Felix
Gentile Roman; governor of Judaea at Caesarea · Early Church · New Testament
- Name means
- 'happy' (Latin)
- Role
- Roman governor who kept Paul in custody
- When
- governor c. AD 52-59
What they did
He heard Paul's defence and later heard him speak of faith in Christ, righteousness, temperance and judgment to come; he trembled, but put off the matter, hoping for a bribe, and left Paul bound for two years.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His story is a sober warning against delaying a response to the gospel for 'a convenient season'.
And 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. Acts 24:25 (KJV)
Bible references
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. Acts 23:24 (KJV)
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. Acts 23:26 (KJV)
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. And 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. Acts 24:24-25 (KJV)
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Acts 24:26-27 (KJV)
Family
- Spouse(s)
- Drusilla, 'which was a Jewess' (Acts 24:24)