Who is…
Porcius Festus

also known as: Festus Porcius, Festus

He was the successor of Antonius Felix (60 AD) as Roman procurator of Judea (Acts 24:27). He was Judea’s 5th procurator.

Bronze coin minted by Porcius Festus. It includes the words “Caesar” and “Nero” in Greek.

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).

As a result of this appeal Paul was sent to Rome.

After being in office less than 2 years, Festus died in Judea. He was succeeded by Lucceius Albinus.

More information

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• Who is FELIX?
• Who is AGRIPPA II?
• What is a JUDGMENT SEAT?
• What is Caesarea?
• Who is PAUL? and what is his significance?
• About ancient Rome in the Bible
• Men of the Bible
• Learn about BIBLE ARCHAEOLOGY