Festus(porcius)
Summary
Porcius Festus, the Roman procurator of Judea who succeeded Felix, before whom Paul was tried and from whom Paul appealed to Caesar.
☩Character and Administration
Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as procurator of Judea, probably in AD 59-60. Unlike his corrupt predecessor, Festus was generally regarded as a just and vigorous administrator. Josephus notes that he addressed himself with energy to restoring order, suppressing bands of robbers (Sicarii) who plagued the province. His procuratorship was brief, lasting only about two years before his death, but he worked to undo the harm caused by Felix.
☩Paul's Trial
Shortly after arriving in Jerusalem, Festus heard the Jewish leaders' accusations against Paul. Finding the charges to be religious rather than political, and wishing to gain favor with the Jews, he proposed transferring Paul's trial to Jerusalem—a proposal that would have placed Paul in mortal danger from assassination plots. Paul, recognizing the threat and Festus's political motivations, exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. Festus's consent—'Unto Caesar shalt thou go'—implied some pique at Paul's apparent distrust.
☩The Audience Before Agrippa
Confused about the nature of the charges against Paul, Festus arranged an audience before King Agrippa II and Bernice to gain clearer information for his report to Rome. During Paul's eloquent defense, Festus interrupted: 'Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad' (Acts 26:24). Despite this contemptuous dismissal of Paul's testimony, both Festus and Agrippa agreed that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment and could have been released had he not appealed to Caesar.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Festus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Festus; Porcius," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Festus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).