When the Facts Are Clear but Fear Delays Action: Felix, Paul, and Spiritual Wisdom
- Jack Selcher
- Oct 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 2
Summary
Acts 24:25 contrasts knowing the facts with acting on them. Felix recognized Paul’s innocence and understood the truths of Christianity, but delayed action out of fear and self-interest. Paul’s message of righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment unsettled him. Beware of postponing obedience. Spiritual wisdom requires acting on God’s truth despite fear. Faith grows when believers trust God enough to take decisive steps rather than waiting for convenient moments.
Facts and Wise Decision-Making
Dr. Peter Drucker said, “Once the facts are clear, the decisions jump out at you.”1 Wise decision-makers collect pertinent facts.
Felix Hears the Case Against Paul
Felix did that. He listened to the testimonies of Tertullus and Paul. Tertullus said Paul threatened the peace Rome desired, a ringleader of the Nazarenes, and a profaner of the Temple. No witnesses verified his charges. None could. Paul insisted he was not guilty of rebellion.
When Fear Delays Action
Felix recognized a religious dispute. He got the facts but did not act on them responsibly.
He cared more about keeping his position than making a just decision to release Paul. He delayed the decision. He kept Paul in protective custody and sent for him to hear about his faith in Christ.
Paul’s Message: Righteousness, Self-Control, and Judgment
Paul spoke of righteousness, self-control, and judgment. Righteousness is God’s gift credited to the account of all who trust in Christ. It is also a virtue. It is doing the right things. It becomes increasingly obvious as believers in Jesus mature in the faith.
Self-control is a by-product of faith in Christ. Drusilla and Felix had little of it. She had broken a previous marriage to marry Felix. The topic made them uncomfortable.
Fear as a Barrier to Faith
Paul talked about a coming day of judgment. The thought of giving an account of his life to God terrified Felix. Facts about Christianity made him squirm.
Modern Resistance to Christianity
Many people do not understand Christianity. They practice religious distancing. Ninety-six million people in the United States claim no affiliation with a religion. It has increased by six percent in the last five years.2
They reject Christianity because of the off-putting behavior of professing Christians. They think that its teachings are out of step with modern cultural values.
Indeed, they are. That does not prove they are wrong. Biblical facts enable you to live a victorious and fruitful life. Spiritual wisdom requires acting on these facts despite fear of failure, change, or the unknown.
Acting on Truth Without Delay
You overcome fear by trusting God enough to do what you fear. Fear is the highest hurdle to clear to bear much fruit that will remain. Trust in God for the strength to do what you know you should, despite your fear. What faith step does God want you to take?
Felix’s response to the facts Paul shared: “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you” (Acts 24:25 NIV).
Spiritual wisdom has no convenient time. God and people will remember how fully you loved, how boldly you shared your faith, and how freely you shared your resources with others. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians. #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
2. Almost One-Third of US Adults Claim No Religious Affiliation (sputniknews.com).
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.
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