### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Agríppas**, represented by `{{G67}}`, is the name for **Agrippa**, one of the Herods, and its base definition is "wild-horse tamer." The name appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. All occurrences place **Agrippa** as a key royal figure in the legal proceedings involving the Apostle Paul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Agrippa** `{{G67}}` is a king who becomes involved in the Apostle Paul's case under the Roman governor Festus. He arrives in Caesarea `{{G2542}}` with Bernice `{{G959}}` [[Acts 25:13]] and expresses a personal interest in hearing `{{G191}}` the man `{{G444}}` himself [[Acts 25:22]]. Festus brings Paul before King **Agrippa**, hoping the king's insight will help clarify the charges so that he might have something to write `{{G1125}}` to Caesar `{{G2541}}` [[Acts 25:26]]. Paul directs his defense to **Agrippa**, permitting him to speak for himself `{{G4572}}` [[Acts 26:1]]. The encounter culminates in **Agrippa** famously remarking, "Almost `{{G3641}}` thou persuadest `{{G3982}}` me to be `{{G1096}}` a Christian `{{G5546}}`" [[Acts 26:28]], and later concluding that Paul could have been set at liberty `{{G630}}` if not for his appeal to Caesar `{{G2541}}` [[Acts 26:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key figures appear alongside **Agrippa** `{{G67}}`, shaping the events of Paul's hearing:
* `{{G5347}}` **Phēstos** (Festus): The Roman governor who seeks King Agrippa's counsel. He commands `{{G2753}}` Paul `{{G3972}}` to be brought forth `{{G71}}` for the hearing [[Acts 25:23]] and confers with Agrippa about the case [[Acts 26:32]].
* `{{G3972}}` **Paûlos** (Paul): The Apostle who answers for himself `{{G626}}` before Agrippa. His defense is the central event, and he directly addresses the king ([[Acts 26:1]], [[Acts 26:28]]).
* `{{G959}}` **Berníkē** (Bernice): A victorious woman who accompanies King Agrippa to Caesarea `{{G2542}}` [[Acts 25:13]] and is present with him during the hearing with great `{{G4183}}` pomp `{{G5325}}` [[Acts 25:23]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{G67}}` **Agrippa** is significant in the progression of Paul's ministry.
* **Royal Judgment:** As a **king** `{{G935}}`, Agrippa represents the highest earthly authority Paul faces in the region. He enters the **place of hearing** `{{G201}}` with **great** `{{G4183}}` **pomp** `{{G5325}}`, setting the stage for a formal and weighty examination [[Acts 25:23]].
* **The Knowledgeable Hearer:** Paul addresses Agrippa as someone who understands the Jewish faith, asking directly, "King **Agrippa**, believest thou `{{G4100}}` the prophets `{{G4396}}`? I know `{{G1492}}` that `{{G3754}}` thou believest `{{G4100}}`" [[Acts 26:27]]. This establishes Agrippa not as an ignorant outsider, but as an informed listener.
* **The Unpersuaded Hearer:** Despite being moved, Agrippa stops short of commitment, telling Paul, "**Almost** `{{G3641}}` thou persuadest `{{G3982}}` me to be `{{G1096}}` a **Christian** `{{G5546}}`" [[Acts 26:28]]. This interaction highlights the gap between hearing the message and being fully persuaded by it.
* **Witness to Innocence:** Ultimately, King **Agrippa** concludes that Paul has done nothing worthy of imprisonment, stating that this **man** `{{G444}}` **might** `{{G1410}}` have been set at liberty `{{G630}}` if he had not appealed unto **Caesar** `{{G2541}}` [[Acts 26:32]]. This verdict vindicates Paul before the authorities, even as it confirms his path to Rome.
### Summary
In summary, **Agrippa** `{{G67}}` is a pivotal figure in the book of Acts, representing more than just a historical king. He is the knowledgeable and powerful ruler before whom Paul makes one of his most detailed defenses. Through his interactions, the narrative highlights the tension between worldly authority and divine purpose. While Agrippa recognizes Paul's innocence [[Acts 26:32]], his most memorable contribution is his statement about being **almost** `{{G3641}}` persuaded to become a **Christian** `{{G5546}}`, serving as a timeless example of a person who comes close to faith but does not fully embrace it.
TRV