Delays and Deferrals
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. Acts 24:27
Paul had gone to Jerusalem for several reasons. First, to deliver money collected on his missionary journey for the persecuted Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1–4). Second, to give a report about his work in Galatia and Greece to the apostles (Acts 21:17–20). Third, he wanted to worship at the temple (Acts 21:26). There was nothing unlawful about any of those things under either Roman or Jewish law.
But his desire to worship at the temple was interrupted by those who objected to his companions and his ministry (Acts 21:27–36). This led to his arrest, a plot to 
killhim, and a middle-of-the-night trip to Caesarea to protect him. Twelve days later, Paul found himself standing before the Roman governor Felix, accused of sedition, sectarianism, and sacrilege (Acts 24:5–6).
If I’d been Paul, my mouth would’ve been complaining and my faith wavering. I would’ve been asking, “How could God allow all this to happen when my intentions and plans were so good?”
But Paul didn’t react that way. He saw these delays and deferrals as opportunities to proclaim the gospel. In his defense against the false accusations, he gave a clear testimony (24:14–16). Paul also viewed his trip to Caesarea as part of God’s plan to get him to Rome (23:11). The apostle didn’t question how God was going to get him to Rome; he simply trusted that God would keep his promise.
Felix hoped Paul would offer a bribe to secure his freedom, so he continued to arrange meetings with the apostle (24:26). I imagine Paul used every one of those opportunities to talk about the governor’s need for salvation. And because Felix allowed Paul to receive visitors (24:23), the apostle probably used all those encounters to disciple fellow Christians and witness to those who needed to know Jesus.
Paul was under arrest in Caesarea for at least two years (24:27). I sometimes grow impatient with God’s timetable in two weeks. But instead of fretting or complaining, what I should do is look around the waiting room God has placed me in and discern what opportunities are available to encourage, disciple, or witness to others.
What delays or deferrals are you facing at this point in your faith journey? Talk to God about you feel and how you might use them to grow in faith, help others, and glorify him.
Dig Deeper
One of those who heard Paul’s missionary report was James, Jesus’s brother. Consider what he wrote about patience in James 5:7–11. How do his words encourage you as you wait?
Peter may have also been present when Paul gave his missionary report. What did Peter write about God’s delays and their purpose in 2 Peter 3:8–9?
David felt like he was trapped in Psalm 69. What attributes of God does he focus on in verses 13–16? And what does he promise to do in verses 29–31? How could you follow David’s example in your current situation?
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of our series on the Book of Acts.