Who is Felix in the Bible?

Response

Antonius Felix was previously a slave but was elevated by Claudius Caesar to the position of governor. The Roman historian Tacitus described Felix as “cruel, licentious, and vile.” During his time in Judea, Felix became infatuated with Drusilla, a daughter of Herod Agrippa I. Despite Drusilla already being married, Felix pursued her, leading to her leaving her husband, Azizus, to marry Felix.

Felix served as the governor of Judea and Samaria when the apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for preaching the gospel «I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.», (Acts 23:35). Due to a planned mob attack on Paul before his trial, the Roman commander swiftly moved Paul, escorted by two hundred soldiers, to Caesarea for Governor Felix to preside over his case (Acts 23:23-24).

Upon Paul’s arrival in Caesarea, Governor Felix read a letter from the Roman commander explaining the situation, inquired about Paul’s province, and postponed the hearing until Paul’s accusers could attend (Acts 23:33-35). Five days later, a group arrived, including Ananias the high priest, some Jewish elders, and a hired lawyer named Tertullus. During the trial, Tertullus and the Jewish leaders accused Paul of being a troublemaker who had tried to defile the temple (Acts 24:5-6). When given the opportunity to speak, Paul refuted the allegations politely. He also noted the absence of his actual accusers, Jews from Asia, and emphasized that he had not been found guilty of any crime.If any crime was committed before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem (Acts 24:17-21).

Felix was well-informed about this new sect of Jesus’ followers called the Way. When he heard that Paul’s case involved questions of religion, he adjourned the hearing until the Roman commander who had arrested Paul could be present: “And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.” (Acts 24:22). Paul’s words must have intrigued Felix because a few days later, he summoned Paul to hear more of his teaching. Felix and Drusilla both “listened to [Paul] as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus”: “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” (Acts 24:24). However, when conviction came through Paul’s words, Felix grew afraid and ordered him to stop talking. Although he gave Paul some freedom by allowing his friends to tend to his needs, Felix kept Paul in jail for two years, ostensibly waiting for a more “convenient” time: “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:25). In reality, Felix was hoping for a bribe from Paul, but one never came. When Felix was replaced as procurator, he left Paul in jail for his successor, Porcius Festus, to deal with.

It could be that another reason Felix left Paul in jail was that he was reluctant to pronounce judgment on a man who was clearly innocent. Or possibly he did so to please.e Drusilla. A fear of political backlash from the Jews was also a factor «But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’s room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.», (Acts 24:27). Upon his loss of the governorship, Felix was summoned to Rome where some of his former Jewish subjects accused him of cruelty and corruption. Felix was found guilty but was spared the death penalty.

Felix represents many individuals who are intrigued by the gospel but realize that embracing it entails a loss of status, power, or control over their own lives. Like Felix, many understand at a profound level that what they are hearing is truth, yet their stubborn pride refuses to acknowledge it. Judas Iscariot may have been one of those individuals. He spent three years in close association with the Son of God, witnessing miracles, healings, and other supernatural events. However, in the end, he chose to walk away. Mere exposure to truth does not necessarily enlighten the heart, and Felix serves as a good example of that (Ephesians 1:18;1 Corinthians 1:18).