As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
Acts 24:25 NIV
In this passage Paul was talking to Felix, the Roman governor about faith in Christ. The discussion included a person’s accountability before God, and Felix responded in fear and brought the discussion to an end. But why was he afraid? Felix was not a Christian and did not even believe in God, following instead the Roman gods. It would not seem like Paul’s message should have had any impact on him. And indeed it would not have, had the Holy Spirit not also been at work in him (John 16:7-11).
But because of the Holy Spirit’s work, there is not a person in the world who does not at some level recognize their sinfulness and unworthiness. I wonder how many people reject the existence of God, not because of intellectual reasons, but because they fear the consequences of being accountable to their creator? Denial can be a powerful and destructive tool of the adversary.
