Paul's Preaching

While in custody at Caesarea, Paul was visited by Felix, the procurator of Judea, and his wife Drusilla. The Bible says, “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self–control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you’” (Acts 24:24–25). Felix was a very powerful person. He had the authority to release Paul or to have him executed. Yet Paul preached a sermon to the procurator that was “alarming” or “terrifying” (ASV).

Why did Paul speak about righteousness, self–control, and the coming judgment? Have you ever thought about it? What was he thinking? Paul preached on those things because they were exactly what Felix needed to hear. According to Josephus, a Jewish historian, Felix had no right to Drusilla. They were living in an adulterous relationship. He records, “While Felix was procurator of Judea, he saw Drusilla, and fell in love with her; for she did indeed exceed all other women in beauty, and he sent to her a person whose name was Simon, one of his friends, a Jew he was, and by birth a Cypriot, and one who pretended to be a magician; and endeavored to persuade her to forsake her present husband, and marry him; and promised, that if she would not refuse him, he would make her a happy woman” (The Works of Josephus, pp. 533–334).

When Paul traveled to Athens and other cities filled with idolatry he preached on the true and living God. Were they ear–tickling sermons? No. Did his messages win him any popularity contests? No. In fact, the craftsmen at Ephesus, who made their livelihood in idolatry, enraged the community to riot against Paul (Acts 19:23–41). Yet he never wavered in his preaching because it was what they needed to hear.

We need preachers who will call sin “sin.” Men with the courage to address the pressing moral issues of our day like abortion and homosexuality; and the ignored sins in society like divorce, foul language, and immodest apparel. Men who will be truth–tellers rather than ear–ticklers.

This is not to say that preachers should be rude or impolite. Such behavior hinders the cause of Christ and is unbecoming of a Christian. We are told to speak the truth “in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and to be “gracious” in our speech (Colossians 4:6). However, there is no excuse for preachers to avoid issues of importance just because it might offend someone. Tell them what they need to hear. Be tactful but truthful.