Felix
The Roman governor of Judea before whom Paul was tried at Caesarea. He heard the case, adjourned it saying he would decide when the commander came down, and kept Paul in custody with some liberty. He sent for him often — partly hoping for a bribe — and on one occasion listened with his wife Drusilla as Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come, until he grew alarmed and sent him away for a more convenient season. He left Paul in prison for two years to do the Jews a favour when Festus succeeded him.
What we know — and how we know it
Scan by NYPL — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Ancient writersAntonius Felix, a freedman risen to govern Judea, is described by Josephus and by Tacitus — the latter that 'he wielded the power of a king with the mind of a slave'.
Where in scripture
ActsHe asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
Acts 23:24
“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
Acts 23:26
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
Acts 24:3
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
Acts 24:22
But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 24:24
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
Acts 24:25 — Trembles at Paul's words
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
Acts 24:27
As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
Acts 25:14
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
Family
In their own words — 3 recorded sayings
“I will give hearing to your cause, he said, when those who are against you have come. And he gave orders for him to be kept in Herod's Praetorium.” — Acts 23:35
“But Felix, who had a more detailed knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, When Lysias, the chief captain, comes down, I will give attention to your business.” — Acts 24:22
“And while he was talking about righteousness and self-control and the judging which was to come, Felix had great fear and said, Go away for the present, and when the right time comes I will send for you.” — Acts 24:25
Speaker attribution: Clear Bible MACULA (CC BY 4.0). Wording: Bible in Basic English (public domain).
Places in their life
Photo: The original uploader was אסף.צ at Hebrew Wikipedia. — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
In art
