Topical Bible: Prisoners: Kindness To by Felix

◄ Prisoners: Kindness To by Felix ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the account of Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, provides an intriguing example of the treatment of prisoners, particularly in his interactions with the Apostle Paul. Felix's actions are recorded in the Book of Acts, where his conduct towards Paul offers insights into the Roman judicial system and the occasional acts of leniency shown to prisoners.

Felix, whose full name was Antonius Felix, served as the procurator of Judea from approximately AD 52 to 59. His governance is noted for its corruption and cruelty, yet his dealings with Paul reveal a more complex character. In Acts 23:24-35, Paul is transferred to Felix's jurisdiction in Caesarea after a plot against his life is uncovered. Felix's initial response is to hear Paul's case, demonstrating a willingness to engage with the prisoner directly.

Acts 24:23 provides a specific instance of Felix's kindness towards Paul: "He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to allow him some freedom and to permit his friends to minister to his needs." This directive indicates a measure of leniency, as Paul was not kept in strict confinement and was allowed to receive visitors and support from his companions. Such treatment was not typical for all prisoners, suggesting that Felix recognized Paul's unique status or was influenced by his Roman citizenship.

Felix's interactions with Paul continued over a two-year period, during which he frequently summoned Paul to converse with him (Acts 24:26). While Felix's motivations may have been mixed—hoping for a bribe, as the text suggests—his repeated engagement with Paul allowed the apostle to speak about faith in Christ Jesus, righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment (Acts 24:25). This ongoing dialogue indicates that Felix, despite his flaws, was open to hearing Paul's message, which may have contributed to his relatively humane treatment of the apostle.

Felix's actions towards Paul can be seen as a reflection of the broader Roman approach to governance, where personal relationships and political calculations often influenced the treatment of individuals. While Felix did not ultimately release Paul, his decision to grant him certain freedoms and the opportunity to be ministered to by friends highlights a degree of kindness that was not universally extended to all prisoners.

In summary, Felix's treatment of Paul as a prisoner illustrates a nuanced approach that combined elements of Roman legal practice with personal discretion. His actions, as recorded in the Book of Acts, provide a valuable perspective on the complexities of justice and mercy within the context of Roman rule and early Christian history.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 24:23
And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

In Rome
... the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners to the ... His words were marked with
caution and kindness. ... Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa had all declared ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Acts XXVII
... of the Jews, the corruption of Felix, the indecision ... was not expected to take the
prisoners further than ... the friends, and partake of their kindness." Here we ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

The End
... ruling motive of the love and kindness practised by ... imprisonment had lasted for two
years, Felix was succeeded ... in the company of many other prisoners on their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

Herod and Peter.
... and may treat good men with apparent respect and kindness; but the ... were literally
fulfilled, "The Lord looseth the prisoners." He then ... [16] Minucius Felix, ix. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... wave beating upon them, yet will the Lord command his loving-kindness in the ... and
his knees smote one against another.' And when Paul told Felix of righteousness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm