### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4201 (Πόρκιος, Pórkios) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name of Latin origin. Its base definition indicates a connection to the Latin word *porcus*, meaning "pig" or "swine," hence the etymological note "apparently swinish." However, in its biblical usage, this etymological root does not contribute to the semantic range of the name itself. Rather, Pórkios functions solely as an identifier for a specific historical individual. Its semantic range is therefore limited to denoting the person known by this name, Porcius.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4201 appears once in the New Testament, referring to Porcius Festus:
* [[Acts 24:27]]: "But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison."
In this sole occurrence, Pórkios identifies Porcius Festus, the Roman procurator who succeeded Antonius Felix as the governor of Judea. His arrival marks a new phase in the Apostle Paul's imprisonment and legal proceedings. From [[Acts 25:1]] onwards, Festus becomes the primary Roman authority responsible for Paul's case. He reviews the accusations against Paul, hears his defense, and ultimately, when Paul appeals to Caesar, Festus facilitates this appeal ([[Acts 25:12]]). Festus's role is critical in the narrative of Acts, as his administrative duties inadvertently serve God's greater plan to bring Paul to Rome for further ministry. His interactions with Paul reveal a Roman official attempting to navigate complex legal and political pressures, demonstrating both a desire for justice and a susceptibility to political expediency ("desiring to do the Jews a favor").
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, G4201 does not have direct synonyms or antonyms. However, it is contextually related to several concepts and other proper nouns within the New Testament:
* **Roman Administration:** Festus belongs to the class of Roman governors or procurators, a role also held by Felix (his predecessor) and Pontius Pilate (`{{G4091}}`). His actions highlight the interface between Roman law and the early Christian movement.
* **Justice and Legal Proceedings:** The narrative involving Festus is replete with legal terminology and discussions of justice, accusations, and defenses.
* **Imperial Power:** Festus represents the authority of the Roman Empire, under which the early church operated and expanded.
* **Other Roman Officials:** He is mentioned alongside other Roman figures in Acts, such as Claudius Lysias, Sergius Paulus, and Caesar himself.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The actions of Festus, though driven by human motives, are ultimately subservient to God's overarching plan for the spread of the Gospel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Pórkios is not found in the etymology of the name itself, but in the role of the individual it identifies within the divine narrative. Porcius Festus serves as a crucial, albeit unwitting, instrument in God's sovereign plan for the Apostle Paul.
* **Facilitator of God's Plan:** Festus's decision to allow Paul's appeal to Caesar directly enabled Paul's journey to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's prophecy that Paul "must bear witness also in Rome" ([[Acts 23:11]]). This underscores the truth that God uses all circumstances and individuals, even secular authorities, to advance His kingdom purposes.
* **Interaction with Authority:** The account of Festus and Paul illustrates the early church's engagement with and submission to governmental authority, even when that authority is imperfect or politically motivated. It demonstrates how believers can bear witness to Christ within the established legal and political systems of their time.
* **Divine Providence:** The presence of Festus in the narrative is a testament to God's meticulous providence, orchestrating events and using human decisions to achieve His redemptive goals. No human power can ultimately thwart the divine will.
### Summary
G4201 (Πόρκιος, Pórkios) is a proper noun denoting Porcius Festus, the Roman procurator of Judea who succeeded Felix. Appearing in [[Acts 24:27]], his role in the book of Acts is pivotal. While the name itself carries no intrinsic theological meaning beyond identification, the individual it represents played a significant part in the unfolding of God's plan. Festus's decision to allow Paul's appeal to Caesar directly led to Paul's journey to Rome, thereby fulfilling a divine prophecy and advancing the spread of the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire. The study of Pórkios thus highlights the intricate interplay between human governance and divine sovereignty, demonstrating how God utilizes even secular authorities to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
TRV