벨릭스(Felix) 는
Paul 이 마지막으로
Jerusalem 방문했을 시기의 총독이다. 유대인 아내와 결혼했다.
But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla , his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul , and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
대제사장을 비롯한 유대인들이 바울을 죽이려 하는 상황 속에서 오히려 바울을 옥에 가둠으로써 그의 신변을 보호해준다.
23 He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea , with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”
24 He asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
이후 바울을 가두고 그를 고발하는 유대인들과 바울의 증언을 모두 듣게 되고, 오히려 바울로부터 복음을 듣게 된다.
복음을 들어서 마음은 찔렸지만, 받아들이지는 않고 2년동안 가둬둔다.
22 But Felix , having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
23 He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
24 But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla , his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul , and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
25 As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
26 Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul , that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him.
27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.