Acts 25:13

¶ And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

And {G1161} after {G1230} certain {G5100} days {G2250} king {G935} Agrippa {G67} and {G2532} Bernice {G959} came {G2658} unto {G1519} Caesarea {G2542} to salute {G782} Festus {G5347}.

After some days, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

Now when certain days were passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Cæsarea, and saluted Festus.

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 25:13

Acts 25:13 introduces two significant figures, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice, into the narrative of Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea. Their arrival sets the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in Paul's ministry: his defense before powerful Roman and Jewish authorities.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse takes place shortly after Porcius Festus has assumed the governorship of Judea, following Felix (Acts 24:27). Festus had already begun dealing with the case of Paul, who was a prisoner awaiting trial. King Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and the son of Herod Agrippa I (who persecuted the early church in Acts 12:1). He ruled over various territories northeast of Galilee and held significant influence, particularly concerning Jewish affairs and customs. Bernice was his sister, who often accompanied him.

Their visit to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea, was likely a formal courtesy call to "salute Festus" – a standard practice among allied rulers to welcome a new provincial governor. This diplomatic visit provided Festus with an opportune moment to consult with Agrippa, who, as a Jewish king, possessed a deep understanding of Jewish law and customs, which was crucial for navigating Paul's complex case.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: This seemingly ordinary diplomatic visit is part of God's larger plan to bring Paul before kings and rulers, as foretold in Acts 9:15. God orchestrates circumstances, even political formalities, to advance His gospel.
  • Political Diplomacy: The interaction between Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus highlights the intricate political landscape of Judea under Roman rule, where Jewish leadership and Roman authority often intersected.
  • Setting the Stage: The arrival of these dignitaries is not merely a historical note; it is the crucial prelude to Paul's powerful defense and testimony of the resurrected Christ before Agrippa, which unfolds in the subsequent chapters.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to salute Festus" (Greek: ἀσπάσασθαι Φῆστον, aspasasthai Phestos) signifies a formal greeting or a visit of courtesy. It implies more than a casual hello; it was an act of paying respects and establishing diplomatic ties, a common practice in the ancient world when a new official took office.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly leads into the events described in Acts 25:14, where Festus begins to explain Paul's situation to Agrippa. It culminates in Paul's powerful defense before Agrippa, where Paul recounts his conversion and calling. The context of Paul's appeal to Caesar, mentioned earlier by Festus (Acts 25:11), also plays a significant role in why Festus sought Agrippa's counsel.

Practical Application

Acts 25:13 reminds believers that God works through all circumstances, even the seemingly mundane or political. The Lord uses people in positions of authority, sometimes unknowingly, to fulfill His purposes. For Paul, this meant an audience with a king, allowing him to proclaim the gospel in high places, ultimately leading to his journey to Rome. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty over all human affairs and to recognize that every interaction can be an opportunity for His will to be done.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 8:40

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

  • Acts 26:27

    King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

  • Acts 26:28

    Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

  • 2 Samuel 8:10

    Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And [Joram] brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

  • 1 Samuel 25:14

    But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

  • Acts 26:1

    ¶ Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

  • 1 Samuel 13:10

    And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
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