Acts Chapter 26 · Verse 30
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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
Ἀνέστη
rose up
G450
Ἀνέστη
rose up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
5 of 17
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
the king
G935
βασιλεὺς
the king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
7 of 17
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμὼν
the governor
G2232
ἡγεμὼν
the governor
Strong's:
G2232
Word #:
10 of 17
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
ἥ
G3588
ἥ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βερνίκη
Bernice
G959
Βερνίκη
Bernice
Strong's:
G959
Word #:
13 of 17
victorious; bernice, a member of the herodian family
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This gathering (c. AD 59-60) in Caesarea's audience hall brought together the last Herodian king, a Roman governor, military commanders, and civic leaders—the full spectrum of power in first-century Judea. Paul's testimony before them fulfilled biblical patterns: Joseph before Pharaoh, Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, prophets before kings. The assembly's departure without decision leaves Paul's fate unchanged—he'll go to Rome as planned—but provides another testimony recorded in Scripture for all generations. Agrippa's 'almost persuaded' (26:28) becomes history's cautionary tale of intellectual assent without faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the spiritual significance of the entire assembly rising and leaving after hearing Paul's testimony but not responding in faith?
- How does this scene illustrate that even powerful, educated people can hear the gospel clearly yet reject it through indifference or delay?
- In what ways does Paul's faithfulness to testify matter, regardless of the immediate response, and how should this inform our gospel sharing?
Analysis & Commentary
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them—After Paul's defense and appeal (26:1-29), the assembly ends. The verb ἀνέστη (anestē, 'rose up') indicates formal dismissal. Ὁ βασιλεὺς (ho basileus, 'the king') Agrippa leaves first (protocol), followed by ὁ ἡγεμών (ho hēgemōn, 'the governor') Festus, Bernice, and οἱ συγκαθήμενοι αὐτοῖς (hoi synkathēmenoi autois, 'those sitting with them'—the military tribunes and city leaders).
The scene's formality contrasts with its outcome: all this pomp and power assemble, hear the gospel, and disperse without conversion. Yet Paul has faithfully testified before kings as Jesus predicted (Acts 9:15). The rising of earthly authorities symbolizes their rejection and departure from the gospel, while Paul remains—bound but bearing eternal truth.