Acts 25:13
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
Original Language Analysis
Ἡμερῶν
days
G2250
Ἡμερῶν
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
1 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατήντησαν
came
G2658
κατήντησαν
came
Strong's:
G2658
Word #:
10 of 15
to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀσπασόμενοι
to salute
G782
ἀσπασόμενοι
to salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
13 of 15
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
Historical Context
Agrippa II (AD 27-92) was son of Agrippa I (who killed James and died under God's judgment, Acts 12). He sided with Rome in the Jewish War (AD 66-70), fled Jerusalem before its destruction, and died childless, ending the Herodian line. Bernice later became mistress to the Roman general Titus. Their royal status made them important political figures despite limited actual power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God arrange for the gospel to reach the powerful and influential?
- What does Agrippa and Bernice's presence teach about God's sovereignty in providential circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus—Herod Agrippa II, the last of the Herodian dynasty, ruled territories northeast of Judea and held authority over temple affairs. His visit to salute (ἀσπασάμενοι, aspasamenoi) the new procurator was diplomatic protocol, maintaining the complex client-king relationship with Rome.
Bernice was Agrippa's sister, though ancient sources (Josephus, Juvenal) suggest an incestuous relationship that scandalized even pagans. Their presence provides Luke's narrative with royal witnesses to Paul's defense. God orchestrates circumstances so that kings hear the gospel, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy: 'ye shall be brought before... kings for my sake' (Matthew 10:18).