The Book of Acts

Paul Speaks to Agrippa

Acts 25:23-26:1 _NLT

“So the next day Agrippa and Bernice arrived at the auditorium with great pomp, accompanied by military officers and prominent men of the city. Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.” (v. 23)

            Since Paul had appealed to Caesar, Festus was inclined to honor his request; however, the governor didn’t know precisely what to say in an accompanying letter of introduction. He found no guilt worthy of death. King Agrippa was coming for a visit, so Festus planned to have the king sit in on the proceedings so he might offer several thoughts that the governor could write down.

            When Paul appealed to Caesar, we need to understand that he wouldn’t be going to Rome to actually stand before the Emperor, but rather that Paul or any Roman citizen who made such an appeal would be tried by the highest courts in the empire.  

            There was a very delicate balance in governing the Jews. I suppose it could be referred to as conditional ... a ‘you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours’ type of understanding. The Romans expected no trouble from the Jews and negotiated with the Jewish religious leaders to make that happen. If they complied, which they did, the governors of the region or province would rule with a certain amount of leniency; for example, allowing the Jews to have a Temple and worship as they pleased. The religious leaders made sure they kept the peace, so when Paul came among them preaching about a man they watched die on a cross, much turmoil ensued. In fact, some evil minded Jews even followed him to start a mob scene nearly everywhere the apostle went. 

            Agrippa & his sister arrived in the auditorium the morning after they arrived. A big fuss was made of their presence. Paul was brought in, and it was then that Festus made the charges against the apostle known to King Agrippa. Having heard the charges, the king said to Paul, “You may speak in your defense.” The Roman citizen was always allowed a lawful trial, which was no doubt why Paul, being a citizen of Rome, insisted on being tried there. Paul has now preached the gospel message to Governor Felix, Governor Festus and now is about to speak to King Agrippa. He was fulfilling his latest mission, to preach in Rome. God never said who he would be preaching to. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible