Boy New Testament Known
Festus
festive, joyful
Φῆστος Phēstos
Festus (Greek: Φῆστος, Phēstos) means “festive, joyful”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 13 verses across 1 book of the Bible. In 2023 it was given to 5 children in the United States. Appears with Agrippa in Acts 25.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Festus
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 13 across 1 book
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2023 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2023 | 5 | Steady |
| All-time total | 371 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 16 in 1916 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Acts 24:27 |
| Last appears | Acts 26:32 |
| Cross-references | 199 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Agrippa co-occurrence Appears with Agrippa in Acts 25.
- Bernice co-occurrence Appears with Bernice in Acts 25.
- Felix co-occurrence Appears with Felix in Acts 24.
- Claudius co-occurrence Appears with Claudius in Acts 26.
- Saul co-occurrence Appears with Saul in Acts 25.
- Paul co-occurrence Appears with Paul in Acts 25.
- Drusilla co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Drusilla.
- Ananias co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Ananias.
Origin & meaning
φῆστος, -ου, ὁ
(Porcius), Festus, procurator of Judæa: Act.24:27 25:1 ff. Act.26:24-25, 32.†
(AS)
Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as the Roman governor of Judea and heard Paul's case, ultimately sending him to Rome for trial.
The biblical story
Porcius Festus was a Roman procurator (governor) of Judea who succeeded Felix around 60 AD (Act.24.27). He is mentioned in the book of Acts in relation to the apostle Paul's ongoing legal case. Upon taking office, Festus was confronted with the charges against Paul that had been left unresolved by Felix (Act.25.1-2). Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem for trial, but Paul appealed to Caesar, asserting his rights as a Roman citizen (Act.25.9-12). Festus, unsure how to handle the case, consulted with King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice, who came to Caesarea to pay their respects to the new governor (Act.25.13-22). Paul was brought before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice to present his defense (Act.25.23-26:32). After hearing Paul's testimony, Festus exclaimed that Paul's great learning had driven him insane (Act.26.24). Agrippa, however, believed that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Act.26.32). Festus then sent Paul to Rome for trial, as he had requested (Act.27.1). The account of Festus's involvement in Paul's case illustrates the complexities of the Roman legal system and the challenges faced by early Christians in navigating it.
Key verses
Festus appears in 13 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 24:27 -
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Cesarea to Jerusalem.
Acts 25:1 -
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Acts 25:4 -
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Acts 25:9 -
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cesar? unto Cesar shalt thou go.
Acts 25:12
Show all 13 references
Acts (13)
- Acts 24:27
- Acts 25:1
- Acts 25:4
- Acts 25:9
- Acts 25:12
- Acts 25:13
- Acts 25:14
- Acts 25:22
- Acts 25:23
- Acts 25:24
- Acts 26:24
- Acts 26:25
- Acts 26:32