Acts 26:30

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

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}:

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

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

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

Acts 26:30 KJV marks the immediate conclusion of one of the most compelling defenses in the New Testament. Following the Apostle Paul's powerful and Spirit-filled testimony before King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and Bernice, this verse describes their swift and decisive reaction.

Context

This verse takes place in Caesarea Maritima, where Paul had been imprisoned for some time. After his appeal to Caesar, Governor Festus arranged this special hearing for Paul to present his case before King Agrippa II, who was knowledgeable in Jewish customs and laws. Paul had just delivered a passionate and detailed account of his conversion, his mission from Christ, and his unwavering belief in the resurrection, culminating in a direct and personal challenge to Agrippa regarding his belief in the prophets (Acts 26:27). The atmosphere was charged with the weight of Paul's words, which had clearly made a profound impression on his distinguished audience.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Paul's Testimony: The immediate rising of the king, governor, and Bernice indicates the significant impact Paul's words had. His clear, logical, and fervent presentation of the Gospel message compelled a reaction from even these powerful Roman and Herodian figures. It was a testimony so potent it cut through political maneuvering and personal biases.
  • Conclusion of a Significant Hearing: Their action of rising signifies the formal end of the hearing. It was not merely a casual departure but a deliberate act that preceded their private deliberation on Paul's case, as detailed in the subsequent verses. This hearing was a pivotal moment, fulfilling in part the Lord's promise that Paul would bear His name before kings and Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
  • Divine Orchestration: Despite being a prisoner, Paul was given a platform to proclaim the truth to the highest authorities in the region. This event underscores God's sovereignty in using even adverse circumstances to advance His kingdom and spread the message of salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rose up" in the Greek is anastas (ἀναστὰς), a participle from the verb anistēmi, meaning "to stand up," "to arise," or "to get up." While seemingly simple, it conveys a decisive and immediate action. There was no lingering or further debate in the public forum; the powerful figures were compelled to conclude the proceedings and discuss what they had heard.

Practical Application

Acts 26:30 reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • The Persuasive Power of Truth: When the truth of the Gospel is presented clearly and boldly, it demands a response, even from those in positions of power or skepticism.
  • God Uses All Circumstances: Like Paul, we can trust that God can use our circumstances, even difficult ones like imprisonment or opposition, as platforms for His glory and for sharing the good news.
  • Testimony's Impact: A personal, Spirit-led testimony about one's encounter with Christ can be incredibly impactful, leading others to consider the claims of the Gospel, just as Agrippa was "almost persuaded" (Acts 26:28).

This verse sets the stage for the verdict that Paul was innocent of any capital crime, paving the way for his eventual journey to Rome (Acts 26:31-32).

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 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].

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