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FELIX

(Gk. Phḗlix; Lat. Felix)

Antonius Felix, governor (procurator) of the Roman province of Judea from 52 to ca. 59 c.e., mentioned in connection with the two-year imprisonment of Paul at Caesarea, the provincial capital (Acts 23–25). Jewish leaders accused Paul of disrupting synagogues outside of Palestine and desecrating the temple in Jerusalem. Paul denied the charges, and Felix continued the case indefinitely — partly in hopes of receiving a bribe for his release. During his interrogation of Paul, the Apostle’s words about justice, self-control, and future wrath alarmed Felix and his wife Drusilla. When he was recalled by Nero, Felix left Paul in prison so the Jews could not accuse him of releasing an agitator.

Other information about Felix comes from Josephus, Suetonius, and Tacitus. He was a freedman who received his office because he and his notorious brother Pallas were favorites of the emperor Claudius. His third wife was Drusilla, the daughter of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12). Felix instigated the murder of the high priest Jonathan, routed “the Egyptian” and his followers (Acts 21:38), and allowed a pogrom against the Jews in Caesarea. He was corrupt, immoral, and oppressive. During his governorship opposition to Roman rule increased to the point that the rebellion of 66 c.e. became inevitable.

James A. Brooks

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

FELIX

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)