Antonius Felix became Procurator of Judea in 52 AD and this is his Prutah coin. It is 17mm in diameter and weighs 2.46 grams. The obverse shows two crossed shields and spears with the words "Nero Claudius Caesar" - a reminder to the Jews in Judea of Rome's authority. The reverse shows a palm tree bearing dates. The Roman historian Tacitus described Felix as "One who practised every kind of cruelty and lust." He was married to Drucilla of Judea, the daughter of Herod Agrippa I and great granddaughter of the infamous Herod the Great (whose coins are also in my collection and feature on this website).
In Acts chapter 24v24-27 we read of how a prisoner was brought before Felix and Drucilla - it was none other than the Apostle Paul. He had been falsely accused and, as well as making his defence, used the opportunity to preach the Gospel and as he preached about "Righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled." (Acts24v25) However, he rejected God's grace and offer of salvation, continuing his life of wickedness. Drucilla and her son would later go on holiday/vacation to the peaceful town of Pompeii, under the shadow of mount Vesuvius, and perish in the eruption of AD79.
Felix was a wicked man and Drucilla was certainly no angel, but the bad news is the Bible says we are all guilty sinners - "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3v23) A door will creek open on Judgment day and the skeletons will come out of Felix's closet because "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9v27) We read all about this day in Revelation 20v11-15. BUT here's really good news - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8v1)
For the Christian the verdict is "not guilty" because we are sinners saved by grace. Christ paid for our sins on the cross so that we won't have to pay the penalty for them - "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1st Peter 3v18 )
Fanny Crosby wrote the hymn "To God be the Glory"
"Oh perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
Don't be like Felix and reject God's grace.