Acts 25:13 – “A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.”

Extended Explanation

This verse introduces a new set of characters into Paul’s legal drama—King Agrippa and Bernice. They arrived in Caesarea to visit the newly appointed Roman governor, Festus. This was a formal visit, as it was common for rulers of different territories to meet and establish good relations.

King Agrippa was part of the Herodian dynasty, a family of rulers who had a long history of involvement with the Jewish people and the Roman government. Bernice was his sister, and they often traveled together. Their visit to Festus would set the stage for Paul’s next hearing, where he would present his case before Agrippa in Acts 26.

Though this verse may seem like a simple historical detail, it plays a key role in God’s plan. The arrival of Agrippa would lead to another opportunity for Paul to share the gospel with powerful leaders. Even though Paul was a prisoner, God was still opening doors for him to testify about Jesus.

Historical Context

At this time, the Roman Empire ruled over Judea, and different rulers had various levels of power. Festus was the Roman governor of Judea, responsible for legal and political matters. King Agrippa II, on the other hand, was a Jewish ruler under Roman authority. His family had governed parts of Israel for generations, and he had close ties to both Jewish traditions and Roman officials.

Agrippa’s visit to Festus was likely a diplomatic gesture. Since Festus was new to his position, Agrippa’s presence would help strengthen political relationships. However, God used this visit for a greater purpose—it created another opportunity for Paul to witness about Christ.

Theological Implications

1. God Orchestrates Opportunities – Even though Paul was in prison, God was arranging circumstances so that he could share the gospel with powerful leaders. This reminds us that God can use any situation, even difficult ones, for His purposes.
2. God Places Believers in Strategic Positions – Paul’s case could have remained a small legal matter, but God brought King Agrippa into the picture. This expanded the audience for the gospel. Similarly, God places believers in different places—workplaces, schools, communities—so they can share His truth.
3. Worldly Power Is No Match for God’s Authority – Agrippa was a king, and Festus was a governor, but their power was temporary. Paul, though a prisoner, was serving the eternal King. This reminds us that earthly rulers are ultimately under God’s authority.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, introduces Agrippa and Bernice in a way that builds anticipation. Their arrival is not just a random event—it is a setup for the dramatic encounter in Acts 26, where Paul gives one of his most powerful defenses of the gospel.

The phrase “to pay their respects to Festus” suggests a formal, diplomatic meeting. However, Luke is pointing the reader toward something greater. This visit, intended as a political courtesy, would become a divine appointment for the gospel to be proclaimed.

Luke often highlights how God uses political events for His purposes. Just as Jesus stood before Pilate, and Paul stood before Roman governors, now another powerful leader—Agrippa—was being brought into the story.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:15 – Jesus told Ananias that Paul was His chosen instrument to take the gospel before kings. Agrippa was one of those kings.
• Acts 23:11 – Jesus promised Paul that he would testify in Rome, showing that everything leading up to that moment was part of God’s plan.
• Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Even rulers like Agrippa were under God’s control.
• Matthew 10:18 – Jesus told His disciples that they would be brought before governors and kings for His sake. Paul was living out this prophecy.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes. Even when we feel stuck or powerless, He is arranging circumstances for His greater purpose. Paul was in prison, yet God was bringing influential people into his life so that he could share the gospel with them.

It also challenges us to be ready to share our faith. Paul did not know exactly what would happen when Agrippa arrived, but he was prepared to testify about Jesus when the opportunity came. We should also be prepared to share the gospel whenever God gives us an open door.

Finally, this verse teaches us that earthly power is temporary. Kings, presidents, and world leaders come and go, but God’s kingdom lasts forever. Our hope should not be in political rulers but in the sovereign God who controls history.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He continually provides opportunities for people to hear the truth. King Agrippa was not seeking God, yet God brought Paul into his life so that he could hear the gospel. This reflects God’s love for all people, even those in positions of power.

It also shows that God loves His people enough to use their hardships for good. Paul could have felt abandoned in prison, but instead, he saw how God was using his situation to spread the gospel further. In the same way, when we go through trials, we can trust that God is working for our good.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s experience before Agrippa parallels Jesus’ own experience before rulers like Pilate and Herod:

• Both were falsely accused – Jesus was brought before Pilate by religious leaders, just as Paul was brought before Festus and Agrippa.
• Both used their trials as opportunities to share truth – Jesus testified to Pilate about His kingdom (John 18:36-37), and Paul would soon testify to Agrippa about Jesus (Acts 26).
• Both fulfilled God’s plan through unjust circumstances – Jesus’ trial led to the cross, which brought salvation. Paul’s trials led to Rome, where he would continue preaching the gospel.

Ultimately, Paul was following in Jesus’ footsteps, standing before worldly rulers but speaking for the King of Kings.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever seen God use an unexpected situation to bring about a greater purpose in your life?
2. How does this passage encourage you to trust God when you feel stuck or powerless?
3. What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to share our faith when opportunities arise?
4. How does Paul’s situation remind us that God is in control, even when governments and leaders seem to have the power?
5. Why is it important to remember that God’s kingdom is greater than any earthly power?

This verse reminds us that God is always at work, even when we don’t see it. Like Paul, we can trust that He is guiding our lives, opening doors for us to share the gospel, and using every situation for His glory.