Final answer:
The Roman officials known to have come into contact with Paul are Felix and King Agrippa, during his trials as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. His interactions illustrate the early spread of Christianity's relationship with the Roman political system. Option b and c are the correct answers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman officials with whom we know Paul had contact include the likes of King Agrippa and Felix. Paul's encounter with these historical figures is recorded within the Acts of the Apostles, a book of the New Testament. In Acts chapters 24-26, Paul stands trial before Felix, who was the Roman procurator of Judea, and later before Festus and King Agrippa II, with Agrippa being the great-grandson of Herod the Great. Felix is known to have been a governor who dealt with Paul's case for about two years, at which point Festus succeeded him and Paul appealed to Caesar, leading to his appearance before Agrippa for a hearing.
During his missionary journeys, Paul's various interactions with Roman officials highlight the interplay between the early spread of Christianity and the existing Roman structure. His advocacy for the Christian faith in a dominantly pagan world led to significant confrontations with Roman authorities.
Moreover, Paul's contact with Roman officials underscores the complex relationship between emerging Christian communities and the Roman state. His legal trials exemplified early Christian encounters with Roman law, authority, and public perception. However, it is essential to note that Felix Pilate, often confused with Pontius Pilate, the governor who presided over the trial of Jesus, was not one of the officials who dealt with Paul.