Topical Bible: Unholy Fear: Felix

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Introduction

The concept of "unholy fear" in the Bible often refers to a fear that leads individuals away from God rather than towards Him. This type of fear is characterized by a lack of faith, trust, and reverence for God, resulting in actions that are contrary to His will. One of the most illustrative examples of unholy fear in the New Testament is found in the account of Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, who encountered the Apostle Paul.

Felix in the Biblical Narrative

Felix, whose full name was Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from approximately AD 52 to 60. His governance is noted in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly in Acts 23-24. Felix is depicted as a man who, despite having some knowledge of "the Way" (Christianity), allowed fear and self-interest to dictate his actions.

Paul Before Felix

The Apostle Paul was brought before Felix after being accused by Jewish leaders of causing dissension and profaning the temple. In Acts 24:22-27, Felix is described as having a "more accurate knowledge of the Way" (Acts 24:22). Despite this knowledge, Felix's response to Paul's message was not one of faith or repentance but of fear and procrastination.

Unholy Fear Manifested

1. Fear of Conviction: When Paul spoke about "righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment," Felix became frightened (Acts 24:25). This fear was not a reverent fear of God that leads to repentance but rather a fear of the implications of Paul's message on his own life. Felix's fear was rooted in a desire to avoid the truth rather than embrace it.

2. Procrastination and Self-Interest: Instead of responding to the conviction with repentance, Felix dismissed Paul, saying, "Go away for now; when I find time, I will summon you" (Acts 24:25). This procrastination highlights Felix's unholy fear, as he chose to delay dealing with spiritual matters. Additionally, Felix hoped for a bribe from Paul, indicating that his fear was intertwined with greed and corruption (Acts 24:26).

3. Fear of Man Over Fear of God: Felix's decision to leave Paul imprisoned, "wanting to do the Jews a favor" (Acts 24:27), further illustrates his unholy fear. His actions were driven by a desire to maintain political favor rather than to seek justice or truth. This fear of man over fear of God is a hallmark of unholy fear, as it prioritizes human approval over divine obedience.

Theological Implications

Felix's encounter with Paul serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unholy fear. It demonstrates how fear, when not rooted in a reverence for God, can lead to moral compromise, spiritual stagnation, and ultimately, a rejection of the truth. Felix's account is a reminder of the importance of responding to God's call with faith and courage, rather than allowing fear to dictate one's actions.

Conclusion

The account of Felix in the Book of Acts provides a vivid example of unholy fear. His interactions with Paul reveal a man who, despite having knowledge of the truth, allowed fear to prevent him from embracing it. Felix's account serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing fear to overshadow faith and the necessity of responding to God's call with a heart open to transformation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The New Birth
... What fear is there that so honest a man, one ... my neighbours?" Yes as well as your
unholy neighbours; as ... ungodly poet could tell us, Nemo malus felix: "no wicked ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 45 the new birth.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
... said to have been associated in such unholy marriages, they ... yet in the very concession
shakes the mind with fear. ... Epistle of Felix of Messana to Gregory (XIV. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxiv to augustine bishop.htm

part viii.
... So likewise he treated his brother in an unholy manner; and ... to ordain forsooth as
Bishop one Felix [1775] , a ... to the careless and such as fear Constantius will ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... Fear, to displease God entertained by love, [1293]431; spoken of by St. ... Felix, St.,
burial in his Basilica, [1300]539; appeared at Nola, [1301]548. ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

Acts VIII
... of the Holy Spirit, and aroused some fear of the ... he recovered from the dominion of
his unholy passions ... a disciples kept it secret; [160] of Felix, who trembled ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... 675] but are in fact evil and unholy demons, whose ... When Felix would by no means agree
to endorse ... case of Antinous, whom everybody, through fear, hastened to ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... the great grandson of that illustrious Pope Felix III., whom ... lie in wait for a flock
huddled together in fear. ... of flesh, would presume to lay unholy hands upon ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... This is the doctrine I say, which makes me fear to offend, and that is as an
undergirder to my soul, whereby I am kept from destruction and confusion, under ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Nor need we fear its damning threats any more; for by the death of this body we
are freed from it, and are for ever now coupled to a living Christ. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm