Acts 25:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
Τῇ
G3588
Τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαύριον
And on the morrow
G1887
ἐπαύριον
And on the morrow
Strong's:
G1887
Word #:
3 of 36
occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow
ἐλθόντος
was come
G2064
ἐλθόντος
was come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 36
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βερνίκης
Bernice
G959
Βερνίκης
Bernice
Strong's:
G959
Word #:
9 of 36
victorious; bernice, a member of the herodian family
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 36
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
πολλῆς
great
G4183
πολλῆς
great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 36
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 36
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σύν
with
G4862
σύν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
18 of 36
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλιάρχοις
the chief captains
G5506
χιλιάρχοις
the chief captains
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
21 of 36
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
G2596
κατ'
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
25 of 36
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
the city
G4172
πόλεως
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
29 of 36
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἤχθη
was brought forth
G71
ἤχθη
was brought forth
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
34 of 36
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
Historical Context
Caesarea Maritima was Herod the Great's showcase capital, with a magnificent palace that served as the Roman procurator's residence. The audience chamber was designed to impress—marble columns, mosaics, symbols of Roman power. Agrippa's entrance would include trumpets, guards, and ceremonial protocol befitting royalty. The gathering represented the three power structures of first-century Palestine: Roman government (Festus, tribunes), Jewish royalty (Agrippa), and local aristocracy (principal men). Paul stands before all three as a prisoner in chains, yet his message will outlast their kingdoms.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the contrast between worldly pomp and gospel simplicity challenge our own attraction to spectacle over substance in worship?
- What does this scene teach about the temporary nature of human power and pageantry compared to the eternal weight of gospel testimony?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity sometimes emphasize presentation and pomp over the simple, powerful proclamation of Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp—The scene is spectacular: μετὰ πολλῆς φαντασίας (meta pollēs phantasias, 'with much pageantry, display, spectacle'). Agrippa and Bernice arrive in full royal regalia—a theatrical entrance designed to display power and majesty. The contrast is deliberate: worldly pomp versus Paul's imprisoned simplicity, yet Paul has the greater message and authority.
And was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city—The akroatērion (ἀκροατήριον, 'audience chamber, hearing room') fills with χιλιάρχοις (chiliarchois, 'military tribunes, commanders') and ἐξοχοῖς ἀνδράσιν (exochois andrasin, 'prominent men, leaders') of Caesarea. At Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth—the prisoner enters this gathering of power and prestige. Yet Acts records none of their words, only Paul's testimony. Human pomp fades; gospel truth endures.