Procurator of Judea, to whom Paul was brought in Caesarea and under whom he was tried when Paul was accused of having brought "Greeks into the temple area and defiles this holy place" (Acts 21:28 & 23:24).
☰ Open Family Tree (Generation 6)
Little of certain is known about Felix. He arrived in Judea as an appointee of Emperor Claudius about 52 AD. Tacitus, the Roman historian, described him as ruling "with savagery and lust . . . the powers of a king and the disposition of a slave" (History 5.9). Josephus similarly accuses Felix of treachery and barbarism, particularly in the manner Felix got rid of Jonathan, an honoured high priest (Jewish Wars 20.8.5). In 55 AD Felix had to put down a rebellion led by a messianic pretender of Egyptian origin. Though the revolt was put down, the leader escaped; this provided the context for the question put to Paul when he was arrested (Acts 21:38).
The book of Acts paints Felix as a corrupt man with no principle. He delayed the proceedings "hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe" (Acts 24:26) and, though he could not find Paul guilty, he left him incarcerated in jail to please the Jews (Acts 24:27) when he was recalled by Nero in 59 AD.
©ALBERITH
u231020lch