THE KING’S BUSINESS
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cised; Felix had a guilty conscience —he trembled; Drusilla had a god-
(9) Paul was on trial; Felix’s turn came later. Christ is on trial now ; the
less conscience—unmoved.
world’s turn comes later.
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The Appeal to Caesar OCTOBER IS, 1916. LESSON III. Acts 25:1-2. (Commit vs. 10, 11). G olden T e x t : “ It is enough f o r the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.”—Matt. 10:25.
DA ILY BIBLE READINGS Mon., Oct. 9—Acts 25:1-12. (The Lesson).
Tues., Oct. 10—Acts 25:13-17. Wed., Oct. 11—Acts 25:18-27. Thurs., Oct. 12—2 Cor. 4:1-10. Fri., Oct. 13—Matt. 10:24-33. Sat., Oct. 14—Heb. 13:13-21. Sun.,’ Oct. 15— Psalm 3 :l-8.
EXPOSITION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
be said that nothing came o f his preaching, but in fact very much came o f it. How many preachers have received inspiration and instruction from Paul’s method o f dealing with these profligates in high soci ety. How many hesitating people have been brought to an immediate decision for Christ through the study o f the folly o f Felix. Paul always adapted his preaching to his audience, but not at all in the way that some modern preachers adapt their preaching to their audiences, i.e., by study ing to say nothing to offend. Paul went right after the consciences o f the people before him no matter whether they were small or great. He had talked to Felix and Drusilla concerning “ righteousness and self-control” because these were just the matters in which Felix and Drusilla were offenders. There is a great need o f Pauls today. Paul had an influential audience of high social standing when he preached the preaching that some in this day would have us believe is adapted only to the slums. It was terrifying preaching, too (ch. 24:25 R. V .), but terrifying preaching was sorely needed on that occasion and is sorely
vs. 1-3. "Now when Festus was (Festus therefore having) come into the province, after three days he ascended (went up) from Caesarea to Jerusalem ( to Jerusalem from Caesarea). Then the high priest and the chief (and the chief priest and the principal men) o f the Jews informed him against Paul, ( ; ) and (add, they) besought him, and desired (asking a) favor against him, that he would send fo r him to Jeru salem, ( ; ) laying wait (a plot) in the way to kill him (to kill him on the w ay)!’ Paul is to have still further opportunity to wit ness for his Lord before a Roman gover nor, a king and a queen. The corrupt Roman governor Felix has been succeeded by a more upright man, Festus (ch. 26-:27). The schemes o f the enemies o f Paul and of Jesus had already resulted in giving Paul an opportunity to preach Jesus as the Christ and the Judge to persons whom he could in no other way have reached. How wonderfully God made the wrath o f men to praise Him (Ps. 76:10). There were very few people who more sorely needed preaching to than this same immoral Felix and the immoral woman Drusilla. It may
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