If Porcius Festus had been descended from a Patrician, or had had the statues of his ancestors, he might, on these accounts, be said to have been of a noble family.

But we know, that nobody on this account, would have addressed him as noble in those days, either by speech or letter.

The first Roman, who was ever honoured with a legal title, as a title of distinction, was Octavius, upon whom the senate, but a few years before the birth of Paul, had conferred the name of Augustus.

But no procurator of a province took this title.
Neither does it appear that the circumstance gave birth to inferior titles to those in inferior offices in the government.

And indeed on the title "Augustus" it may be observed, that though it followed the successors of Octavius, it was but sparingly used, being mostly used on medals, monumental pillars, and in public acts of the state.