Who was Felix in The Bible?
Antonius Felix was a tyrannical Roman governor. He was the ruler of the province of Judea. It was formerly enslaved but later became free and ruled under Emperor Claudius. His wife’s name was Drusilla. Felix’s brother was named Pallas. With his help, Felix was freed from slavery and rose to military positions, and then he took over the government. Felix’s role is in the trial of the apostle Paul. He postponed the trial of the apostle Paul so that he could demand a bribe. His reign is full of conspiracies and rebellions. Along with being cruel, he was not a just ruler and misused his powers.
Verse
Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” (Acts 24:22)
Verse
“Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.” (Acts 23:23)
Ruling of Felix
Felix was of the opinion that everything can be done by force, even peace in the society can be done by using force. This is what Felix always did; he set his own rules and told people to follow them strictly. If anyone objected, he would be severely punished and no one’s opinion would be heard. Due to which the hatred of Felix was created in the heart of the people and the anger of the other rulers became intense. There was some rebellion going on in Judea and it was Flax’s responsibility to deal with it as he was the governor there. But instead of bringing about some manner of conduct, he forced it which resulted in the destruction of peace instead of the establishment.
Verse
“Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.” He wrote a letter as follows: Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.” (Acts 23:24-26)
Meeting of Felix With Paul
Paul was God’s messenger and he used to convey God’s teachings to the people so that people could follow him and the word of God spread throughout the world. During this process, some Jewish rulers arrested Paul. The reason for the arrest was that they felt he was leading people astray from the Jewish religion and introducing another religion. The governor at that time was Felix and we know that Felix was a very cruel and self-interested ruler. When Paul was brought before Felix, the apostle Paul told him, I am not doing anything wrong. I am God’s representative and I am conveying His teachings to the people, I have not done any act that would get me arrested. Nevertheless, Felix kept him in prison. Paul’s trial was postponed several times and it was even heard that Felix asked Paul for a bribe so that he could be released.
Verse
“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” (Acts 24:24-27)
Verse
“When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.” (Acts 24:10)
Demanding of Bribe
Paul was God’s messenger and he could never do wrong. It was Felix’s demand that Paul would be released only when he paid a bribe, but Paul did not do that. He said that I will not pay a bribe in any way, it is a sin. And I cannot commit this sin as a messenger of God. That is why Paul was imprisoned in the palace for two years. That is why Felix is considered a cruel and self-interested ruler because he oppressed and deceived the people for his own gain. Due to which hatred arose in the hearts of people for him.
Verse
“At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.” (Acts 24:26)
Political Situation of Judea
After the reign of Felix, the situation in Judea became very bad because Felix was a very cruel and unjust person. He tried to suppress every issue with cruelty because he felt that peace can be established by using force. He oppressed the people for no reason, due to which more hatred was created in the hearts of the people and rebellions rose to the top. Its influence lasted until Felix was succeeded by another governor named Festus, who also faced a lot of opposition.
Verse
Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” (Acts 24:22)
Verse
“Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.” (Acts 23:23)
End of Felix Ruling
Because of Felix’s brutal behavior, the people protested against him and he was recalled to Rome. Felix escaped trial because his brother was in Rome at the time. All this happened very quickly, because of which Felix did not deal with the case of the apostle Paul. Felix was succeeded by another governor named Festus. The scandals of Felix’s reign led to his downfall, but political tension in Judea continued for a long time.
Verse
“Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.” (Acts 25:1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The story of Felix tells us that one should never be cruel and always act with justice. Felix was cruel and unjust which led to his downfall. His character is revealed by the fact that he asked the apostle Paul for a bribe. Felix’s downfall is a lesson for us that we should always prioritize people’s interests over personal interests and always act with justice and fairness.
Verse
“As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” (Acts 24:25)
