Study Desk

He was a popular fellow there. When he came up to me, he said, 'Open your eyes and see for the first time.' And right then, my vision returned.

"Then Ananias said, 'God himself has handpicked you for an important mission. He let you see and hear from the Top Hand himself.

"'But, Boss,' I said, 'I'm the best cowboy for the job. All these people know I hunted your followers like coyotes.

Everyone was listening intently up until Paul said he was to go gather mavericks. All hell broke loose, and everyone started yelling for his death.

The commander grabbed Paul and took him inside where the soldiers were commanded to lash Paul until he confessed his crimes. The commander figured Paul must be guilty of something for all those folks to act like that.

Everyone backed away from Paul. None of the soldiers wanted to be blamed for whipping a Roman citizen without a trial. The commander's face went white because he'd come close to making a fatal mistake.

Paul saw that some of the high council were of the Sadducee clan and other were Pharisees. He used this to his advantage and said, "Y'all know me. I am a Pharisee just like all my granddaddies were. I'm not standing here today for any other reason than I believe we will be raised from the dead."

We need you to talk to the Roman commander and have him bring Paul back for some more questioning. We will ambush Paul while he is being transferred. He won't live another day."

Paul's nephew said, "The Jews are going to ask you to bring my uncle back to them for some more questioning.

But this is all a ruse, sir. There are forty people lined up along the street who are going to ambush Paul and kill him. They've even taken a vow not to eat or drink until he is dead. I believe they've already made the request for tomorrow. They're just waiting for you to agree."

Then I found out they were planning on asking me for another meeting with him and then they were going to ambush him and kill him on the streets. That's when I decided to send him to you. I told his accusers they would have to talk to you about the man now."

The governor raised an eyebrow and motioned for Paul to rise and speak. Paul said, "Your reputation precedes you, sir. I asked to come here and present my case to you because I know for a fact you have been impartial in Jewish affairs before.

Paul continued, "But I stand here today and tell you plainly that I am a cowboy riding for the Way. They call it a cult, but it is the furthest thing from it. I worship the same God they do and believe everything in the Code and what the prophets said.

"I had been away for a couple of years and just returned with money to help my people and to offer sacrifices to God.

except for the one time I shouted, 'I'm only on trial because I believe God will raise the dead!'"

Felix finally held a hand up. He was quite familiar with the cowboys who rode for the Way. Felix then said, "I've sent for Lysias, the garrison commander. I will hear his testimony and then make a decision."

He adjourned the court and ordered Paul to be kept in custody, but he was free to come and go as he pleased. Felix also allowed Paul's friends to come and see him and care for his needs.

A few days later, Felix, along with his Jewish wife, Drusilla, sent for Paul. They asked him in private about his faith in Jesus.

Paul held nothing back. He told them the only way to be right with God was through Jesus. Paul also spoke of self-control and the day of judgment that would come for every man. This boogered Felix. He said to Paul, "That's enough for today. If I want more, I'll send for you."

He sent for Paul quite a few times, but it wasn't always because he wanted to hear what the cowboy had to say. Felix was secretly hoping Paul would offer a bribe to let him go.