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Φῆστος (Phēstos)

Phēstos

Festus

G5347 · Greek · New Testament · 13 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
13 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

Phēstos refers to Porcius Festus, the Roman official who succeeded Felix as the procurator of Judea. The name itself is Latin in origin, likely derived from a word meaning "festival," which offers a curious contrast to his historical role during a period of significant political tension in the region.

The sources indicate that this name appears thirteen times in the New Testament, exclusively within the book of Acts. These references document his brief tenure as governor, highlighting key moments such as his decision to transfer Paul’s case to Rome and his interactions with King Agrippa regarding the charges against the Apostle.

While Festus does not play a central theological role in the narrative, his presence marks a crucial administrative transition. His handling of Paul’s appeal underscores the legal realities of Roman governance, serving as the historical bridge that moves the story from Judean courts to the heart of the Empire.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Porcius Festus appears in Acts as a Roman governor caught between political pressure and legal duty. His name, likely meaning 'festival,' contrasts with the tense atmosphere of Judea under Roman rule. When Paul appeals to Caesar, Festus follows procedure, sending him to Rome. This decision shifts the narrative from local courts to the heart of the Empire, showing how God uses even indifferent officials to advance His plan.

For believers today, Festus reminds us that history is shaped by many hands, not just those we admire. We may face situations where justice seems delayed or leaders act out of self-interest. Yet, as with Paul, our trust remains in God’s sovereignty. Even when circumstances feel uncertain, He guides our steps toward the destination He has prepared.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Festus8×
  • Festus,2×
  • to Festus1×
  • Festus;1×
  • Festus.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Φῆστος6×
  • Φῆστος·1×
  • Φῆστον.1×
  • Φῆστον,1×
  • Φῆστον1×
  • Φῆστε,1×
  • Φήστῳ1×
  • Φήστου1×

Key Verses

  • Acts 25:12
    Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.”

    This verse marks the turning point where Festus honors Paul’s legal right to appeal to Caesar, ensuring the gospel reaches Rome.

  • Acts 24:27
    But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

    Festus succeeds Felix but maintains Paul’s imprisonment, showing how political transitions often leave justice unresolved for the innocent.

  • Acts 26:24
    As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

    Festus’ outburst reveals his inability to comprehend Paul’s defense, highlighting the clash between worldly wisdom and spiritual truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Festus in the Bible?

Festus was a Roman procurator who succeeded Felix as governor of Judea. He appears in the book of Acts, where he handles the legal case of the Apostle Paul. His tenure is brief but significant for moving Paul’s story toward Rome.

Why did Festus send Paul to Caesar?

Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal directly to the Emperor. Festus, wanting to avoid conflict with Jewish leaders while adhering to legal protocol, agreed to the transfer. This ensured Paul would be tried in Rome rather than Jerusalem.

What does Festus’ reaction to Paul tell us?

In Acts 26:24, Festus declares Paul is mad, showing his inability to grasp the spiritual arguments being made. This highlights how worldly authority often misunderstands divine truth, yet God still uses such moments to advance His purposes.

Every Occurrence (13 verses across 1 books)

Acts 13 verses
Acts 24:27

But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews,…

Acts 25:1

Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

Acts 25:4

However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart…

Acts 25:9

But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be…

Acts 25:12

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.”

Acts 25:13

Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.

Acts 25:14

As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner…

Acts 25:22

Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”

Acts 25:23

So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing…

Acts 25:24

Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of…

Acts 26:24

As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you…

Acts 26:25

But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.

Acts 26:32

Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”