Portius
Portius is mentioned in 12 verses of the Bible, first in Acts 24:27. Also called Porcius.
Who was Portius?
The successor of Felix (A.D. 60) as procurator of Judea (Acts 24:27). A few weeks after he had entered on his office the case of Paul, then a prisoner at Caesarea, was reported to him. The “next day,” after he had gone down to Caesarea, he heard Paul defend himself in the presence of Herod Agrippa II. and his sister Bernice, and not finding in him anything worthy of death or of bonds, would have set him free had he not appealed unto Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12). In consequence of this appeal Paul was sent to Rome. Festus, after being in office less than two years, died in Judea.
Biography adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain, linked via Theographic Bible Metadata.
Key verses about Portius
- Acts 24:27
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
- Acts 25:12
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cesar? unto Cesar shalt thou go.
- Acts 25:13
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cesarea to salute Festus.
- Acts 26:24
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
- Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
- Acts 26:32
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
Timeline of Portius's life
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 56 AD | Paul sent to Felix |
| 56 AD | Paul appeals to Caesar |
| 56 AD | Agrippa and Bernice meet Festus |
| 56 AD | Paul goes before Agrippa |