Who was Drusilla in the Bible?

Historical and Cultural Context

Drusilla lived during the 1st century AD, a time when the Roman Empire held political power over Judea and the surrounding regions. This era was marked by tension between Roman authorities and the Jewish populace. Drusilla, though a member of the Herodian dynasty, lived under Roman governance, and her personal story intertwines with significant events in early Christianity—most notably the trial of the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Antonius Felix.

Family Lineage and Background

Drusilla was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, who is known in biblical narratives for renovating the Second Temple and for the events surrounding the birth of Jesus (Matthew chapter 2). Drusilla’s siblings included Agrippa II and Bernice. Historians such as Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 19 and Book 20) record that Drusilla was known for her beauty and her royal Jewish heritage.

She was initially betrothed to Epiphanes, a prince of Commagene, though that arrangement apparently never reached fruition due to his refusal to convert to Judaism. Drusilla later married Azizus, the King of Emesa, who consented to circumcision for the sake of their union. Eventually, Drusilla left Azizus to marry Antonius Felix, the Roman governor of Judea.

Biblical References: Drusilla and Felix

The primary biblical record of Drusilla’s life appears in Acts 24. In this passage, she is mentioned alongside her husband, Felix, when they summon the Apostle Paul to hear him speak:

“Some days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.” (Acts 24:24)

Drusilla’s identification as Jewish indicates her heritage and helps explain Felix’s fascination with Paul’s teaching on Christianity. Since she would have been familiar with the customs and beliefs of the Jewish faith, her presence gave Felix insight into the religious dispute surrounding Paul. The narrative goes on to describe that Felix, though intrigued, eventually dismissed Paul, hoping to receive a bribe (Acts 24:26–27).

Intersection with Historical Accounts

Outside the Book of Acts, details of Drusilla’s life come from Josephus, a 1st-century Jewish historian whose works provide valuable corroboration of New Testament events. Josephus’s writings confirm Drusilla’s familial connections and her marriage to Felix. These historical records underscore the consistency of Scripture when placed alongside extrabiblical documentation. The alignment between biblical accounts and Josephus’s accounts supports the reliability of the book of Acts.

Possible Later Life and Death

Some later traditions indicate that Drusilla may have died in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. While there is scholarly debate on the exact circumstances, certain written accounts (including Josephus’s Antiquities, Book 20) suggest that she and at least one of her children may have perished in that tragedy. Although conclusive evidence of Drusilla’s death in the eruption is limited, the mention of this possible outcome highlights the vulnerability of even high-status individuals in the face of natural disasters.

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence

• Archaeological finds from the 1st century, such as inscriptions bearing the names of Herodian rulers, corroborate the existence of Herod Agrippa I and his descendants.

• Manuscript evidence of the New Testament from original language papyri, such as P^45, P^46, and others (cataloged by institutions like the Institute for New Testament Textual Research), consistently preserve the account in Acts 24, lending confidence in the integrity of the text over centuries of transmission.

These confirmations from archaeology and manuscript studies align with historical references, boosting the affirmer’s confidence that Scripture reflects factual events.

Theological and Practical Significance

Drusilla’s position as a royal figure within Jewish society who married a Roman governor sheds light on the complex interplay between prevailing political power and Jewish identity in the 1st century. Her presence during Paul’s discourse before Felix underscores several lessons:

1. God’s message extends to all strata of society. Drusilla’s status did not exclude her from hearing about faith in Christ.

2. The biblical narrative consistently intersects with real historical figures and events, reinforcing Scripture’s historical reliability.

3. The account reminds readers that external power and office do not inherently lead to spiritual insight or acceptance of truth. Felix’s and Drusilla’s encounter with Paul stands as a cautionary moment: while they heard the gospel, the ultimate response—genuine faith—remained uncertain.

Conclusion

Drusilla was a key historical figure from the Herodian dynasty, referenced specifically in Acts 24:24 as Felix’s wife who listened to Paul discuss faith in Christ Jesus. Her life offers a window into the Roman and Jewish worlds’ intersection, demonstrating the New Testament’s rootedness in real-world events. Historical sources like Josephus and archaeological records corroborate her existence, emphasizing that Scripture weaves together verifiable history with its spiritual truths. Drusilla’s narrative continues to illustrate how Scripture interacts with history and how the gospel message was proclaimed to both commoners and royalty, affirming the consistent testimony of the Word.