Porcius Festus

Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator of Judea. He succeeded Antonius Felix and was later succeeded by Albinus. The exact year when Festus became governor is uncertain, but scholars usually place it between AD 55 and 60.

The only ancient sources that mention Festus are the book of Acts and the writings of Josephus (Antiquities 20.8.9–11; 9.1). Josephus was a first-century Jewish historian who later lived in Rome

Josephus wrote that Festus ruled wisely and justly, in contrast to Felix and Albinus. At this time, there were bandits named Sicarii (named after the small swords they carried). They had terrorized the Palestinian countryside. Festus eliminated them during his rule. Yet, he could not reverse the damage caused by his predecessor Felix. Felix had aggravated the conflict between pagans and Jews.

The New Testament says that Festus traveled from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Paul was being held in Caesarea at that time (Acts 25:1). In Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders brought charges against Paul.

Festus returned to Caesarea and heard Paul defend himself (verse 6). Festus wanted to please the Jewish leaders, so he asked Paul whether he was willing to stand trial in Jerusalem. Paul then appealed to Caesar, a right he had as a Roman citizen. Festus accepted the appeal and said that Paul would be sent to Caesar(verses 11–12).

A few days later, King Agrippa arrived. Festus explained that he did not fully understand the charges against Paul and did not know what to write to the emperor about the case (Acts 25:25–27).

After Paul spoke before Agrippa, Festus loudly accused him of being insane (26:24). However, Festus and the others agreed that Paul had done nothing deserving death or imprisonment (verse 31).