Acts 25:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the morrow {G1887}, when {G3767} Agrippa {G67} was come {G2064}, and {G2532} Bernice {G959}, with {G3326} great {G4183} pomp {G5325}, and {G2532} was entered {G1525} into {G1519} the place of hearing {G201}, with {G4862}{G5037} the chief captains {G5506}, and {G2532} principal {G2596}{G1851} men {G435} of {G5607} the city {G4172}, at {G2532} Festus {G5347}' commandment {G2753} Paul {G3972} was brought forth {G71}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with much pageantry; they entered the audience room accompanied by military commanders and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Sha’ul was brought in.

Berean Standard Bible

The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.

American Standard Version

So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:23 vividly depicts the grand spectacle surrounding the Apostle Paul's appearance before King Agrippa II and Bernice in Caesarea. This verse sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Paul's imprisonment, highlighting the immense worldly power and ceremonial display of the Roman provincial administration and its allied rulers, contrasted with the humble prisoner who stood before them. It underscores the strategic divine orchestration of events, transforming a seemingly political and judicial hearing into a significant opportunity for the Gospel to be proclaimed before influential leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 25:23 immediately follows Festus's conversation with King Agrippa II (Acts 25:13-22), where Festus explains Paul's case, admitting his own confusion regarding the Jewish accusations and seeking Agrippa's expertise. Paul had already appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11-12), making this hearing not a formal trial but an inquiry to help Festus prepare a proper report for the Emperor. The preceding chapters detail Paul's arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21), his initial defenses before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22-23), and his prolonged imprisonment under Felix (Acts 24). This appearance before Agrippa and Bernice is the culmination of Festus's efforts to understand the charges and is a direct prelude to Paul's powerful defense and testimony in Acts 26.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman capital of Judea, a city built by Herod the Great with a magnificent harbor and impressive public buildings. Porcius Festus had recently succeeded Felix as procurator of Judea (c. A.D. 59-61). King Agrippa II, son of Herod Agrippa I (who persecuted the early church in [Acts 12](/acts/12 "Acts 12 - Herod's Persecution")), was the last of the Herodian dynasty to rule over parts of Palestine, appointed by Rome. He and his sister Bernice (with whom he had a scandalous relationship, though not explicitly mentioned here) were Jewish by heritage but deeply Hellenized and aligned with Roman authority. Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish customs and the Law made him an invaluable consultant for Festus, who was new to the region and its complex religious disputes. The "great pomp" reflects the typical Roman display of authority and the ceremonial grandeur associated with such high-ranking officials and allied monarchs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies the **sovereignty of God** in directing Paul's journey, even through imprisonment, to fulfill the divine purpose of bearing witness to the Gospel before kings and Gentiles, as prophesied in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission"). Secondly, it highlights the **contrast between worldly power and spiritual truth**, where the immense display of human authority serves as a backdrop for the simple, yet profound, message of a prisoner of Christ. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Paul's unwavering resolve and courage** in proclaiming the Gospel, seizing every opportunity—even in chains—to testify about Jesus Christ, much like his earlier defense before Felix in [Acts 24:10-21](/acts/24-10-21 "Acts 24:10-21 - Paul's Defense Before Felix").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **morrow (Greek, _epaúrion'_):** This word signifies "on the succeeding day" or "to-morrow." Its use here emphasizes the immediate follow-up to Festus's discussion with Agrippa, indicating a prompt and deliberate arrangement for Paul's appearance. It highlights the urgency and importance Festus placed on this consultation.
* **pomp (Greek, _phantasía'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to stand out" or "to show," this term refers to a magnificent display, an impressive spectacle, or a show. In this context, it vividly describes the elaborate and ceremonial entrance of Agrippa and Bernice, accompanied by high-ranking officials. It denotes a deliberate demonstration of their authority, status, and power, designed to impress and assert their standing within the Roman provincial setting.
* **place of hearing (Greek, _akroatḗrion'_):** This word literally means "an audience-room" or "a place for hearing." It designates the specific venue where this formal assembly took place. The term suggests a setting designed for official proceedings, emphasizing the gravity and public nature of Paul's appearance before such a distinguished and powerful audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,"**: This opening clause establishes the time and principal figures of the event. "On the morrow" indicates the immediate progression from the previous day's discussions. The arrival of King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice is emphasized by the phrase "with great pomp," which conveys a sense of elaborate ceremony, ostentatious display, and a deliberate show of their royal and political status. This sets a scene of worldly grandeur and authority.
* **"and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city,"**: This part details the procession and the composition of the audience. Agrippa and Bernice entered a designated "place of hearing," a formal audience chamber. They were accompanied by "the chief captains" (chiliarchs), high-ranking Roman military officers, and "principal men of the city," prominent citizens and leaders of Caesarea. This entourage underscores the significant political and military power present, creating an intimidating and awe-inspiring atmosphere for any defendant.
* **"at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth."**: This final clause reveals the purpose of the grand assembly: the presentation of Paul. It explicitly states that Paul was brought forward "at Festus' commandment," highlighting the Roman governor's authority and his role in orchestrating this entire event. Despite the overwhelming display of power by his accusers and judges, Paul, a prisoner, is the central figure being presented, setting the stage for his defense and testimony.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** and **Irony**. The "great pomp" and the presence of "chief captains" and "principal men of the city" create a vivid picture of worldly power, authority, and spectacle. This grand display stands in stark **contrast** to Paul, a humble prisoner in chains, who is "brought forth." The **irony** lies in the fact that this elaborate display of human power, intended to facilitate a political inquiry, unwittingly serves a divine purpose: providing a platform for Paul to boldly proclaim the Gospel to the highest echelons of Roman and Jewish authority. This scene also contains elements of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the significant and impactful testimony Paul is about to deliver, which will transcend the immediate legal proceedings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:23 powerfully illustrates the sovereign hand of God at work, transforming what appears to be a mere administrative procedure into a divinely appointed opportunity for the Gospel to be proclaimed. The elaborate display of human power and prestige serves only to magnify the simple yet profound truth that God uses seemingly ordinary or even adversarial circumstances to advance His kingdom. Paul's appearance before such a distinguished audience fulfills the prophetic word concerning his ministry to kings and Gentiles, demonstrating that no human authority can thwart God's ultimate plan. This event underscores the Christian call to witness boldly, regardless of the intimidating circumstances or the status of the audience.

* [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to Gentiles and Kings")
* [Luke 21:12-13](/luke/21-12-13 "Luke 21:12-13 - Witness Before Kings and Governors")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Gospel Advancement Through Imprisonment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 25:23 calls believers to consider the nature of true power and influence. While the world often values outward displays of wealth, status, and authority, this passage reminds us that God's purposes are often advanced through humility, suffering, and faithfulness. Like Paul, we are called to be courageous witnesses for Christ, recognizing that even in challenging or intimidating circumstances, God can open doors for the Gospel. Our focus should not be on impressing others with our own "pomp" or status, but on faithfully proclaiming the transformative message of Jesus Christ. We are encouraged to see every interaction, even those that seem adversarial or mundane, as a potential divine appointment for sharing the hope that is within us, trusting that God is sovereignly orchestrating events for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to react when faced with intimidating displays of worldly power or authority?**
* **In what ways might God be orchestrating seemingly ordinary or difficult circumstances in my life to create unexpected opportunities for witness?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward appearances and worldly approval, or with the substance of my faith and the eternal message of the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Who were Agrippa and Bernice, and why were they present?**

Answer: King Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and the last of the Herodian dynasty to rule over parts of Palestine, appointed by Rome. He was known for his extensive knowledge of Jewish customs and law. Bernice was his sister, with whom he shared a controversial relationship. They were present because Festus, the new Roman governor, was unfamiliar with the intricacies of Jewish law and the specific charges against Paul. Festus sought Agrippa's expertise to help him draft an accurate report for Emperor Nero, as Paul had appealed his case to Caesar. Their presence added significant political and religious authority to the hearing.

**What is meant by "great pomp" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "great pomp" (Greek: _phantasía_) refers to a magnificent, elaborate, and ostentatious display. It describes the ceremonial grandeur of Agrippa and Bernice's entrance, accompanied by high-ranking Roman military officers ("chief captains") and prominent citizens ("principal men of the city"). This was a deliberate show of their power, status, and authority, designed to impress and assert their importance within the Roman provincial administration. It highlights the worldly spectacle surrounding Paul's appearance.

**Why was Paul brought forth at Festus' commandment, and what was the ultimate goal of this hearing?**

Answer: Paul was brought forth at Festus' commandment because Festus, as the Roman governor, had inherited Paul's case and was obligated to resolve it. Paul had exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (as seen in [Acts 25:11-12](/acts/25-11-12 "Acts 25:11-12 - Paul Appeals to Caesar")). The ultimate goal of this hearing was not a formal trial, as Paul had already appealed, but for Festus to gather sufficient information and clarify the vague charges against Paul. He needed Agrippa's insights to formulate a coherent and justifiable report to the Emperor, explaining why a Roman citizen was being sent to Rome for trial.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:23, with its dramatic contrast between worldly pomp and the humble prisoner Paul, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom over all earthly powers. Paul's appearance before kings and governors, though marked by suffering and imprisonment, directly fulfills Jesus' prophecy that His disciples would be brought before rulers for His name's sake, providing an opportunity for witness ([Luke 21:12-13](/luke/21-12-13 "Luke 21:12-13 - Witness Before Kings and Governors")). In this scene, Paul embodies the suffering servant who, like Christ Himself, stands before earthly authorities, not as one defeated, but as an ambassador for a higher King. The "great pomp" of Agrippa and Bernice pales in comparison to the true glory of Christ, the King of kings, who willingly humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Paul's steadfast witness, despite the intimidating display, reflects the unwavering resolve of Christ in His own trials, demonstrating that the power of the Gospel does not reside in human might or spectacle, but in the resurrected Christ, who reigns supreme and whose message transforms hearts, even those of rulers ([Acts 26:28-29](/acts/26-28-29 "Acts 26:28-29 - Agrippa's Response to Paul")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 26:30

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

Acts 25:13

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

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

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:

Isaiah 14:11

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?