Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 23:34

"And when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when he understood that he was of Cilicia," — Acts 23:34 (ASV)

Of what province he was. Greek, Of what heparchy eparciav he was. He knew from the letter of Lysias that he was a Roman, but he was not informed of what place or province he was. This he doubtless did in order to ascertain whether he properly belonged to his jurisdiction.

Roman provinces were districts of country which were entrusted to the jurisdiction of procurators. How far the jurisdiction of Felix extended is not certainly known. It appears, however, that it included Cilicia.

Was of Cilicia. Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, was in this province (Acts 21:39).