The verse highlights Drusilla's presence, not just as a footnote, but as a key driver for this encounter. She was Jewish and apparently curious, wanting to hear Paul herself, suggesting a personal interest beyond her husband's political or legal concerns. This private hearing wasn't just about Felix and Paul; it was also about Drusilla seeking understanding on "the faith in Christ."
After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Felix, who had recently heard Paul's defense, brings his wife Drusilla, a Jewish woman, to hear Paul speak. Drusilla, known for her beauty and her scandalous marriage to Felix, likely shared a curiosity about this new faith, which her husband also seems willing to explore. This private audience is not about Paul's legal case but an opportunity for Felix and Drusilla to learn more about Christianity directly from the apostle himself.
Felix, a Roman governor, had a wife named Drusilla, who was Jewish. She had a complicated past, having left her first husband for Felix. Together, they summoned Paul to hear him speak.
The historical context around Drusilla is fascinating and tells us a lot.
Drusilla's Background
Why Paul Was Summoned
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When Paul spoke to Felix and Drusilla, he didn't just talk about abstract beliefs. He tailored his message to their lives, speaking of righteousness, self-control, and a coming judgment.
Paul understood that true faith wasn't just about intellectual assent; it demanded a transformed life. Facing a Roman governor and his Jewish mistress, known for their moral failings, Paul preached a convicting message.
The Core Message
The Goal: Conviction, Not Just Information
Paul's aim wasn't simply to inform them about Christianity. He sought to awaken their consciences and reveal their need for repentance. He knew that before they could embrace salvation, they needed to confront their sin.
Felix was deeply affected by Paul's words, even trembling. Yet, his response wasn't immediate change, but a postponement. This highlights the battle between conviction and comfort.
The encounter between Paul and Felix wasn't just a historical event; it's a powerful illustration of human response to God's truth.
Conviction vs. Comfort
Missed Opportunity
This was a pivotal moment. Felix had direct access to truth delivered by an apostle, but he chose to defer. This wasn't just delaying a conversation; it was delaying a potential encounter with God's transforming power, a decision that had eternal consequences.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
The active trust, reliance, and commitment of the heart and mind to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It involves both the objective content of the Gospel message and the personal appropriation of that truth.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The state of being in conformity with God’s standard of holiness. It reflects both a positional standing before God (justification) and the practical outworking of living in accordance with His moral law.
enkrateia · Greek Noun
The moral discipline and mastery over one’s desires and impulses. In a biblical context, it is a fruit of the Spirit, reflecting a life no longer enslaved to the flesh but controlled by the Spirit of God.
krima · Greek Noun
The future reality that all people will stand before God to give an account of their lives. For the believer, it is a time of reward; for the unbeliever, it is the declaration of final justice and separation from God.
The encounter between Paul, Governor Felix, and his wife Drusilla unfolds against a backdrop of political maneuvering, personal scandal, and Roman administration in Judea. Drusilla, a princess known for her beauty and controversial life, likely held a unique position to influence Felix's decisions regarding Paul.
c. AD 37
Herod Agrippa I Appointed Ruler
Herod Agrippa I, grandfather of Drusilla, receives territory in Judea, growing in influence and power.
c. AD 44
Death of Herod Agrippa I
Agrippa I dies suddenly in Caesarea after accepting divine honors, an event possibly remembered by Drusilla.
c. AD 52
Felix Becomes Governor of Judea
Felix is appointed Roman procurator of Judea, ruling with a reputation for corruption and cruelty.
c. AD 54
Felix Persuades Drusilla to Marry Him
Felix, smitten by Drusilla's beauty, uses a magician to convince her to leave her husband and marry him, a union considered adulterous by Jewish law.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul's Hearing Before Felix
Paul is brought before Governor Felix in Caesarea to answer charges from Jewish leaders. Felix, intrigued and possibly influenced by Drusilla's curiosity, hears Paul speak about faith in Christ.
c. AD 60
Paul's Imprisonment Continues
After two years of imprisonment and awaiting a hearing before Felix's successor, Paul appeals to Caesar.
c. AD 62
Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Drusilla and her son by Felix perish in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
This parable highlights the importance of true 'righteousness,' a key theme Paul brought up with Felix and Drusilla, showing that genuine faith is demonstrated through action and compassion, not just religious observance.
Romans 2:1-16Paul's discourse on 'righteousness' and 'judgment to come' echoes strongly here, as he warns against hypocrisy and emphasizes that God judges all people impartially, regardless of their background or position.
Hebrews 11:1-40This chapter provides a rich tapestry of 'faith in Christ Jesus' through the examples of Old Testament heroes, offering a foundational understanding of what it means to believe and live by faith, which Paul would have been explaining.
John 3:16-21This passage speaks to the core of 'faith in Christ Jesus' and the coming judgment, revealing God's love in sending His Son and the consequences for those who reject Him and choose darkness over light.
Matthew 5:27-30Jesus' teaching on lust and 'temperance' directly addresses the moral failures that Paul likely confronted Felix and Drusilla with, underscoring that inner purity is as crucial as outward action.
ellicottActs 24:24: "And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ."
(24) Felix came with his wife Drusilla. —She was, as has been said (see Note on Acts 23:26 ), the daughter of the first Herod Agrippa and the sister of the second. In her name, the diminutive of Drusus, and borne also by a sister of Caligula’s, we trace the early connection of her father with that emperor. She was but six years of age…
bensonActs 24:24: "And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ."
Acts 24:24-25 . After certain days — After Paul had been kept a few days in this gentle confinement at Cesarea, Felix, who had been absent a short time, came thither again; with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess — We learn from Josephus, that she was the daughter of Herod Agrippa, and the sister of that Agrippa who is mentioned Acts…
The verse highlights Drusilla's presence, not just as a footnote, but as a key driver for this encounter. She was Jewish and apparently curious, wanting to hear Paul herself, suggesting a personal interest beyond her husband's political or legal concerns. This private hearing wasn't just about Felix and Paul; it was also about Drusilla seeking understanding on "the faith in Christ."
Felix, who had recently heard Paul's defense, brings his wife Drusilla, a Jewish woman, to hear Paul speak. Drusilla, known for her beauty and her scandalous marriage to Felix, likely shared a curiosity about this new faith, which her husband also seems willing to explore. This private audience is not about Paul's legal case but an opportunity for Felix and Drusilla to learn more about Christianity directly from the apostle himself.
Felix, who had recently heard Paul's defense, brings his wife Drusilla, a Jewish woman, to hear Paul speak. Drusilla, known for her beauty and her scandalous marriage to Felix, likely shared a curiosity about this new faith, which her husband also seems willing to explore. This private audience is not about Paul's legal case but an opportunity for Felix and Drusilla to learn more about Christianity directly from the apostle himself.
"After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and…" — The verse highlights Drusilla's presence, not just as a footnote, but as a key driver for this encounter. She was Jewish and apparently curious, wanting to hear Paul herself, suggesting a personal in…
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Last reviewed October 2026
