Banner

The successor of Felix (A.D. 60) as procurator of Judea (Acts 24:27). A few weeks after he had entered on his office the case of Paul, then a prisoner at Caesarea, was reported to him. The “next day,” after he had gone down to Caesarea, he heard Paul defend himself in the presence of Herod Agrippa II. and his sister Bernice, and not finding in him anything worthy of death or of bonds, would have set him free had he not appealed unto Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12). In consequence of this appeal Paul was sent to Rome. Festus, after being in office less than two years, died in Judea.

  • Acts.24: But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
  • Acts.25: Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
  • Acts.25: But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
  • Acts.25: But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
  • Acts.25: Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
  • Acts.25: And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts.25: And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
  • Acts.25: Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
  • Acts.25: And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
  • Acts.26: And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
  • Acts.26: But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
  • Acts.26: Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.