Topical Bible: Covetousness: Felix

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Introduction

Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions, is a theme addressed throughout the Bible. It is considered a sin that can lead to various forms of moral and spiritual decay. The New Testament provides several examples of individuals who struggled with covetousness, one of whom is Felix, a Roman governor mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.

Felix in the New Testament

Felix, whose full name was Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from approximately A.D. 52 to 60. His governance is noted in the Book of Acts, particularly in the context of the Apostle Paul's trials. Felix's encounter with Paul provides a vivid illustration of covetousness and its spiritual implications.

Biblical Account

The Apostle Paul was brought before Felix after being accused by Jewish leaders of causing unrest and profaning the temple. The account in Acts 24 describes how Felix, accompanied by his Jewish wife Drusilla, listened to Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Paul reasoned with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, which caused Felix to become afraid. However, rather than repenting or seeking truth, Felix's actions reveal his covetous nature.

Acts 24:26 states, "At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him." This verse highlights Felix's desire for financial gain, even at the expense of justice. His covetousness blinded him to the spiritual truths Paul presented and led him to misuse his authority for personal gain.

Historical Context

Felix's rule was marked by corruption and cruelty, as noted by historical sources such as the Jewish historian Josephus. His desire for wealth and power often overshadowed his responsibilities as a governor. The account of Felix's interaction with Paul is consistent with his historical reputation, illustrating how covetousness can corrupt one's character and decision-making.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Felix's covetousness serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing material desires to overshadow spiritual truths. The Bible consistently warns against covetousness, as seen in passages like Luke 12:15 , where Jesus says, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Felix's account is a reminder of the spiritual peril that accompanies a covetous heart. His inability to embrace the message of the Gospel due to his desire for a bribe exemplifies how covetousness can hinder one's relationship with God and lead to moral compromise.

Conclusion

The account of Felix in the New Testament provides a poignant example of covetousness and its consequences. His account serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to guard their hearts against the lure of materialism and to prioritize spiritual integrity over worldly gain.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 24:26
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: why he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... For the Scriptures teach, and experience confirms, that "covetousness is idolatry."
The covetous man ... Here then is the portrait of Felix: a portrait drawn by St ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... tribunal, and in Paul's justification of his course, both before Felix and Agrippa ...
unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness [Jesus made ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

Internal Foes.
... Covetousness enticed Lot into Sodom. It caused the destruction of Achan and
all his house. ... It was the blot in the character of Felix. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

Book 20 Footnotes
... high priest Jonathan, by the contrivance of this wicked procurator, Felix, was the ...
like presently, ch.9. sect.2. Such fatal crimes are covetousness and tyranny ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 20 footnotes.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... See Jerusalem and The City of God. Covetousness, hateful to our Lord, [236]479;
root of all evils, [237]565. ... Felix the martyr, sermon on, [390]609. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

The Note of Accusation.
... reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled." To ... Against
the carelessness, the covetousness, the debauchery and corruption of ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter i the note of.htm

Index of Subjects.
... appeal to Julian, [1996]586, [1997]587. charged with covetousness, [1998]588. in
Rome, [1999]595. in Spain, [2000]595. ... Felix, bp. of Ammacura, [2096]496. bp. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects 2.htm

The Third Commandment
... is worse than an infidel"?' Thus he endeavours to support his covetousness by Scripture. ...
Felix, an officer of Julia, seeing the holy vessels which were used in ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

Pope Anterus.
... In like manner Felix, on account of the doctrine and the good life which ... But fornication,
and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... In connection with the parable of the rich fool the Lord warns against covetousness
and anxious ... that he is addressed by Luke in the same manner as Felix, 23: 26 ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm