Felix, known formally as Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from approximately 52 to 58 AD. His governance is notably marked by corruption, cruelty, and a lack of justice, as depicted in the New Testament. Felix's tenure is characterized by his interactions with the Apostle Paul, which provide insight into his moral and ethical shortcomings.

Felix's background is somewhat obscure, but historical records suggest he was a freedman of the Emperor Claudius, which was an unusual path to power for a Roman governor. His rise to prominence is often attributed to the influence of his brother, Pallas, who held a significant position in the Roman imperial court.

The Book of Acts provides a detailed account of Felix's dealings with Paul. In Acts 23:24-26, Paul is sent to Felix in Caesarea for his protection and to stand trial. Felix's initial encounter with Paul is recorded in Acts 24:22-23, where Felix, having a more accurate knowledge of "the Way" (Christianity), adjourns the proceedings, keeping Paul in custody but allowing him some freedom and access to his friends.

Felix's moral failings become evident in Acts 24:24-26. He, along with his Jewish wife Drusilla, listens to Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discusses righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix becomes frightened and dismisses Paul, saying, "Go away for now; when I find time, I will call for you." This response indicates Felix's awareness of his own unrighteousness and his unwillingness to repent or change his ways.

Moreover, Felix's greed is highlighted in Acts 24:26, where it is noted that he hoped Paul would offer him a bribe for his release. This expectation of a bribe underscores Felix's corruption and his exploitation of his position for personal gain. Despite frequent conversations with Paul, Felix leaves him imprisoned for two years, demonstrating his lack of justice and integrity.

Felix's rule is further marred by his harsh and oppressive measures against the Jewish population, which exacerbated tensions and unrest in the region. His inability to maintain peace and his brutal suppression of uprisings contributed to his eventual recall to Rome, where he faced accusations of mismanagement and cruelty.

In summary, Felix's portrayal in the Bible and historical accounts is that of a wicked magistrate, whose governance was characterized by corruption, injustice, and moral failure. His interactions with Paul reveal a man who, despite being confronted with the truth, chose to prioritize personal gain and power over righteousness and justice.Acts 24:26
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: why he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... There he demonstrated that kings and magistrates are established to maintain the ...
that I should exhibit to you in the person of Felix the portrait ... Of wicked men ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

Paul Before Festus and Agrippa.
... Felix was succeeded by Festus, who a few days after ... from conscience, which sometimes
arrests the wicked man in ... It was a check upon those magistrates of cities ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxviii paul before festus.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... "The magistrates, terrified by ... After the accession of Felix, assassins, called
"Sicarians" (from sica, a ... Gessius Florus (from 65 onward), a wicked and cruel ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

The Epistle of the Bishops against Paul.
... not dare to accuse him for his wicked words and ... office for nine years, died, and
was succeeded by Felix. ... of the place where the civil magistrates and higher ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxx the epistle of the.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... command that none of the magistrates, whose duty ... any suspicions respecting their
own wicked heresy ... Victor, Honoratus, Marinus, Pantagathus, Felix, Baudius, Liber ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

That to Work is not a Matter of Pain and Weariness to God.
... tasks for the idle, and silly, and weak, and wicked; in whose ... as purveyors of ways
and means, [699] others as magistrates, others as ... [690] ["Felix qui potuit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/the works of dionysius/v that to work is.htm

part viii.
... unjust one, and that those about him are wicked. ... with them threatening messages and
letters to the magistrates. ... ordain forsooth as Bishop one Felix [1775] , a ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ...
... at the same time that he sent Felix to be ... governor; but that the Jews, nevertheless,
had magistrates and a ... body, and that the soul of the wicked is punished ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi one argument which.htm

Elucidations.
... Minucius Felix lets us into the impressions made by the ... medium for keeping on good
terms with the magistrates. ... however, ho anomos, [1129] "that wicked" or that ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/elucidations.htm

Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus.
... fear from accuser or judge: the wicked obtain impunity ... place, in the hearing of your
magistrates and governors ... to Scapula, partly the Octavius of Minucius Felix. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise v an address to.htm

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