Ungodly Favors – Acts 24:27

When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

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What absolute injustice! Paul sits in prison for two years totally without justification. They have no charge against him and no way to prove any charge. Then, after two long years in jail, in order to ‘do the Jews a favor’, the authorities just leave him in jail. These are the same corrupt Jews who had no charge against him. Wow. Corrupt political deals and favors have been around for generations. Evil has been propagated since the early days of our existence. Jesus Himself was unjustly condemned for a similar non-reason. Bribes and favors obviously corrupt any sort of leadership. No wonder God consistently speaks of His hatred for them. The desire for unjust gain spoils any plan for justice.

Yet, in the midst of this inequitable mess, Father God works out His plan. Paul’s letters are written from prison and a large portion of the text of the New Testament is created. Paul’s unjust imprisonment and suffering continue to serve the good of all humankind. His bold testimony and dedicated allegiance to Christ served generations to come. Father God truly does work all things for His glory and for His Name. No wonder these early disciples of Christ considered it pure joy to suffer for the name of Christ. All of their hope was in Christ Jesus. May ours be also.