The BibleGospel Companion

Felix

Φῆλιξ · Phēlix · G5344“happy, prosperous” Hitchcock's 18698 mentions, all in Acts

Who he was

Felix was a Roman procurator (governor) of Judea who served from approximately 52 to 60 AD. He is mentioned in the book of Acts in connection with the apostle Paul's imprisonment and trial. Paul was brought before Felix in Caesarea after being accused by the Jewish leaders of being a troublemaker and inciting riots (Act.23.24, 26). During the hearing, Paul defended himself against the charges and spoke about his faith in Christ (Acts 24:10–21). Felix, who was well-informed about Christianity, postponed making a decision and kept Paul in custody, hoping to receive a bribe from him (Acts 24:22–26). Felix also heard Paul speak about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, which caused him to be afraid (Acts 24:25). However, Felix left Paul in prison for two years until his successor, Porcius Festus, took office (Acts 24:27). The account of Paul's interaction with Felix highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in the face of Roman authority and the corruption within the judicial system.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Family

SpouseDrusilla
Family relations: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

8 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

Acts 8 mentions

Acts 23:24He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.Acts 23:26“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.Acts 24:3we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.Acts 24:22But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”Acts 24:24After 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 24:25As 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…Acts 24:27But 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 25:14As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;

What the dictionary says

Happy, the Roman procurator of Judea before whom Paul “reasoned” (Acts 24:25).

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources