I’m usually pretty decisive, but on big decisions I tend to delay before making up my mind. I like to keep my options open as long as possible.

Paul was imprisoned under the Roman governor of Judea, a man named Felix. Known for his cruelty and desire for money, Felix hoped to gain a bribe from Paul for his release. But first he, along with his wife Drusilla, wanted to hear from the fiery prophet:

Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 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.”

Lacking both righteousness and self-control, Felix returned Paul to the dungeon. But Felix called Paul back again and again. Likely only after money, but I wonder if Paul’s words sank into Felix or Drusilla’s hearts?

Felix showed interest, but couldn’t make a decision. Why? Did turning toward Jesus mean turning away from his position of power and wealth? Were his stack of crimes against the people of Judea too high to see over? Or was it all simply about lining his pockets?

People turn down Jesus for lots of reasons. Felix was not alone in his love of financial gain and power over people. But I still wonder how often in the following years he thought back on those conversations and questioned his decision to push Jesus away?

We don’t know much more about Felix or Drusilla. No tradition hints at either one embracing the Christian faith. Maybe we’ll meet them in heaven and discover their circuitous path to Jesus. But it sounds more likely that even with clarity from Paul, the greatest teacher of their era, they refused to make a decision.

And indecision becomes a decision in itself.

Acts 24 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Danielle-Claude Bélanger