Roman governor of Judea; heard Paul's case; sent him to Rome.
Festus
Named in 13 verses of Acts, first in Acts 24:27.
ΦῆστοςFestus
ΠόρκιοςPorcius
Also called Porcius.
The name means “festive, joyful.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Festus Written by AI
Porcius Festus was a Roman procurator (governor) of Judea who succeeded Felix around 60 AD (Acts 24:27). He is mentioned in the book of Acts in relation to the apostle Paul's ongoing legal case. Upon taking office, Festus was confronted with the charges against Paul that had been left unresolved by Felix (Acts 25:1 to 2). Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem for trial, but Paul appealed to Caesar, asserting his rights as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:9 to 12). Festus, unsure how to handle the case, consulted with King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice, who came to Caesarea to pay their respects to the new governor (Acts 25:13 to 22). Paul was brought before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice to present his defense (Acts 25:23 to 26:32). After hearing Paul's testimony, Festus exclaimed that Paul's great learning had driven him insane (Acts 26:24). Agrippa, however, believed that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:32). Festus then sent Paul to Rome for trial, as he had requested (Acts 27:1). The account of Festus's involvement in Paul's case illustrates the complexities of the Roman legal system and the challenges faced by early Christians in navigating it.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Where the Bible names him
- 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.
- Acts 25:1
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
- Acts 25:4
But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.
- Acts 25:9
But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?”
- Acts 25:12
Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
- Acts 25:13
After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
- 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.
- Acts 25:22
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” “Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus declared.
- Acts 25:23
The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.
- Acts 25:24
Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.
- Acts 26:24
At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
- Acts 26:25
But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
- Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.