Tuesday, April 7, 2015

F is for Felix...


Felix

Antonious Felix to be exact. Felix was the Roman procurator or governor of Judea for a few years in the time of the early Christian Church.  Felix like so many other emperors of that time was a corrupt and brutal man.  The period of his rule was marked by internal feuds and disturbances, which he put down with severity.

The apostle Paul, after being apprehended in Jerusalem, was sent to be judged before Felix at Caesarea. Occasionally seated with Felix during the course of the trial was Drusilla, the daughter of Herod Agrippa.  She had accepted an invitation from Felix to leave her husband, the king of Emesa, to become his adulterous wife.

Paul was brought before Felix to answer charges against him after the riot in Jerusalem.  After a five day delay, Tertullus, spokesman for the Jews, and others arrived to state their charges. Felix put off a decision until he could hear from Lysias, the tribune. In the meantime Paul was placed in limited custody. Felix hoped to obtain bribe money for his release. As a result, Paul was detained for two years, during which time he and Felix often conversed. The apostle's message of "justice, self-control, and future judgement" alarmed Felix greatly.

'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. 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 24:24, 25

There is no record of Felix after he was succeeded by Porcius Festus, the next Roman procurator (governor) of Judea.

until next time...nel

No comments:

Post a Comment