Felix and Festus

Biblical Account

Felix was the Roman governor of Judea when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem. The chief captain Claudius Lysias, learning of a plot to kill Paul, sent him to Felix at Caesarea (Acts 23). The high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus accused Paul of being "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" and of attempting to profane the temple. In his defense, Paul stated that he worshiped God according to "the way," that is, the way of following Christ, and that he held the hope of the resurrection (Acts 24:1-21). Felix deferred judgment. Afterward, together with his Jewish wife Drusilla, he heard Paul speak. When Paul "reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come," Felix trembled and said, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee" (Acts 24:25). Scripture records that he hoped Paul would give him money, and that when he left office after two years, he left Paul bound, "willing to shew the Jews a pleasure" (Acts 24:26-27).

Festus (called by his full name, Porcius Festus, in the New Korean Revised Version) succeeded Felix as governor. The Jewish leaders asked that Paul be brought to Jerusalem. When Festus asked Paul whether he was willing to be tried in Jerusalem, Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to the emperor. Festus replied, "Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go" (Acts 25:11-12). Festus later brought Paul before King Agrippa and Bernice to hear his defense. On that occasion, when Paul spoke of the resurrection, Festus cried out, "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad" (Acts 26:24). Agrippa remarked that Paul might have been set at liberty had he not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:32).

Significance Within Scripture

In Acts, the trials before the two governors form part of the process by which Paul comes to Rome. The Lord's word to Paul that he must bear witness also at Rome (Acts 23:11) is fulfilled through these trials and his appeal. The narrative also repeatedly notes that the Roman officials found in Paul nothing worthy of death (Acts 25:25).

Interpretation and Debates

Many scholars hold that Luke recorded these scenes for an apologetic purpose, that is, to defend the faith by demonstrating the innocence of Christianity before the Roman authorities. Interpreters differ over whether the "two years" (Acts 24:27) refers to the length of Paul's imprisonment or to Felix's term of office, though the view that it refers to Paul's imprisonment is the more common. Scholars also differ in dating the two men's terms of office, especially the year in which Festus arrived. Extrabiblical historical sources such as Josephus and Tacitus also mention Felix and are generally understood to portray him unfavorably; these, however, should be distinguished from the biblical text. There are no significant interpretive differences among denominations regarding these figures.

In the Korean Church

Felix's words, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee," are frequently cited in sermons as an example of postponing a decision about the gospel. They are often paired with "now is the accepted time" (2 Corinthians 6:2). In Sunday school, the trials before the two governors are taught as part of Paul's journey to Rome.