Antonius Felix was the procurator of Judea from 52 to 60 A.D. A procurator was a financial and sometimes military official who answered to the emperor in Rome. So it was an important position, Felix understandably had things on his mind and one of the things he didn’t want to bother with was Christianity. When Paul was on trial and presented his faith before Felix, Felix said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient I will send for you.” (Acts 24:25)
You might call Felix an “apatheist.” The word was coined by blogger Hemant Mehta to describe a growing fact of American life, spiritual apathy. 44% of us spend no time seeking ‘eternal wisdom.’ 46% don’t think about whether they’ll go to heaven or not. 28% say, ‘It’s not a major priority in my life to find my deeper purpose. (USA Today, January 3)
Hebrews 3 is a plea against “apatheism.” “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” The name “Felix” can mean “fortunate.” I wonder what the final outcome was for his spiritual apathy. Maybe Paul’s witness sank in and he is eternally “fortunate.” Is there an apatheist who is learning from you “the hope that is in you?” (1 Peter 3:15)
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