Atomic Bible

Roman governor of Judea; heard Paul's case.

Felix

Named in 8 verses of Acts, first in Acts 23:24.

ΦῆλιξFelix

The name means “happy, prosperous.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

Married to
Drusilla

About Felix Written by AI

Felix was a Roman procurator (governor) of Judea who served from approximately 52 to 60 AD. He is mentioned in the book of Acts in connection with the apostle Paul's imprisonment and trial. Paul was brought before Felix in Caesarea after being accused by the Jewish leaders of being a troublemaker and inciting riots (Acts 23:24). During the hearing, Paul defended himself against the charges and spoke about his faith in Christ (Acts 24:10 to 21). Felix, who was well-informed about Christianity, postponed making a decision and kept Paul in custody, hoping to receive a bribe from him (Acts 24:22 to 26). Felix also heard Paul speak about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, which caused him to be afraid (Acts 24:25). However, Felix left Paul in prison for two years until his successor, Porcius Festus, took office (Acts 24:27). The account of Paul's interaction with Felix highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in the face of Roman authority and the corruption within the judicial system.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Happy, the Roman procurator of Judea before whom Paul “reasoned” (Acts 24:25). He appears to have expected a bribe from Paul, and therefore had several interviews with him. The “worthy deeds” referred to in 24:2 was his clearing the country of banditti and impostors.

At the end of a two years’ term, Porcius Festus was appointed in the room of Felix (A.D. 60), who proceeded to Rome, and was there accused of cruelty and malversation of office by the Jews of Caesarea. The accusation was rendered nugatory by the influence of his brother Pallas with Nero. (See Josephus, Ant. xx. 8, 9.)

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Drusilla, the daughter of Herod Agrippa, having been induced by Felix to desert her husband, the king of Emesa, became his adulterous companion. She was seated beside him when Paul “reasoned” before the judge. When Felix gave place to Festus, being “willing to do the Jews a pleasure,” he left Paul bound.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. Acts 23:24

    Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

  2. Acts 23:26

    Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.

  3. Acts 24:3

    In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.

  4. Acts 24:22

    Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.”

  5. Acts 24:24

    After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

  6. Acts 24:25

    As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”

  7. Acts 24:27

    After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

  8. Acts 25:14

    Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king: “There is a certain man whom Felix left in prison.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.