Felix
Summary
The Roman procurator of Judea before whom the apostle Paul was tried, who trembled at Paul's preaching on righteousness and judgment but left him imprisoned for two years hoping for a bribe.
☩Background and Character
Felix was a freedman of Emperor Claudius and brother of the powerful freedman Pallas. Tacitus describes him as exercising 'the authority of a king with the disposition of a slave in all cruelty and lust.' He was appointed procurator of Judea around AD 52-53, succeeding Cumanus. His cruel administration contributed to the rising sedition that eventually culminated in the Jewish revolt of AD 70.
☩Paul's Trial and Imprisonment
Paul was sent to Felix at Caesarea for trial after being rescued from a Jerusalem mob by Lysias the chief captain. After hearing the accusations of Tertullus and Paul's defense, Felix deferred judgment, using the excuse of waiting for Lysias. He granted Paul some liberty and had several interviews with him, along with his wife Drusilla, concerning faith in Christ.
☩Trembling Before Paul
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.' This response exemplified his depraved character—convicted by truth yet unwilling to repent. He hoped Paul would offer a bribe for release and communed with him often for two years before being succeeded by Porcius Festus around AD 60.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Felix," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Felix; Antonius," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Felix," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Felix," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.George Morrish, "Felix," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).