A CRUCIAL DECISION

Acts 24:1-27  

Friday, 06 February 2026

“I have the same hope in God that these themselves have, namely, that all people, both the good and the bad, will rise from death.” -Acts 24:15 [GNT]

having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Acts 24:15 NASB

Paul the Apostle was caught by the religious leaders for his convictions about resurrection and they plotted to kill him. But Paul was sent to Governor Felix so his accusers could present their case to him. In our reading, we see him make a defence before Felix, saying he was falsely accused and made the point that it was concerning the resurrection of the dead that he was primarily brought to trial (v.21). 

As he awaited further proceedings, Paul was allowed to come before Felix and his wife to speak about his faith in Christ Jesus (v.24). Though they keenly listened, as Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and judgment to come, they were afraid to hear him further. Paul did not miss an opportunity to share Christ even if he was in chains.

Let us examine the key verse in the light of the Scriptures. The Bible is clear that physical death is not the end of one’s existence. When sin entered the world through Adam, death through sin, death came to all men (Rom.5:12). The spiritual death in man (his disconnection with God)caused by sin separates him for all eternity unless He accepts Christ Jesus’ death on his behalf as penalty for his sin—that brings him to be made right with God. Jesus being raised from the dead brought victory over death and life eternal. 1Cor.15: 21-22 says: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Hence those who accept Jesus as their Saviour are saved from death to life! When Jesus spoke to Martha about the resurrection, He said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…” (John 11:25-26). That’s the eternal life received through Christ for the one who believes and receives Him!

The Bible says God has kept a Day of Judgment whereby even the dead will be raised to stand before the resurrected Christ. Acts 17:30 reminds us, “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” The judgment is based on what every person has done with Christ, who was offered by God for the remission of their sin to be made right with God. If he/she has accepted the offer and lived the remainder of their lives in the reign of Christ, they will live with Him in eternity. Their names are in the Book of Life. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15), eternally separated from God. 

The world is so materialistic in its outlook that many do not want to acknowledge that there is life after death and one needs to be prepared where he/she will spend eternity. The choices we make on earth will decide whether we will end up in heaven or hell. If one chooses to reject the salvation offered by God in Christ Jesus, there is no further opportunity after his/her physical death. So today is the right day for the right decision—I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2Cor.6:2).

Think on: Is Christ your Saviour and Lord?

Listen: 'Come, Now Is The Time To Worship'