Among other things, they discussed justice ...

When the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Judea, the Roman governor of that region was Felix. Acts 24 records that Paul was summoned before Felix several times during this incarceration.

We are given many details of these meetings, but one phrase is not elaborated upon: During the second meeting, it says that they "... discussed justice, self-control, and the coming judgment ..."

I was taken by " ... as he discussed justice ..." What did Paul and Felix talk about in regard to justice? We are not told.

Nowadays "social justice" is a powerful rallying cry -- so much so that, in some circles, the phrase is shortened simply to "justice." When "justice" is mentioned, it is taken for granted to mean social justice.

In university settings, for example, if you are not outspokenly for "justice" in this sense, well, there's something wrong with you...

So far as I can determine, social justice is a vague but vast domain with two levels of meaning. One involves various actions in which those who have are to help those who have not: giving to the poor, volunteering in soup kitchens, helping underprivileged peoples in underdeveloped countries, the like.

All of this is motivated by the second, deeper level of meaning: the idea that the playing field of life must be leveled out for all people; that, somehow, not doing your part to level this playing field is the equivalent of selfishness, if not evil itself.

The challenge for Christians is that the more mainline churches, the ones that are usually liberal in theology, tend to be more active in social justice causes. In contrast, Evangelical churches, the ones that are less liberal -- and holding to the inspiration and authority of the Bible as God's Word is one sure sign of being "less liberal" -- these Christians tend not to be as active in social justice causes.

The one side looks down on the other as fundamentalist holy rollers.

And for their part, Evangelicals look down on the mainline churches as preaching only a "social gospel," by which is meant that righteousness through Christ alone is substituted by righteousness via works of social justice.

As with much of the political divide in this country, the mutual opposition seems irreconcilable.

But whatever it was that he said, Paul was at least able to bring Felix to holy fear.

What was it that he said?

Perhaps it had to do with the second topic they discussed not elaborated upon: self-control. Evangelicals need to exercise the self-control in setting aside their comfortable lives so as to help the less privileged, one of the true measures of sincere Christian faith.

Perhaps it had to do with the third topic they discussed not elaborated upon: the coming judgment. Mainliners need to reconsider: aside from good works, there does come a judgment at the resurrection of the dead.

At the resurrection of the dead.

How do we know? Because the Word of God says so.

Logos2Go

Acts 24.15 (Paul speaking): ... And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust...

Acts 24.25 Now as he reasoned about justice (righteousness), self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away..."

James 1.27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.