Marcus Antonius Felix was a Roman procurator over Judea who held the apostle Paul imprisoned for two years. He was known for his brutal rule and his fear of the gospel's message about righteousness and the coming judgment, yet he kept Paul in prison to please the Jews and in hope of receiving a bribe.
23Then he summoned two of his centurions and said, "Have two hundred soldiers ready to march to Caesarea, along with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, by nine o'clock tonight.[^1]"
[^1]: Literally "the third hour of the night," counting from about six in the evening.
The high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus accused Paul before Felix, but Paul defended himself by explaining that he worshiped God and believed in the Scriptures.
1Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they laid their case against Paul before the governor.
2When Paul had been called in, Tertullus began his accusation: "Most excellent Felix, through you we enjoy great peace, and by your foresight reforms have been brought about for this nation.
10When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that you have been judge over this nation for many years, I make my defense cheerfully.
14But this I confess to you: I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything written in the Law and the Prophets,
When Paulus spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix was seized with fear and sent Paulus away, while at the same time hoping for a bribe.
25But as Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix grew afraid and said, "That is enough for now. You may go. When I find it convenient, I will send for you again."
Felix kept Paulus in prison for two years without a verdict, to win favor with the Jews. When he was succeeded by Porcius Festus, he left Paulus in prison.