Lexical Summary Porkios: Porcius Original Word: πορνεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Porcius. Of Latin origin; apparently swinish; Porcius, a Roman -- Porcius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Porcius (Festus), a governor of Judea NASB Translation Porcius (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4201: ΠόρκιοςΠόρκιος, see Φῆστος. Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Setting Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator who governed Judaea after the recall of Antonius Felix, assuming office about A.D. 59 and remaining until his death c. A.D. 62. His surname “Festus” is the more common designation in Acts, while the Latin gentilicium “Porcius” (Πόρκιον, Strong’s 4201) appears once, Acts 24:27. Josephus (Antiquities 20.182–188; Wars 2.271–272) confirms his tenure and notes both his efforts to curb lawlessness and the brevity of his administration. Porcius Festus in Acts Acts portrays Festus as an energetic and comparatively just official, eager to gain an accurate understanding of provincial affairs soon after arrival (Acts 25:1–5). Although unfamiliar with Jewish religious disputes, he recognized their intensity and sought assistance from King Agrippa II (Acts 25:13–22). Luke highlights Festus’ impartiality when he admits, “I found he had done nothing worthy of death” (Acts 25:25). Relationship to the Apostle Paul Festus stands at a critical junction in Paul’s ministry. Paul had languished two years in custody under Felix (Acts 24:27); Festus inherited the unresolved case. The apostle’s appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10–12) occurred before Festus, ensuring the gospel would be carried to Rome in fulfillment of Acts 23:11. Festus, though unconvinced of any capital offense, conceded to the appeal, thus serving—unwittingly—God’s larger purpose for Paul’s missionary mandate. Character Assessment Unlike Felix, whose governance was marked by corruption (Acts 24:26), Festus is depicted as more honorable yet politically cautious. His desire “to do the Jews a favor” (Acts 25:9) shows the tension between Roman justice and provincial appeasement. His straightforward confession to Agrippa—“I am at a loss as to how to investigate these matters” (Acts 25:20)—reveals honesty but also limited understanding of Jewish-Christian theology. Role in Divine Providence Scripture presents rulers as instruments within God’s sovereign plan (Proverbs 21:1; Romans 13:1). Festus’ procedural decisions moved Paul from Caesarea to Rome, the empire’s heart, thereby advancing the Lord’s promise that Paul would “carry My name before the Gentiles and kings” (Acts 9:15). The episode exemplifies how human authority, even absent saving faith, can serve redemptive purposes. Lessons for Believers 1. God’s purposes transcend political motives; He turns even tentative justice into missionary advance. Extra-Biblical Corroboration Josephus records Festus suppressing banditry and quelling a Samaritan uprising, corroborating Luke’s depiction of a proactive administrator. His premature death ushered in the maladministration of Albinus, hastening the province’s slide toward the Jewish War. Related Biblical Themes • Sovereignty of God over nations (Daniel 2:21). Summary Porcius Festus, mentioned once by name in Acts 24:27, emerges in Scripture as a fair-minded Roman governor whose judicial actions, though politically motivated, advanced the apostolic mission. His brief rule underscores the truth that “the word of God cannot be chained” (2 Timothy 2:9). Forms and Transliterations Πορκιον Πόρκιον Porkion PórkionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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