Portius Festus was a Roman procurator of Judea, succeeding Antonius Felix around AD 59-60. His tenure is notably recorded 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, taking over from Felix, whose administration had been marked by corruption and unrest. Festus inherited a province fraught with tension between the Roman authorities and the Jewish population. His primary responsibility was to maintain order and collect taxes, but he also had to navigate the complex religious and cultural dynamics of Judea.

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 (Acts 25:3). Festus, however, invited them to present their charges in Caesarea, where Paul was being held.

In Caesarea, Festus convened a tribunal to hear the accusations against Paul. The charges were primarily religious, concerning disputes over Jewish law and the resurrection of Jesus, which Festus found difficult to adjudicate (Acts 25:18-19). Recognizing the complexity of the case and perhaps seeking to curry favor with the Jewish leaders, Festus asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. Paul, asserting his rights as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar, a request that Festus granted (Acts 25:11-12).

Festus and King Agrippa

Shortly thereafter, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice visited Festus in Caesarea. Festus took the opportunity to discuss Paul's case with Agrippa, expressing his perplexity over the charges and the appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:13-21). Agrippa expressed interest in hearing Paul himself, leading to a hearing where Paul eloquently defended his faith and mission (Acts 26:1-29).

During this hearing, Festus famously interrupted Paul, exclaiming, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane" (Acts 26:24). Paul responded with calm assurance, asserting the truth of his words. After the hearing, Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice agreed that Paul had done nothing deserving death or imprisonment and could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:31-32).

Festus's Legacy

Festus's administration was relatively short, as he died in office around AD 62. His handling of Paul's case reflects the challenges Roman officials faced in governing Judea, balancing Roman law with the religious and cultural complexities of the region. Festus is portrayed as a fair-minded but politically cautious leader, caught between the demands of justice and the pressures of maintaining peace in a volatile province. His interactions with Paul highlight the early Christian struggle for recognition and justice within the Roman legal system.Portius Festus

Succeeded Felix in the government of Judea, A. D. 60. To oblige the Jews, Felix, when he resigned his government, left Paul in bonds at Caesarea in Palestine, Acts 24:27; and when Festus arrived, he was entreated by the principal Jews to condemn the apostle, or to order him up to Jerusalem-they having conspired to assassinate him in the way. Festus, however, answered that it was not customary with the Romans to condemn any man without hearing him; and promised to hear their accusations at Caesarea. Five days after, on hearing Paul and learning the nature of the charges against him, he proposed to him to abide the issue of a trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin. But Paul appealed to Caesar; and so secured himself from the prosecution of the Jews, and the intentions of Festus. The governor gave him another hearing during a congratulatory visit of king Agrippa, in order to make out a statement to be forwarded with him to Rome. Finding how greatly robberies abounded in Judea, Festus very diligently pursued the thieves; and he also suppressed a magician, who drew the people after him into the desert. Josephus speaks well of his brief administration. He died in Judea, A. D. 62, and was succeeded by Albinus.

Acts XXIV
... (27) But after two years Felix received Portius Festus as a successor; and wishing
to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul bound." Having learned, from Paul's ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiv.htm

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