### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἀγρίππας (Agríppas, `{{G67}}`) is derived from the Greek words ἄγριος (agrios), meaning "wild" or "savage," and ἵππος (hippos), meaning "horse." Thus, the etymological root suggests a meaning like "wild-horse tamer" or "one who has power over wild horses." As a personal name, its semantic range is limited to the specific individuals who bore it. In the New Testament, it exclusively refers to two members of the Herodian dynasty, a family of Idumaean origin appointed by Rome to rule over various parts of Judea and surrounding territories. The name itself, while descriptive in its etymology, functions primarily as an identifier for these historical figures within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Agríppas (`{{G67}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Acts, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Herod Agrippa I:** Grandson of Herod the Great and nephew of Herod Antipas. He is introduced in [[Acts 12:1]] as "Herod the king" who began to persecute the church. He is responsible for the execution of James, the brother of John ([[Acts 12:2]]), and the imprisonment of Peter ([[Acts 12:3-5]]). His reign was marked by a desire to appease the Jewish populace. His dramatic death, recounted in [[Acts 12:20-23]], is attributed to divine judgment for accepting divine honors from the people. The text states, "And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost" ([[Acts 12:23]]).
2. **Herod Agrippa II:** Son of Herod Agrippa I. He is introduced in [[Acts 25:13]] as "King Agrippa" who, along with his sister Bernice, came to Caesarea to salute the Roman governor Festus. His primary role in the biblical narrative is as the hearer of Paul's defense. Festus, seeking counsel on Paul's case, presented the apostle before Agrippa, recognizing Agrippa's expertise in Jewish customs and laws ([[Acts 25:14-27]]). Paul delivered a powerful and comprehensive testimony before Agrippa in [[Acts 26:1-29]], recounting his conversion and mission. Agrippa's response, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" ([[Acts 26:28]]), is a poignant moment, highlighting the impact of Paul's message even on a powerful, yet ultimately unconvinced, ruler. Agrippa, along with Festus, concluded that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment ([[Acts 26:31-32]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Agríppas (`{{G67}}`) naturally connects with several related words and concepts central to the New Testament narrative:
* **Herod:** The broader dynastic name, Ἡρῴδης (Herodes, `{{G2264}}`), to which Agrippa belonged. Understanding the Herodian lineage and their political maneuvering is crucial for contextualizing Agrippa's actions.
* **Bernice:** Βερνίκη (Bernike, `{{G959}}`), Agrippa II's sister and consort, who is consistently mentioned alongside him in Acts.
* **Festus:** Φῆστος (Phestos, `{{G5347}}`), the Roman procurator who presented Paul's case to Agrippa II.
* **Caesarea:** Καισάρεια (Kaisareia, `{{G2542}}`), the Roman administrative capital in Judea where many of the events involving Agrippa II and Paul transpired.
* **Persecution:** The experience of the early church under Agrippa I, a theme recurrent in Acts.
* **Apostolic Witness/Apologetics:** Paul's defense before Agrippa II serves as a prime example of Christian apologetics and the imperative to bear witness to Christ before all, including rulers.
* **Roman Authority:** The overarching political power under which the Herodian rulers operated, shaping their governance and relationship with the Jewish people and the emerging Christian movement.
* **Divine Judgment:** Exemplified in the death of Agrippa I, underscoring God's sovereignty over earthly powers.
### Theological Significance
The appearances of Agríppas (`{{G67}}`) in the book of Acts carry profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The swift and dramatic demise of Herod Agrippa I in [[Acts 12:20-23]] serves as a powerful demonstration of God's active sovereignty over human rulers and His judgment against those who persecute His people and usurp His glory. It underscores that no earthly power can ultimately thwart God's purposes or escape His justice. This event reinforces the biblical truth that "the Lord reigns" ([[Psalm 99:1]]).
2. **Opportunity for Gospel Proclamation:** The encounter between Paul and Agrippa II in [[Acts 25]] and [[Acts 26]] highlights God's providence in creating opportunities for His message to reach the highest echelons of society. Paul's defense before Agrippa was not merely a legal proceeding but a divinely orchestrated platform for the gospel. This illustrates the principle that believers are called to bear witness "before governors and kings" ([[Matthew 10:18]]).
3. **The Power of the Resurrected Christ:** Paul's testimony before Agrippa II centers on the resurrection of Jesus Christ ([[Acts 26:23]]). This encounter underscores the transformative power of the gospel, capable of challenging even the most hardened hearts and minds, and presenting an undeniable truth that demands a response.
4. **Human Response to Divine Truth:** Agrippa II's almost-persuasion ("Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian," [[Acts 26:28]]) is a poignant moment reflecting the human capacity to acknowledge truth without fully committing to it. It serves as a sober reminder of the personal cost of discipleship and the freedom of human will in responding to God's call. Despite hearing a compelling witness, Agrippa ultimately chose not to embrace faith.
### Summary
The name Agríppas (`{{G67}}`), meaning "wild-horse tamer," identifies two significant figures in the New Testament: Herod Agrippa I and his son, Herod Agrippa II. Their lives intersect with the early Christian movement in distinct and illustrative ways. Herod Agrippa I is portrayed as a persecutor of the church, whose sudden death by divine judgment ([[Acts 12:23]]) powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over earthly rulers. Herod Agrippa II, on the other hand, serves as a crucial audience for Paul's extensive gospel defense ([[Acts 26]]), providing a unique platform for the proclamation of Christ's resurrection to a king. While Agrippa II's "almost" conversion ([[Acts 26:28]]) underscores the human capacity to resist divine truth, both narratives collectively affirm God's overarching control of history, His protection of His church, and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom through the witness of His servants.
TRV