Topical Encyclopedia Porcius Festus was a Roman procurator of Judea, succeeding Antonius Felix around AD 59-60. His tenure is notably recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles, where he plays a significant role in the trial of the Apostle Paul. Festus is depicted as a Roman official who, while seeking to administer justice, is also influenced by the political and social pressures of his time.Historical Context Festus was appointed by Emperor Nero and served as procurator until his death around AD 62. His administration followed that of Felix, who had left the province in a state of unrest and turmoil. Festus inherited the complex task of managing the volatile relationship between the Roman authorities and the Jewish population, which was marked by frequent uprisings and religious tensions. Festus and the Apostle Paul The most detailed account of Festus's interaction with Paul is found in Acts 25-26. Upon arriving in Judea, Festus was immediately confronted with the case of Paul, who had been imprisoned by Felix for two years. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sought to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and kill him along the way. However, Festus, seeking to uphold Roman legal procedures, invited them to present their charges in Caesarea, where Paul was being held. In Acts 25:7-8 , it is recorded: "When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. Then Paul made his defense: 'I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.'" Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. Paul, asserting his rights as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar, stating, "I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well" (Acts 25:10). Festus conferred with his council and declared, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!" (Acts 25:12). Festus and King Agrippa Before sending Paul to Rome, Festus sought the counsel of King Agrippa II, who was visiting Caesarea. Festus presented Paul’s case to Agrippa, expressing his perplexity over the charges, which seemed to him to be disputes over Jewish religious matters rather than crimes deserving death or imprisonment (Acts 25:18-20). Agrippa expressed interest in hearing Paul himself, leading to a hearing where Paul eloquently defended his faith and mission. Festus, upon hearing Paul speak of the resurrection, exclaimed, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane" (Acts 26:24). Paul replied, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus... What I am saying is true and reasonable" (Acts 26:25). Legacy Festus's role in the New Testament narrative highlights the complexities faced by Roman officials in Judea. His interactions with Paul demonstrate his attempt to balance Roman legal standards with the political realities of governing a province with deep-seated religious tensions. While Festus is portrayed as a fair-minded ruler, his ultimate decision to send Paul to Rome set the stage for the apostle's further witness and eventual martyrdom. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Porcius FestusPORCIUS FESTUS por'-shus. Smith's Bible Dictionary Porcius Festus(Festus means festival), successor of Felix as procurator of Judea, (Acts 24:27) sent by Nero probably in the autumn of A.D. 60. A few weeks after Festus reached his province he heard the cause of St. Paul, who had been left a prisoner by Felix, in the presence of Herod Agrippa II and Bernice his sister, (Acts 25:11,12) Judea was in the same disturbed state during the procuratorship of Festus which had prevailed through that of his predecessor. He died probably in the summer of A.D. 60, having ruled the province less than two years. Greek 4201. Porkios -- Porcius (Festus), a governor of Judea ... Porcius (Festus), a governor of Judea. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Porkios Phonetic Spelling: (por'-kee-os) Short Definition: Porcius ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4201.htm - 6k Library A Prisoner who Preached to his Judges The Calamity which Befell the Jews in Jerusalem on the Day of the ... Chronology of the Apostolic Age. After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ... Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Acts 26:24-29. Portraits. Acts xxiv. 22, 23 The Trial at Caesarea The Revelation of St. John the Divine Resources What happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Pontius Pilate? | GotQuestions.org New Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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