There are two circumstances, which at the first sight make in favour of it as a title,[52]Lysias addresses his letter to the "most excellent Felix," and the orator [53]Tertullus says, "we except it always and in all places most noble Felix!" But there must be some drawback from the latter circumstance, as an argument of weight.

There is reason to suppose that this expression was used by Tertullus, as a piece of flattery, to compass the death of Paul; for it is of a piece with the other expressions which he used, when he talked of the worthy deeds done by the providence of so detestable a wretch, as Felix.

And it will always be an objection to noble as a legal title, that St.Paul gave it to one governor, and omitted it to another, except he did it for the reasons, that have been before described.

To this it may be added, that legal titles of eminence were not then, as at this time of day, in use.

Agrippa had no other, or at least Paul gave him no other title, than that of king.