Acts 25:22 – “Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘I would like to hear this man myself.’ He replied, ‘Tomorrow you will hear him.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, King Agrippa expresses interest in hearing Paul’s case for himself. Up to this point, Governor Festus had been explaining to Agrippa the details of Paul’s trial, including how Paul had appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:21). Now, Agrippa—who had knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs—wanted to personally listen to Paul’s defense.

Agrippa’s interest may have been driven by curiosity. He had likely heard about Paul and the message of Jesus, but now he had the opportunity to hear directly from Paul himself. This moment set the stage for one of the most powerful speeches in the book of Acts, where Paul would share his testimony before Agrippa and Festus (Acts 26).

Festus, perhaps eager to entertain Agrippa and further delay making a decision, quickly agreed to arrange a hearing the next day. What Festus saw as just another political meeting, however, was actually a divine appointment. God was giving Paul another opportunity to testify about Christ before rulers.

Historical Context

King Agrippa II was the last of the Herodian rulers. He was the great-grandson of Herod the Great, the same ruler who had tried to kill baby Jesus (Matthew 2:16). His father, Herod Agrippa I, had persecuted the early church and killed the apostle James (Acts 12:1-2). However, unlike his father, Agrippa II was not directly ruling over Judea; he was more of a political figurehead, respected for his knowledge of Jewish traditions.

Festus had only recently taken over as governor and was struggling to handle Paul’s case. Agrippa’s visit to Caesarea was a political courtesy, but it gave Festus an opportunity to seek advice. Because Agrippa was familiar with Jewish religious matters, Festus hoped he could provide insight into Paul’s case.

Agrippa’s request to hear Paul was not a formal legal trial but more of an official inquiry. Yet, in God’s providence, it would become a powerful moment where the gospel was proclaimed to those in power.

Theological Implications

1. God Creates Opportunities for the Gospel – Agrippa may have thought he was just satisfying his curiosity, but God was setting the stage for him to hear the truth. This reminds us that God often arranges situations so that people can hear about Jesus, even in unexpected ways.
2. The Gospel Reaches All Levels of Society – Paul had shared the gospel with Jews, Gentiles, Roman soldiers, and now a king. This shows that the message of Jesus is for everyone, from the lowest to the highest in society.
3. Curiosity Can Lead to Conviction – Agrippa’s desire to hear Paul shows that sometimes people are drawn to the gospel out of curiosity. While not everyone responds with faith, hearing the truth is an essential step in God’s work in their lives.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, builds suspense in this passage. The reader can sense that something important is about to happen. The simple statement, “I would like to hear this man myself,” foreshadows the dramatic speech that Paul will soon give.

Luke also contrasts Agrippa’s curiosity with Festus’ political motives. Agrippa seems genuinely interested in hearing Paul, while Festus seems more concerned with pleasing his guest. This adds to the tension—how will Agrippa respond to the gospel when he hears Paul speak?

The phrase “Tomorrow you will hear him” sets the stage for the next major event in Acts. It serves as a transition, preparing the reader for Paul’s testimony in the next chapter.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:15 – Jesus said that Paul was His chosen instrument to proclaim His name before kings and rulers. Agrippa was one of those rulers.
• Acts 23:11 – Jesus told Paul he would testify in Rome, showing that every step in this journey was leading toward that mission.
• Luke 21:12-13 – Jesus warned His disciples that they would be brought before kings and governors as witnesses for Him.
• 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 – “Not many wise by human standards, not many influential, not many of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” Paul, a prisoner, was about to speak before royalty.
• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Agrippa’s opportunity to hear Paul was an opportunity to hear the truth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes to bring people into contact with the truth. Agrippa thought he was just satisfying his curiosity, but he was actually stepping into a moment that God had arranged. In the same way, God places people in our lives so that they can hear the message of Jesus through us.

It also teaches us that the gospel is for everyone. Sometimes we think that certain people—especially those in positions of power—will never be interested in hearing about Jesus. But Agrippa’s request to hear Paul reminds us that even kings and rulers need to hear the good news.

Additionally, this verse encourages us to be ready to share our faith at any time. Paul did not know he would be speaking to Agrippa that day, but he was prepared. As Christians, we should always be ready to explain the hope that we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He gives opportunities for people to hear the gospel. Even though Agrippa was part of a corrupt political system, God still gave him the chance to hear the truth. This reflects God’s desire that “none should perish, but all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

God’s love is also seen in how He gives His people opportunities to share His message. Paul, despite being a prisoner, was given a platform to speak before a king. This shows that God can use any situation—even suffering—for His greater purpose.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s experience before Agrippa mirrors Jesus’ own trial before Herod and Pilate:

• Both stood before political leaders – Jesus was brought before King Herod (Luke 23:8-11), and Paul stood before King Agrippa.
• Both leaders were curious but not committed – Herod wanted to see Jesus perform miracles, and Agrippa wanted to hear Paul speak, but neither of them truly sought the truth.
• Both used their trials as opportunities to testify – Jesus remained faithful before Pilate and Herod, and Paul would soon boldly proclaim Christ before Agrippa.

Ultimately, Paul was following in the footsteps of Christ, using every opportunity—no matter how unexpected—to share the message of salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Agrippa’s curiosity about Paul’s message teach us about how people come to hear the gospel?
2. Have you ever had an opportunity to share your faith unexpectedly? How did you respond?
3. Why is it important to be ready to share the gospel with anyone, regardless of their status or background?
4. How does this passage encourage us to trust that God is working behind the scenes in people’s lives?
5. What can we learn from Paul’s example about using every situation—even difficult ones—for God’s glory?

This verse reminds us that God is always at work, creating opportunities for people to hear the truth. Like Paul, we should be ready to share the gospel whenever and wherever God gives us the chance. Even in unexpected moments, we can trust that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He intended.