Lexical Summary Phéstos: Festus Original Word: Φῆστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Festus. Of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus (i.e. Festus), a Roman -- Festus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Festus, a governor of Judea NASB Translation Festus (13). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5347: ΦῆστοςΦῆστος, Φήστου, ὁ (Porcius) Festus, a procurator of Judaea, the successor of Felix (c. Topical Lexicon Identity and Chronology Porcius Festus succeeded Antonius Felix as the Roman procurator of Judea about AD 59 and died in office no later than AD 62, when Albinus took his place. All thirteen New Testament occurrences of his name are confined to Acts 24–26, where Luke records the transition from Felix (Acts 24:27) and the legal proceedings that carried Paul from Caesarea to his final appeal before Caesar. Political and Historical Background Festus inherited a province strained by Felix’s corruption and by growing nationalist agitation. Josephus (Antiquities 20.182–188) portrays him as more just than his predecessor, yet still obligated to balance Roman justice with Jewish expectations. Luke’s narrative corroborates this tension: Festus seeks to administer a fair hearing, yet repeatedly tries to placate Jewish leadership (Acts 25:9). His brief tenure ends before the Jewish rebellion of AD 66, making his administration a last moment of relative stability. Festus in Luke’s Account 1. Arrival and initial diplomacy (Acts 25:1–5) Judicial Conduct and Decisions Festus exhibits: Luke’s portrayal highlights Roman law’s relative impartiality while exposing how political motives can impede true justice. Key Texts Acts 25:12 — “Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, ‘You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!’” Acts 25:24 — “Festus said: ‘King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish populace has petitioned me…’” Acts 26:24–25 — “As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, ‘You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to insanity.’ But Paul answered, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and reason.’” Acts 26:32 — “And Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Fulfillment of divine commission. Paul’s appearance before Festus, Agrippa, and ultimately Caesar reflects the Lord’s promise that Paul would “bear My name before kings” (Acts 9:15). Comparison with Felix and Agrippa Felix procrastinated and sought bribes (Acts 24:26). Festus moved quickly but sought political favor (Acts 25:9). Agrippa perceived the prophetic claims yet remained almost persuaded (Acts 26:28). Together they illustrate varied responses to the gospel: indifference, expedience, and near-conviction. Legacy in Church Memory Early Christian writers saw Festus as an unwitting facilitator of apostolic mission. His name never attained the infamy of Pilate but stands as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers. In liturgical readings, Festus’s role frames Paul’s courageous witness and encourages believers to uphold truth before any tribunal. Summary Strong’s Greek 5347 designates Porcius Festus, whose brief governance intersects decisively with Paul’s journey to Rome. Luke’s inspired record uses Festus to demonstrate the interplay of justice, politics, and divine purpose, affirming that the Lord directs even pagan magistrates to accomplish the advance of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations Φηστε Φῆστε Φηστον Φῆστον Φηστος Φῆστος Φηστου Φήστου Φηστω Φήστῳ Pheste Phêste Phēste Phē̂ste Phesto Phēstō Phḗstoi Phḗstōi Pheston Phêston Phēston Phē̂ston Phestos Phêstos Phēstos Phē̂stos Phestou Phēstou PhḗstouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 24:27 N-AMSGRK: Φῆλιξ Πόρκιον Φῆστον θέλων τε NAS: by Porcius Festus, and wishing KJV: Porcius Festus came INT: Felix Porcius Festus wishing moreover Acts 25:1 N-NMS Acts 25:4 N-NMS Acts 25:9 N-NMS Acts 25:12 N-NMS Acts 25:13 N-AMS Acts 25:14 N-NMS Acts 25:22 N-AMS Acts 25:23 N-GMS Acts 25:24 N-NMS Acts 26:24 N-NMS Acts 26:25 N-VMS Acts 26:32 N-DMS Strong's Greek 5347 |
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