Acts 26:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he {G846} had {G2036} thus {G5023} spoken {G2036}, the king {G935} rose up {G450}, and {G2532} the governor {G2232}, and {G5037} Bernice {G959}, and {G2532} they that sat with {G4775} them {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and the others sitting with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them.

American Standard Version

And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:30 marks the immediate and decisive conclusion of Paul's compelling defense before King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and Bernice. Following Paul's powerful and Spirit-filled testimony, which culminated in a direct challenge to Agrippa's faith in the prophets, this verse describes the swift and formal rising of the distinguished audience, signaling the end of the public hearing and the commencement of their private deliberation on Paul's case. It underscores the profound impact of Paul's Gospel proclamation, even on those in positions of secular authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's climactic and personal appeal to King Agrippa II in [Acts 26:27-29](/acts/26-27-29 "Acts 26:27-29 - Paul's Challenge to Agrippa"). Paul had just recounted his dramatic conversion experience, his divine commission to the Gentiles, and his unwavering belief in the resurrection of the dead, which he presented as the fulfillment of the prophets. His passionate rhetoric, culminating in Agrippa's almost-persuaded response, created a highly charged atmosphere. The act of rising described in [Acts 26:30](/acts/26-30 "Acts 26:30 - The Hearing Concludes") is a direct, immediate, and formal reaction to the profound weight and challenge of Paul's words, signaling that the public portion of the hearing was complete and that the time for private consultation had arrived. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses where the officials discuss Paul's innocence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The hearing took place in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman provincial capital of Judea, where Paul had been imprisoned for approximately two years under Governor Felix and now Festus. King Agrippa II, along with his sister Bernice, were members of the Herodian dynasty, renowned for their knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, making Agrippa a suitable judge for Paul's case, which involved Jewish accusations. Roman legal proceedings often involved public hearings followed by private consultations among the presiding officials. The act of rising was a formal gesture, indicating the termination of the session. This was not a casual departure but a deliberate and official act, reflecting the seriousness with which Paul's testimony was received by these high-ranking Roman and Herodian figures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **the persuasive power of the Gospel message** when proclaimed faithfully, demonstrating its ability to command attention and elicit a response from even the most powerful and skeptical audiences. Secondly, it exemplifies **God's sovereign orchestration** of events, using Paul's imprisonment not as a setback, but as a divinely appointed platform to bear witness to Christ before kings and Gentiles, as foretold in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Ananias's Vision of Paul's Mission"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **the Gospel's encounter with secular authority**, showcasing how the truth of Christ challenges and impacts the established powers of the world, even when it does not immediately lead to conversion, as seen in Agrippa's "almost persuaded" declaration in [Acts 26:28](/acts/26-28 "Acts 26:28 - Agrippa's Response").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb signifies the act of speaking or saying, whether by word or writing. In this context, it refers to Paul's extensive and powerful oral defense, which had just concluded. The use of this word emphasizes that it was Paul's verbal testimony, his articulate and Spirit-filled declaration of the Gospel and his personal experience, that directly prompted the reaction of the king and his retinue. It highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Paul's words and their immediate response.
* **rose up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb means "to stand up," "to arise," or "to get up," and can be used literally or figuratively. Here, it describes the physical action of King Agrippa, Governor Festus, Bernice, and their companions standing from their seats. This was not a casual movement but a formal and decisive act, signaling the official close of the public hearing. The immediacy implied by the verb suggests that Paul's words left no room for further public discourse or delay; the powerful figures were compelled to conclude the proceedings and deliberate privately.
* **sat with (Greek, _synkáthēmai'_):** This compound verb means "to seat oneself in company with" or "to sit together." It refers to the broader group of attendees who were present alongside the king, governor, and Bernice during Paul's hearing. This detail indicates that the impact of Paul's testimony was not limited to the primary dignitaries but extended to all who were present, emphasizing the widespread attention and solemnity of the occasion. Their collective rising underscores the unified and formal termination of the session.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had thus spoken":** This introductory clause firmly establishes the direct causal link between Paul's just-concluded discourse and the subsequent actions of the audience. Paul's powerful and comprehensive defense, encompassing his conversion, mission, and the resurrection, served as the catalyst for the immediate response.
* **"the king rose up":** King Agrippa II, as the most prominent figure present and the one most directly addressed by Paul's final challenge, is specifically named first. His rising signifies the formal and authoritative conclusion of the hearing from his perspective. It is a gesture of both respect for the gravity of the proceedings and an indication that the public phase was over.
* **"and the governor, and Bernice":** Governor Festus, who arranged the hearing, and Bernice, Agrippa's sister and co-dignitary, followed the king's lead. Their rising confirms the unified and official nature of the termination of the session. It shows that Paul's words had an impact across the entire leadership present.
* **"and they that sat with them":** This phrase includes all other attendees, such as military commanders, prominent citizens, and possibly other officials, who were present at the hearing (cf. [Acts 25:23](/acts/25-23 "Acts 25:23 - Festus and Agrippa's Grand Entrance")). Their collective rising underscores the profound and widespread impact of Paul's testimony, indicating that the entire assembly recognized the gravity and conclusion of the proceedings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Immediacy** to convey the swift and decisive reaction of the audience to Paul's powerful testimony. The phrase "And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up..." highlights the instantaneous nature of their response, leaving no room for lingering or further public debate. This abrupt conclusion creates a sense of **Dramatic Climax**, marking the culmination of Paul's eloquent defense and setting the stage for the private deliberations that follow. Furthermore, the simple, declarative statement of their rising carries a profound **Symbolism**: it represents the formal end of the public hearing and the transition to a private assessment of Paul's case, underscoring the weight and impact of the Apostle's words on these powerful figures. The action itself, while seemingly mundane, is imbued with significant meaning, conveying the solemnity and finality of the moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:30 powerfully illustrates the enduring truth that the proclamation of God's Word, especially through personal testimony, carries inherent authority and demands a response, even from those in positions of power. Paul's unwavering courage in presenting the Gospel, even as a prisoner, serves as a model for believers throughout history. This event demonstrates God's sovereign hand in opening doors for His message to reach the highest echelons of society, fulfilling His promise that His servants would bear His name before kings. The reaction of Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice, though not leading to immediate conversion, signifies the undeniable impact of divine truth, compelling even hardened hearts to acknowledge its weight and consider its implications.

* [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Ananias's Vision of Paul's Mission"): "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](/matthew/10-18 "Matthew 10:18 - Bearing Witness Before Governors and Kings"): "And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles."
* [Luke 21:12-13](/luke/21-12-13 "Luke 21:12-13 - Opportunity for Testimony"): "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. And it shall turn to you for a testimony."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 26:30 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the power of a clear, Spirit-filled testimony is not dependent on the speaker's status, but on the truth of the message itself. Paul, a prisoner, stood before royalty and governors, yet his words commanded their attention and prompted a formal response. This encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith, understanding that God can use us in any circumstance, even those that seem restrictive or adverse, to advance His kingdom. Our personal encounter with Christ, when articulated with conviction and clarity, possesses an inherent persuasive power that can cut through skepticism and indifference, challenging listeners to confront the claims of the Gospel. We are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting that God will open doors and prepare hearts, even if the immediate outcome is not full conversion but merely a recognition of truth's weight, as seen in Agrippa's "almost persuaded" response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's courage in this situation challenge my own willingness to share my faith, especially in uncomfortable or intimidating settings?**
* **In what ways might God be using my current circumstances, even difficult ones, as a platform for His glory and for sharing the Gospel?**
* **What is the "testimony" that I am called to bear, and how can I articulate it more clearly and powerfully to those around me?**
* **How does the reaction of Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice, though not immediate conversion, still demonstrate the inherent power and demand of the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Why did the king, governor, and Bernice rise up immediately after Paul spoke?**

Answer: Their immediate rising was a formal and decisive act, signaling the official conclusion of the public hearing. In Roman legal proceedings, such a gesture indicated that the public testimony and arguments were finished, and the presiding officials would then retire for private deliberation. It was not a casual departure but a recognition of the gravity and finality of Paul's powerful and challenging testimony, which had clearly made a profound impression on them, as evidenced by Agrippa's earlier exclamation in [Acts 26:28](/acts/26-28 "Acts 26:28 - Agrippa's Response").

**What was the significance of this hearing for Paul?**

Answer: This hearing was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfilled the Lord's prophecy that Paul would bear His name before kings and Gentiles ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Ananias's Vision of Paul's Mission")). Secondly, it provided Paul with a unique platform to proclaim the Gospel to the highest Roman and Herodian authorities in the region, showcasing the universal reach of the Christian message. Thirdly, it led to the official declaration that Paul was innocent of any capital crime, paving the way for his eventual journey to Rome as an appeal to Caesar ([Acts 26:31-32](/acts/26-31-32 "Acts 26:31-32 - Paul's Innocence Declared")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:30, while describing a human reaction to Paul's testimony, ultimately points to the supreme authority and kingship of Jesus Christ. Paul's ability to stand boldly before kings and governors, proclaiming the resurrection and the kingdom of God, mirrors Christ's own witness before Pilate and other authorities ([John 18:33-37](/john/18-33-37 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Just as Paul's words compelled Agrippa and Festus to rise in formal acknowledgment, so too will every knee ultimately bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The temporary power of earthly rulers is contrasted with the eternal reign of the King of kings, whose truth cannot be dismissed. Paul's suffering and witness for Christ, even unto imprisonment, foreshadow the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom, before which all earthly powers must eventually rise in recognition or judgment ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The Gospel Paul preached, centered on the resurrected Christ, is the power that compels a response from all, whether in this life or on the Day of Judgment.

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 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.

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Acts 18:15

But if it be a question of words and names, and [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].