Acts 24 WAITING TIMES Paul would have known when he left Jerusalem under the safety of a large company of soldiers, that he was starting the journey to Rome of which the Lord had told him. There is a certain anticipation we have when a new venture is begun or a journey started, that we hope will be successful in its purpose. In the case of Paul at Caesarea the antagonism of the Jewish leaders and in particular, Ananias the old high priest, was such that they were in haste to get Paul done away with once and for all. The oratory of Tertullus, the lawyer, was supposed to have moved the governor, Felix, to act quickly in the way, and with the result they wanted. A fact of life those who are involved in reaching out with the Gospel have to face is that there will be a deep- seated opposition of one kind or another. Satan is not going to give up territory or people without a real fight against truth and righteousness. He is a liar and a deceiver, and knows there are liars and deceivers among men he can quickly get to do his wishes. Such men were Ananias, Tertullus and those with them.
The accusations made against Paul followed the flowery flattering introduction Tertullus made to try to appeal to Felix. Even profligate sinners who live licentious, ungodly lives for pleasure in a vain search for satisfaction, know when they are being flattered in order to manipulate them to accommodate to the wishes of accusers. The personal charge against Paul was that he was a troublemaker. When exaggerations and unfounded charges are made based only on hearsay, sometimes the best thing to do is to remain silent and not dignify a foolish statement with a reply. The accusation of Paul being a disturber of the peace all over the world, was an attempt to make a national charge which would be a worry to the Roman government. The charge that he was leading the sect of the Nazarenes was to have him condemned religiously as well as when falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple.
When accusations are made against us, sometimes they seem so foolish that they are ignored. Other times an answer is required and at those times the Holy Spirit will guide us as to what to say. The right approach at such times is a calm deliberate account of the facts which are obviously based on common sense and the truth. It is always right to tell the truth so that all challenges can be silenced by the simple statements of witnesses who may have a bearing on the case. When Paul made his defense, he answered with courtesy to the governor but without flattery. He knew a Roman governor would know what was going on in his area of jurisdiction. The one week between the time he went from Caesarea and when he was brought back to Caesarea as a prisoner did not allow time for all he was charged with to take place. Now five days later these men came with their charges. All the charges they made were impossible to have happened in twelve days. Paul pointed out the common historical features between Judaism and Christianity. "The Way" apparently had become an identifying title that was attached to the believers in Christ who lived in that area, much like "Christians" was the name given to believers in Antioch. The resurrection of the dead was the source of the contention that created the riot in the temple. That same teaching was taught by those who believed the law and the prophets. The charge that he profaned the temple was made by people who were not even there.
To review the teaching that people oppose when we are charged with disturbing the peace, gives us a good opportunity to present the Gospel in its clearness and to apply its truth to those who hear the accusations. Most opposition we have today has either financial considerations behind it or people who are afraid of losing power and influence over people they think they control. To be able to sum up the opposition we face in one sentence, is the best way to deal with charges laid against the work of the Lord we do. That principle holds true in almost every confrontational situation. To sum up the problem in one sentence usually provides the answer to the matter.
Paul's defense to the charges laid against him was made with courtesy and without flattery. He easily covered the accusations as they related to religion by briefly explaining the history of the Jews, and what they had in common that could not be refuted. The result was that Felix who knew what "The Way" meant, granted Paul a clemency with a certain amount of liberty to associate with those believers of the Caesarean assembly. But waiting takes its toll on people no matter who they are. Lysias never did come to Caesarea. Felix was an ungodly man without morals or scruples to guide him. He probably wanted some diversion, so in getting Paul to come to him "concerning the faith in Christ," he was probably looking for some interesting debate regarding the age-old question, "If a man die, shall he live again?"
The intellectual acuity of the apostle Paul got to him the very first time they met as he "reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come." Felix had perhaps a certain respectability but no fear of God. He trembled under the convicting words of the Holy Spirit through God's servant, but there was no repentance. He had an opportunity that day and on occasions after that but there was no action on the part of Felix toward God. By his greedy procrastination wanting Paul to bribe him with money for a release, he put himself in a position of having no hope. When no money was forthcoming from Paul, he then tightened up his restrictions until when two years had passed, and Festus took over the governorship, Paul was bound.
Two years is a long time to wait for something to happen. Paul knew he was going to Rome, so the time waiting would also be a time wondering what God was going to do. Luke and probably others were there too, so there would have been time for quiet discourse over spiritual truths as well as the ways God had led them up until that time. News would come from visiting saints as to how the work of God was progressing and as to what was happening to give concern. Maybe this was the time Paul did not cease to pray for the saints in various assemblies. Times will come in most of our lives when we feel we have been shelved rather that being active in God's work. Those waiting times often come to older saints who cannot get out much and spend day after day alone with no Christian fellowship. There are times as well when illness happens and activities have to be curtailed. In those private times alone, we may have opportunities of special fellowship with the Lord and our intercession on behalf of others, rises to a different height that we have ever experienced before.
God does not have to give us an account as to why things are the way they are. He gives us the blessing of letting our undivided attention be on Him in those waiting times. Then our perspective of the great work of God unfolds to our minds as never before. There is a lot going on in the world for God that we are not very aware of until we are not able to engage in any activity of our own. In those times of waiting we may have our highest spiritual experiences with God.
It is not what we had hoped for when we must wait - Usually those times are imposed. However, when on God's grace and truth we contemplate - We find again what we thought we would lose. God draws near to us in a very special way When we're not busy moving about - And speaks peace to us when we have nothing to say- And we hear plainly - He doesn't have to shout.
In those times we are waiting for something to happen - We are not distracted by time or things. Our haste to the work has impoverished us often - To the spirituals God wants us to bring. Now in the quiet waiting by day and by night - He has our undivided attention. In those times He can shed on us some light - As the value He places on our affection.
When we are not bustling about busy here and there - But are captive to the bonds of time.
God is able to make us much more aware Of the obligations I forgot were mine. I should never overlook the state of the flock - Or think other's problems mean nothing to me. It may be far better for me to kneel than walk - So that God's view of things I can see.
"Father, I have to confess I feel frustrated by inactivity. It doesn't happen often, But I confess to Thee I can think more clearly, pray more earnestly and plan more wisely in waiting times than in busy times. Help Thy servant to be a balanced person who knows when to wait and when to work. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."