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.
“Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher” (thanks Google). I learned of him when I was in college. Diane had read his book, Fear and Trembling, and told me about the book. I don’t remember much about it – and neither does she – but I do recall that he idealizes the knight of faith. The Knight of faith is “an individual who has placed complete faith in himself and in God and can act freely and independently from the world” (thanks Wikipedia!).
Paul teaches much about faith in his letters to the various churches which he started, as well as especially to the church in Rome, which he had not visited when he wrote the letter to them. Some highlights:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:8-9
What rich truths are offered here! Notice, also, how faith is tied to righteousness. I’ll be reflecting on that tomorrow. By faith we will stand on the Great Last Day. By faith we resist temptation and exercise self-control, knowing that such exercise is far better for us here and now and in The End. By faith we look again and again to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame and now sits at the right hand of God.
Kierkegaard’s knight of faith places his faith in himself and in God. I’ll keep my focus on God, and by faith I’ll say…
I am so deeply thankful for Jesus!
David Bahn - Reflections 
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