Acts 25

Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

What does Acts 25:13 mean?

Explanation

Acts 25:13 describes a visit from King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice to Caesarea, which was the Roman administrative center in Judea. They came to greet Festus, who was the new procurator or governor of the province, succeeding Felix.

This verse is part of the narrative surrounding the trial of Paul, the Apostle, who had been left in prison by Felix and whose case was now Festus's responsibility.

On a surface level, this verse tells us about a formal visit that was likely a mix of political courtesy and curiosity.

King Agrippa and Bernice would have been interested in maintaining a good relationship with the new Roman authority, Festus.

Deeper meanings could relate to the intricacies of governance in Judea at the time and the interplay between Jewish leaders and Roman authorities.

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Historical Context

During the first century AD, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the Herodian monarchy was a client state of the Roman Empire.

Herod Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I and was king of several territories northeast of Judea.

He did not have direct power over Judea but was regarded as an authority on Jewish customs and law.

Bernice, his sister, had a reputation for being involved in several controversial relationships, and their presence together in Caesarea might have also drawn some attention.

Festus was the Roman procurator of Judea between roughly AD 59 and 62, taking over from Felix.

Understanding the politics and power dynamics of this period is essential in interpreting the events described in Acts.

Theological Insights

This verse can serve as a gateway to discuss the sovereignty of God in history.

Theologically, some interpret the involvement of these high-status individuals in the Apostle Paul’s life as part of divine providence, orchestrating events to further the spread of Christianity.

For the early Christians, the unfolding events highlight how God could use both secular and religious authorities to achieve His purposes.

Furthermore, the mention of these characters invites reflection on the themes of power, influence, and justice within the context of the Christian narrative, where God's authority ultimately prevails despite human governance.

Practical Applications

The visit of Agrippa and Bernice to Festus illustrates the importance of protocol and relationships between different levels of governance.

Today, this might speak to the value of establishing and maintaining professional relationships, the use of diplomacy in leadership, and the role of tradition and courtesy in governance.

It can also be applied to show the importance of understanding and respecting authority, even for Christians who are ultimately accountable to a higher divine authority.

Cross-References

Acts 24:27: "But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound."
Acts 26:2-3: "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently."

Language Study

In the phrase "King Agrippa and Bernice," 'King' is translated from the Greek word "βασιλεὺς" (basileus), which indicates a ruler or royal sovereign. Agrippa was not a king in the full sense, as Judea was under Roman control, but he was given the title as a client ruler.

The name "Bernice," of Greek origin, means "one who brings victory."

"To salute," from the Greek "ἀσπάζομαι" (aspazomai), often implies more than just a greeting; it can involve expressions of goodwill and may imply seeking favor or establishing good relations.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, visits by regional rulers to new governing authorities were common and carried important political implications.

This practice can be compared to other cultural traditions where emissaries and dignitaries would pay homage to or recognize the legitimacy of a new ruler or authority.

Religiously, the dynamic between the Herodian rulers and the Roman authorities reflects a recurring theme found in other cultures, where local or religious leadership often operated under the oversight of larger empires, maintaining a degree of autonomy but ultimately being subject to the empire’s power.

Scientific Perspectives

There isn't a direct scientific perspective on this verse.

However, archeology has aided in understanding the historical and cultural contexts of the New Testament. Discoveries related to Roman infrastructure, Herodian architecture, and artifacts from the first century provide tangible evidence for the world in which these events took place.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often focus on the political intrigue and historical significance of these figures.

King Agrippa II is noted by many scholars as having been familiar with Jewish practices and thus, under normal circumstances, would be a natural adviser to Festus concerning Jewish matters, including those related to the trial of the Apostle Paul.

Bernice, despite her controversial personal life, is viewed in some commentaries as playing a political role alongside her brother.

Experts also suggest that this meeting, though brief in the text, set the stage for the next phase in Paul's legal journey, providing a deeper understanding of the interplay between Paul's Roman citizenship, Jewish identity, and Christian mission.

Commentators observe that Luke, the author of Acts, uses this event to build suspense in the narrative and to show the providence of God in Paul's journey to Rome.

Acts 25

Acts 25

What does Acts 25:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 25:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?