Acts 25:22
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Αὔριον
To morrow
G839
Αὔριον
To morrow
Strong's:
G839
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow
φησίν
said
G5346
φησίν
said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
16 of 18
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
Historical Context
Agrippa II (AD 27-93) was great-grandson of Herod the Great, educated in Rome under Claudius's court. He ruled territories northeast of Judea and was given authority over the Jerusalem temple and high priestly appointments, making him uniquely positioned to advise Festus on Jewish affairs. His companion Bernice was his sister (and rumored to be his lover, a scandal in both Jewish and Roman society). Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish law and messianic expectations made him the ideal audience for Paul's testimony, though his response ('Almost thou persuadest me,' 26:28) reveals intellectual understanding without spiritual surrender.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sovereignly arrange circumstances (Paul's appeal, Festus's confusion, Agrippa's visit) to create gospel opportunities?
- What's the significance of Paul testifying before Agrippa, who represents the last of the Herodian dynasty that began with the Herod who slaughtered Bethlehem's infants?
- In what ways should Christians prepare to give testimony whenever unexpected opportunities arise, as Paul did?
Analysis & Commentary
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself—King Agrippa II's request (Ἐβουλόμην καὶ αὐτὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀκοῦσαι, Eboulomēn kai autos tou anthrōpou akousai, 'I myself also was wishing to hear the man') expresses personal curiosity. As a Jewish king educated in Rome, Agrippa was knowledgeable about Jewish affairs and intrigued by this case that had roiled Judea for years.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him—Festus immediately accommodates: Αὔριον ἀκούσῃ αὐτοῦ (Aurion akousē autou, 'Tomorrow you will hear him'). The promptness suggests Festus sees strategic value: Agrippa might help him formulate charges for Caesar (v. 26-27). What Festus views as political necessity, God orchestrates as another gospel opportunity. Paul will give his fullest defense, including his conversion testimony, before this royal court—fulfilling Jesus's words that disciples would testify 'before governors and kings' (Matthew 10:18).