Acts 25:13 kjv
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
Acts 25:13 nkjv
And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
Acts 25:13 niv
A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
Acts 25:13 esv
Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
Acts 25:13 nlt
A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus.
Acts 25 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 25:1 | Festus went to the province. | Acts 24:27 (Paul's imprisonment extended) |
| Acts 25:2 | Chief priests and Jewish leaders informed Festus about Paul. | Acts 25:15 (Jewish leaders accuse Paul to Festus) |
| Acts 25:3 | They asked Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem for trial. | Acts 25:9 (Paul's appeal to Caesar) |
| Acts 25:4 | Festus replied that Paul would be held in Caesarea. | Luke 1:5 (Context of Herod's reign) |
| Acts 25:5 | Those who could, should accuse Paul. | Deut 19:17 (Two or three witnesses) |
| Acts 25:6 | Festus stayed more than eight or ten days. | Acts 18:18 (Paul's journeys) |
| Acts 25:7 | Paul arrived and stood before them. | Acts 24:19 (Paul defends himself before Felix) |
| Acts 25:8 | Paul stated he had done nothing wrong against the law, temple, or Caesar. | Acts 25:11 (Paul's defense) |
| Acts 25:9 | Festus wanted to please the Jews and asked Paul if he wanted to go to Jerusalem. | John 19:12 (Pilate seeking to please the Jews) |
| Acts 25:10 | Paul said he was standing at Caesar's judgment seat. | Acts 28:19 (Paul speaks of his appeal to Caesar) |
| Acts 25:11 | If Paul was guilty, he would not refuse to die. If not, no one could hand him over. Paul appealed to Caesar. | Acts 26:32 (Agrippa acknowledges Paul's appeal) |
| Acts 25:12 | Festus conferred with his council and decided to send Paul to Rome. | 2 Tim 4:16 (Paul's first defense) |
| Acts 12:1 | Herod the king persecuted the church. | Luke 23:7 (Herod Antipas) |
| Acts 13:1 | Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod. | Acts 21:1 (Agrippa's connection to Jewish royalty) |
| Acts 18:21 | Paul planned to stay longer but departed for Ephesus. | Acts 20:16 (Paul's desire to reach Pentecost) |
| Acts 19:31 | Certain officials asked Paul not to go into the theater. | John 18:36 (Jesus' kingdom is not of this world) |
| Acts 26:28 | Agrippa replied, "Do you think that you can persuade me to be a Christian so quickly?" | Acts 26:1-32 (Paul's defense before Agrippa) |
| Rom 1:9 | Paul mentions him often in his prayers. | Romans 1:8 (Paul's gratitude) |
| 1 Cor 10:32 | Do not cause anyone to stumble. | Prov 4:27 (Keep straight paths) |
| Phil 1:7 | It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart. | Phil 1:27 (Conduct worthy of the gospel) |
| Gal 1:4 | Who gave himself for our sins. | Titus 2:14 (Redemption from all wickedness) |
| 1 Thess 1:2 | We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers. | Col 1:3 (Thankfulness for the believers) |
Acts 25 verses
Acts 25 13 Meaning
This verse describes a significant event in Paul's trial, highlighting the tension between Roman administration and Jewish opposition. King Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus, the Roman governor. This visit provides an opportune moment for Festus to involve the king in the matter of Paul's appeal. The phrase "by course" suggests a regular or customary visit, underscoring the political realities and diplomatic courtesies of the time.
Acts 25 13 Context
Following his arrest in Jerusalem and his subsequent trial before Felix, Paul's situation remains unresolved. Festus, the new Roman governor, has recently taken office. The Jewish leaders, persistent in their desire to see Paul prosecuted, have traveled to Caesarea to press their charges. This chapter marks a new phase in Paul's appeal to Caesar. The arrival of King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice in Caesarea presents Festus with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of Paul's case, especially given Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish customs and law. The kings' visit is primarily one of diplomatic courtesy, paying their respects to the new Roman governor, but it swiftly becomes intertwined with the ongoing legal proceedings involving Paul.
Acts 25 13 Word Analysis
- δε (de): And/But. A common conjunction, here introducing the event of Agrippa and Bernice's arrival, linking it to the previous narrative.
- οὖν (oun): Therefore/Then. Indicating a logical consequence or sequence of events. Festus, having heard the accusations, now acts on the situation.
- αὐτοῦ (autou): of him. Refers to Paul.
- βασιλεὺς (basileus): king. Refers to Herod Agrippa II.
- Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas): Agrippa. The name of the Jewish client king.
- καὶ (kai): and. Connects Agrippa with Bernice.
- Βερνίκη (Bernikē): Bernice. Agrippa's sister.
- ᾠκονομήσαντο (oikonomēsanto): They arrived/journeyed. A perfect tense verb from οἰκονομέω (oikronomeō), meaning to manage or arrange. Here it implies they journeyed or made arrangements to visit.
- εἰς (eis): into/to. Indicates direction.
- Καισάρειαν (Kaisareian): Caesarea. The Roman administrative capital of Judea.
- τῇ (tē): the. Feminine definite article, agreeing with Καισαρείᾳ.
- εὐχῇ (euchē): prayer/vow. In some contexts, this can mean prayer, but here it more likely refers to the purpose or as part of their religious observances or customary visit of paying respects, which can be seen as a kind of fulfillment of duty. Scholars suggest it might be better rendered as 'vow' or 'religious observance' indicating they came for formal greetings or acknowledgments.
- εἰς (eis): unto. Indicates the destination of the observance.
- προσκυνήσουσιν (proskunēsousin): to worship. A future tense verb from προσκυνέω (proskuneō), meaning to do obeisance, to worship, to pay homage. In this context, it refers to paying respects or making a formal visit which had religious undertones due to their Jewish heritage, though primarily political in nature here.
Acts 25 13 Bonus Section
The specific phrase "καὶ εὐχῇ εἰς προσκυνήσουσιν" is particularly interesting. While typically translated as "to pay their respects," the word "εὐχῇ" (vow) combined with "προσκυνήσουσιν" (to worship) suggests more than a casual visit. It points to a customary religious duty or an official, solemn observance performed by the royal guests to acknowledge the new Roman administration, perhaps blending civic duty with an outward display of adherence to traditional practices. This detail underscores the complex political and religious landscape of the Roman Empire, where local customs and Roman rule often intersected in elaborate ways. King Agrippa II was the last of the Herodians and had significant authority over Jewish religious appointments, making his presence relevant to a case involving Jewish law and a Jewish apostate in Roman eyes.
Acts 25 13 Commentary
The arrival of King Agrippa and Bernice is not merely a scene-setting detail; it’s a pivotal moment. Festus, the new Roman governor, astute enough to recognize his own limitations in understanding the nuances of Jewish religious law, seizes the opportunity presented by the king's visit. Agrippa II was known for his intellectualism and deep knowledge of Jewish traditions and history. By presenting Paul's case to Agrippa, Festus is seeking not just a legal opinion but a culturally informed assessment. This highlights the interplay of Roman authority and local Jewish influence in the province. Paul, facing a new governor and still appealing to Caesar, finds himself before a Jewish royal audience, adding another layer to his ongoing defense and witness.