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Marcus Antonius Felix was the Roman governor of Judea, from 52 CE to 58 CE, under Emperors Claudius and Nero. His wife was Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa.

< See Paul before Felix and Drusilla >

Overview

In 52 CE, Marcus Antonius Felix succeeded Ventidius Cumanus as Roman Procurator of Judea. Around 54-56, Felix divorced his fist wife and married Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa. The couple had a son, Marcus Antonius Agrippa, who would die with his wife in 79 CE in the eruption of Mount Vesuvio. Felix' tenure was marked by unrest and accusations of bribe, violence and corruption. He escaped unpunished thanks to the support of his powerful brother Marcus Antonius Pallas, who served as a secretary of the treasury at Rome. Paul of Tarsus stood trial before Festus and was hold in prison at Caesarea Maritima for two years. In 58 CE Porcius Festus replaced Felix.

Felix in ancient sources

Josephus' works are the major source of information on Felix, who is mentioned also in the Acts of Apostles in relation to Paul of Tarsus and by the Roman historian Tacitus.

Josephus, Antiquities

Ant XX 7, 2 -- While Felix was procurator of Judea, he saw this Drusilla, and fell in love with her; for she did indeed exceed all other women in beauty; and he sent to her a person whose name was Simon [or Atomos], a Jewish friend of his, by birth a Cypriot, who pretended to be a magician. Simon endeavored to persuade her to forsake her present husband, and marry Felix; and promised, that if she would not refuse Felix, he would make her a happy woman. Accordingly she acted unwisely and, because she longed to avoid her sister Berenice's envy (for Drusilla was very ill-treated by Berenice because of Drusilla's beauty) was prevailed upon to transgress the laws of her forefathers, and to marry Felix; and when he had had a son by her, he named him Agrippa. But after what manner that young man, with his wife, perished at the conflagration of the mountain Vesuvius, in the days of Titus Caesar, shall be related hereafter.

Acts of Apostles

23:24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” Acts.23.26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. Acts.24.2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, Acts.24.22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” Acts.24.24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Acts.24.25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” Acts.24.27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Acts.25.14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix,

Tacitus

Historiae V 9 -- Claudius entrusted the province of Judæa to the Roman Knights or to his own freedmen, one of whom, Antonius Felix, indulging in every kind of barbarity and lust, exercised the power of a king in the spirit of a slave. He had married Drusilla, the granddaughter of Antony and Cleopatra, and so was the grandson-in-law, as Claudius was the grandson, of Antony

Related categories

• Roman Governors
• Drusilla -- Paul of Tarsus

External links

• Wikipedia
• Livius.org