Felix
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Happy; fortunate”
The Roman governor of Judea who kept Paul imprisoned at Caesarea for two years, trembling at his preaching of righteousness and judgment but hoping for a bribe.
Biography
Felix was the Roman procurator (governor) of Judea before whom the apostle Paul was tried at Caesarea. A man of considerable experience in Jewish affairs, he heard the charges of the high priest's party against Paul and kept him in custody (Acts 23:24–24:27).
"Go thy way for this time"
Felix, with his Jewish wife Drusilla, sent for Paul and heard him "concerning the faith in Christ." But as Paul "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 24:24–25) — a famous picture of conviction postponed.
Two years' delay
Hoping Paul would offer him a bribe, Felix sent for him often but kept him bound. After two years, "willing to shew the Jews a pleasure," he left Paul a prisoner when Porcius Festus succeeded him (Acts 24:26–27). Felix stands as a sobering example of one who heard the gospel clearly, was moved by it, yet put off the decision indefinitely.
Life Timeline
Trembles as Paul reasons of righteousness and judgment
Leaves Paul a prisoner when Festus succeeds him
Themes & lessons from Felix
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Felix appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
8 verses in 1 bookActs8 verses
Acts 23:24
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
Acts 23:26
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
Acts 24:3
We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
Acts 24:22
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 24:24
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
Acts 24:25
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 24:27
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 25:14
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
Frequently asked about Felix
Who was Felix in the Bible?
The Roman governor of Judea who kept Paul imprisoned at Caesarea for two years, trembling at his preaching of righteousness and judgment but hoping for a bribe.
What does the name Felix mean?
The name Felix means “Happy; fortunate”.
What did Felix do in the Bible?
Felix served as roman governor of judea.
Where does Felix appear in the Bible?
Felix is mentioned 8 times across 1 book: Acts.
What can we learn from Felix?
The story of Felix touches on themes of readings, select, felix, paul, zeal, religious — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Felix's life.
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