In brief
Agrippa is the king who comes to Caesarea with Bernice to greet the governor Festus. Intrigued by the case of Paul, he asks to hear him. Paul tells him about his life, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and his mission. He asks the king whether he believes the prophets. Agrippa answers that Paul is almost persuading him to become a Christian. At the end, he judges that Paul could have been set free. We remember a door left ajar, but not walked through.
What does the name Agrippa mean?
Agrippa is a Roman name borne by the family of Herod. The Bible does not explain it. This is Herod Agrippa II, a king under Rome, mentioned with his sister Bernice. He is different from Herod Agrippa I, whom the book of Acts mentions earlier.
The story of Agrippa
A visit to Caesarea
Acts 25:13-22King Agrippa and Bernice come to greet Festus at Caesarea. Festus presents the case of Paul, accused by the Jews, who claims that Jesus, who died, is alive. Agrippa says he would like to hear this man himself. Festus promises him a hearing for the next day.
The hearing
Acts 25:23-27The next day, Agrippa and Bernice come with great pomp, with the military tribunes and the leading men of the city. Paul is brought in at the command of Festus. Festus explains that he finds nothing definite to write to the emperor, and hopes the hearing will help.
Paul's defense
Acts 26:1-23Agrippa permits Paul to speak. Paul says he is happy to defend himself before a king who knows the customs of the Jews. He tells of his life as a Pharisee, his persecution of Christians, his encounter with Jesus and his mission to open the eyes of the nations through faith in Christ.
Do you believe the prophets?
Acts 26:24-29Festus cries out that Paul is out of his mind. Paul answers that he speaks words of truth and sober sense, then asks Agrippa about the prophets. Agrippa tells him that he is almost persuading him to become a Christian. Paul replies that he wishes all would become as he is, except for his chains.
A verdict without commitment
Acts 26:30-32The king, the governor, Bernice and those with them rise. As they withdraw, they say that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment. Agrippa tells Festus that this man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
What Agrippa teaches us
- A royal hearing can become an opportunity to testify about Jesus, even in chains.
- Being convinced of a witness's innocence is not enough: we must respond personally to the gospel.
- Paul asks a direct question: believing the prophets leads to Christ.
- We can be close to faith without crossing the line, and the text invites us not to put it off.
- God places his servants before the great of this world so that all may hear the gospel.
Key verses
Paul asks Agrippa whether he believes the prophets. The king speaks of becoming a Christian, and Paul answers that he prays that all would become as he is, except for these chains.
Jesus sends Paul to open the eyes of the nations, so that they turn from darkness to light and receive forgiveness of sins by faith in him. This is the heart of the testimony before Agrippa.
Agrippa says this man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. He acknowledges Paul's innocence, but the text does not say that he turned to Christ.
Sermons about Agrippa
Frequently asked questions
Who was Agrippa in the Bible?
Agrippa is King Herod Agrippa II, who came to Caesarea with his sister Bernice. He listened to Paul's defense before Festus in Acts 25 and 26, said Paul was almost persuading him to become a Christian, then judged that Paul could have been set free.
What does the name Agrippa mean?
Agrippa is a Roman name borne by the family of Herod. The Bible does not explain its meaning, and it is best to be cautious about its etymology. The biblical text is interested in his meeting with Paul and the question about the prophets.
Where can I find the story of Agrippa in the Bible?
It is read in Acts 25:13 to 26:32. Chapter 25 describes the arrival of Agrippa and Bernice at the court of Festus. Chapter 26 reports Paul's defense before the king and the exchange about faith in the prophets.