Acts 24:24-27 :

But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.” Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him. But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Felix and his wife must have known that Paul was already well known for the things that he had preached throughout the territory. I would doubt that many of those in jail at that time were privileged to be visited by the governor and his wife for a chat. Paul didn’t shy away from them, but “reasoned about righteousness, self-control and” yes even “the judgment to come.” It appears that the coming judgment was a bit much for Felix as he was terrified as we all should be.

It appears that Felix didn’t respond well to the realization that he was in trouble with God. He kept Paul in jail and on top of that, continued to be more concerned with his own political situation than he was with bringing justice or with securing his own salvation from the judgment to come.

The worries and cares of this life can keep a person from being saved from the wrath of God to come. So can the deceitfulness of wealth. Even though this life is short, it is easy to get distracted like Felix and fail to come to God on his terms. Heaven is not a democracy. Even though God is loving and wise, he is also just. Now is the day of salvation for us because now is the time that God has given us the ability to understand His will, so that we see that He has provided a way out of punishment through Jesus who already paid the price.