Acts 24: 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 As he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled and answered go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might free him, wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
In other words, Paul could be exonerated in one of two ways: one, by a close examination of the facts, or he could walk out of jail a free man, if he were to grease the politician’s hand. That is why we stated before that policy would subjugate one’s principle if the politicians, or the Christians in question are not anchored in Christ.
And so it was, that Paul was not going to shell out any greenbacks, to buy his way out of jail, because he is being governed by principle, but Felix who is driven by policy, and material benefit, will do what he could to wound Paul, for not going along with the bribe.
If and when Christians cozy up to politicians, they’ll in most cases be enticed to violate principle in some form, or fashion, sooner or later, hence the reason why the separation of church and state is a must in order for the Christian church to remain free from the influences of secular governments.
Psalms 26:9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: 10 In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. 11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!