### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Phēlix**, represented by `{{G5344}}`, is of Latin origin and means "happy." It appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses** and refers to a specific Roman governor who plays a significant role in the legal proceedings against the apostle Paul. He is a figure of political authority who is personally confronted with the claims of the gospel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` is the **governor** `{{G2232}}` to whom **Paul** `{{G3972}}` is sent for protection and judgment [[Acts 23:24]]. He receives Paul under the authority of a letter from Claudius Lysias [[Acts 23:26]]. Along with his **wife** `{{G1135}}` **Drusilla** `{{G1409}}`, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` sends for Paul and hears him speak concerning the **faith** `{{G4102}}` in **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Acts 24:24]]. As Paul **reasoned** `{{G1256}}` about **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, **temperance** `{{G1466}}`, and future **judgment** `{{G2917}}`, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` becomes **afraid** `{{G1719}}` but defers a decision, saying he will call for Paul at a more convenient **season** `{{G2540}}` [[Acts 24:25]]. Ultimately, to do a **pleasure** `{{G5485}}` for the **Jews** `{{G2453}}`, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` leaves Paul **bound** `{{G1210}}` for **two years** `{{G1333}}` until he is succeeded by **Festus** `{{G5347}}` [[Acts 24:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related individuals and terms clarify the context of Felix's story:
* `{{G2232}}` **hēgemṓn** (governor): This word defines the official political office held by **Felix** `{{G5344}}`, establishing his authority and responsibility in the Roman province where Paul was held [[Acts 23:26]].
* `{{G1256}}` **dialégomai** (reasoned): This term describes the manner in which Paul presented the gospel to **Felix** `{{G5344}}`, engaging him in a thorough discussion about profound spiritual truths [[Acts 24:25]].
* `{{G5347}}` **Phēstos** (Festus): The Roman official who became the **successor** `{{G1240}}` to **Felix** `{{G5344}}`. It is Festus who inherits the unresolved case of Paul, who was **left** `{{G2641}}` in bonds by **Felix** `{{G5344}}` ([[Acts 24:27]], [[Acts 25:14]]).
* `{{G1409}}` **Droúsilla** (Drusilla): Identified as the **wife** `{{G1135}}` of **Felix** `{{G5344}}` and a **Jewess** `{{G2453}}`, she was present when Paul testified about his faith, connecting Felix's household directly to the events [[Acts 24:24]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of **Felix** `{{G5344}}` is primarily one of judicial and political authority encountering divine truth.
* **A Figure of Power:** As the "most excellent **governor**" `{{G2903}}`, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` is shown respect and holds the power to judge Paul's case, a decision he repeatedly defers ([[Acts 23:26]], [[Acts 24:22]]).
* **A Troubled Conscience:** He is not indifferent to Paul's message. When Paul **reasoned** `{{G1256}}` about righteousness and judgment, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` **trembled** `{{G1719}}`, indicating that the gospel message had a significant emotional and spiritual impact on him [[Acts 24:25]].
* **Political Expediency:** Despite his fear and "more perfect knowledge" of the Way, his final action is political. He leaves Paul imprisoned as a **pleasure** `{{G5485}}` to the **Jews** `{{G2453}}`, choosing to appease a political faction rather than act on what he heard [[Acts 24:27]].
### Summary
In summary, **Felix** `{{G5344}}` is portrayed as a Roman governor who is given a direct and powerful opportunity to respond to the gospel from the apostle Paul himself. Though intellectually aware and emotionally stirred by the truth, his desire for political favor and a "convenient season" that never arrives leads him to leave Paul in chains. His story stands as a cautionary account of a person in power who hears the truth but ultimately rejects it for worldly purposes.
TRV