandonment of every good thing in exchange for evil of every kind. There are outward and obviously-evil people: drug dealers selling to children, human traffickers, embezzlers, liars, and thieves. There are also the less obvious: hiding hatred, greed, envy, lust, bitterness, and self-righteous folks who live in our neighborhoods, our own homes, and our own skin!
The world turns for all of these. And all need to hear about “righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment.” For those who believe in Jesus, he is our righteousness. For those who struggle with self-control and fear the judgment, it is far better that we not send God’s messengers away. Listen carefully to what they say, and come to Jesus Christ and hold to faith in him. No matter how the world turns, he will never send you away.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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