Acts 25:22

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

Then {G1161} Agrippa {G67} said {G5346} unto {G4314} Festus {G5347}, I would {G1014} also {G2532} hear {G191} the man {G444} myself {G846}. To morrow {G839},{G1161} said {G5346} he, thou shalt hear {G191} him {G846}.

Agrippa said to Festus, “I myself have been wanting to hear the man.” “Tomorrow,” he replied, “You will hear him.”

Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” “Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus declared.

And Agrippa said unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him.

Acts 25:22 records a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's imprisonment, setting the stage for one of his most significant defenses and opportunities for Gospel witness.

Context of Acts 25:22

This verse immediately follows Paul's appeal to Caesar, a move that complicated Festus's task as the new Roman procurator of Judea. Festus found himself with a prisoner, Paul, whom the Jewish leaders vehemently accused but against whom no clear capital crime under Roman law could be proven. King Agrippa II, accompanied by his sister Bernice, was visiting Festus in Caesarea. Agrippa, being a Jewish ruler and well-versed in Jewish customs and laws, was an ideal consultant for Festus. Festus had just explained Paul's situation to Agrippa, highlighting the religious nature of the accusations (Acts 25:18-20).

Agrippa's statement, "I would also hear the man myself," reveals a blend of curiosity and perhaps a genuine desire to understand the complex legal and religious issues surrounding Paul. This personal interest, though seemingly incidental, was part of God's sovereign plan to bring Paul's testimony before rulers, as prophesied by the Lord in Acts 9:15: "He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: God orchestrates circumstances, even a king's curiosity, to open doors for the Gospel. Paul's appeal to Caesar and Agrippa's visit were not coincidences but part of a larger divine purpose for the spread of the Christian message.
  • Opportunity for Witness: Agrippa's desire to hear Paul created an unparalleled platform for Paul to present his case and, more importantly, the message of Christ's resurrection, before influential leaders. This echoes Paul's consistent mission to proclaim the good news wherever he was.
  • Judicial Deliberation: The verse highlights the Roman legal process, where even a new governor sought counsel from those familiar with local customs to ensure a just, albeit politically charged, outcome.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I would also hear the man myself" (Greek: κἀγὼ ἤθελον τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀκοῦσαι, kago ethelon tou anthrōpou akousai) emphasizes Agrippa's personal inclination and desire for a direct encounter. It's not just a formal inquiry but a personal request, signifying a readiness to listen intently to Paul's own words rather than relying solely on Festus's summary or the accusations of Paul's adversaries.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that God can use any situation, even challenging ones like imprisonment or legal battles, to create opportunities for sharing the truth. Just as Paul's circumstances led him before kings, our daily lives present unique platforms to share our faith. We should be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15), trusting that God can use our testimony to impact those around us, even those in positions of authority.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Matthew 10:18

    And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

  • Luke 21:12

    But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

  • Isaiah 52:15

    So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

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