Acts 25:23 kjv
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
Acts 25:23 nkjv
So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought in.
Acts 25:23 niv
The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
Acts 25:23 esv
So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
Acts 25:23 nlt
So the next day Agrippa and Bernice arrived at the auditorium with great pomp, accompanied by military officers and prominent men of the city. Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.
Acts 25 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 2:4 | The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. | God's derision of worldly rulers. |
| Ps 75:6-7 | For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west... God is the judge: He puts down one, and sets up another. | Divine sovereignty over human status. |
| Prov 21:1 | The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it whithersoever He will. | God directs the hearts of rulers. |
| Dan 4:30 | "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built... by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" | Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his worldly kingdom. |
| Mk 10:42-45 | "You know that those who are considered rulers... lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you." | Contrast of Gentile rulers' pomp with Christian service. |
| Lk 12:16-21 | The parable of the rich fool, whose worldly possessions perish. | The transient nature of earthly wealth and glory. |
| Lk 16:19-31 | The rich man in purple and fine linen contrasted with Lazarus. | Worldly splendor is fleeting, spiritual status is eternal. |
| 1 Cor 1:26-29 | For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise... not many mighty, not many noble, are called... | God chooses the weak and lowly to shame the strong. |
| 1 Cor 2:6-8 | Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing. | Worldly rulers and their wisdom are fading. |
| 2 Cor 12:9-10 | My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness... For when I am weak, then I am strong. | Paul's embrace of weakness contrasting earthly strength. |
| Eph 6:19-20 | And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. | Paul's purpose, even as a prisoner, is to proclaim truth. |
| Phil 1:12-14 | What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. | Paul's imprisonment used by God for gospel advancement. |
| Col 2:8 | See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world. | Avoidance of empty human shows and philosophies. |
| 1 Tim 2:1-2 | I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers... be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority. | Believers are to pray for those in power. |
| 1 Pet 4:14-16 | If you are insulted because of the name of Christ... if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed... | Suffering for Christ is honorable, not a disgrace. |
| Acts 9:15 | Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. | God's foretelling of Paul's mission before kings. |
| Acts 26:1 | Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." | Agrippa granting Paul an opportunity to speak. |
| Judg 16:23-25 | The Philistine rulers gathered to offer a great sacrifice... to gloat over Samson. | Pagan rulers celebrating their apparent triumph. |
| Ps 107:40 | He pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in a trackless waste. | God's power over rulers and their pride. |
| Mt 10:18 | And you will be brought before governors and kings for My name’s sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. | Jesus' prophecy about His disciples testifying before authorities. |
| Rev 18:7-8 | To the degree that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, inflict on her the same torment... In one day her plagues will overtake her. | The fall of Babylon's arrogant, worldly glory. |
Acts 25 verses
Acts 25 23 Meaning
Acts 25:23 describes the theatrical arrival of King Agrippa II and Bernice, accompanied by Roman commanders and prominent local figures, for the hearing of Paul's case. It vividly portrays a scene of earthly power, prestige, and ostentation gathered in the audience hall at Caesarea, where the simple, humble prisoner Paul is subsequently presented by Governor Festus's command. The verse sets the stage for Paul's defense, starkly contrasting the fleeting pomp of worldly authority with the steadfastness of Paul's faith and the power of the Gospel he represents.
Acts 25 23 Context
Acts 25:23 marks a significant moment in Paul's journey to Rome. Following his appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11-12), Governor Festus found himself in a quandary: he needed to send Paul to the emperor but lacked a clear, concrete charge against him that would make sense in a Roman court. Fortuitously, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice arrived in Caesarea, likely on a courtesy visit to the new procurator. Festus, seizing the opportunity, recounted Paul's case to Agrippa, knowing Agrippa's familiarity with Jewish customs and legal disputes. Agrippa expressed a desire to hear Paul himself (Acts 25:22). This verse describes the ceremonial arrangement of that audience, not a formal trial, but an informal hearing intended to help Festus frame the charges. It precedes Paul's powerful defense before these powerful Roman and Herodian figures, fulfilling prophecy that he would bear witness before kings.
Acts 25 23 Word analysis
- So: (οὖν - oun) Connects this event directly to Agrippa's expressed desire to hear Paul (Acts 25:22). It implies a consequential flow of events.
- on the next day: (τῇ ἐπαύριον - tē epaurion) Indicates the immediate following day, emphasizing the promptness with which Agrippa's curiosity and Festus's need for advice were addressed.
- Agrippa: (Ἀγρίππας - Agrippas) Herod Agrippa II, the son of the Agrippa I mentioned in Acts 12. He was a Roman client king, ruling territories northeast of Galilee. As a Herodian, he was a nominal Jew with an understanding of Jewish law and customs, which is why Festus sought his counsel.
- and Bernice: (καὶ Βερνίκη - kai Bernikē) Bernice was Agrippa's sister, and they had a well-known, scandalous, incestuous relationship (which was not uncommon among the Herods or some Roman elite). Her presence, alongside Agrippa, adds a dimension of moral ambiguity and political maneuvering to the grand display.
- came with great pomp: (μετὰ πολλῆς φαντασίας - meta pollēs phantasias)
- great (πολλῆς - pollēs): Signifies an abundance or magnitude.
- pomp (φαντασίας - phantasias): This key word means "a splendid show," "display," "parade," or "ostentation." It implies a visible, impressive, and often theatrical demonstration of status, power, and authority designed to awe spectators. It could even carry a subtle connotation of empty show or mere outward appearance.
- and entered: (καὶ εἰσῆλθον - kai eisēlthon) They made their entrance, a formal and significant procession into the assembly.
- the audience hall: (εἰς τὸ ἀκροατήριον - eis to akroatērion) The place of hearing or receiving audience. In Roman contexts, this would be a public building, possibly a part of the procurator's praetorium, large enough to accommodate many people for official proceedings.
- with the commanders: (σὺν τοῖς χιλιάρχοις - syn tois chiliarchois) Roman military tribunes, senior officers commanding approximately 1,000 men. Their presence indicates Roman military might and the official nature of the gathering.
- and the prominent men of the city: (καὶ τοῖς κατ' ἐξοχὴν ἀνδράσιν τῆς πόλεως - kai tois kat' exochēn andrasin tēs poleōs) "Prominent" (κατ' ἐξοχὴν - kat' exochēn) signifies leading, principal, or foremost citizens, the elite and influential figures of Caesarea, possibly including members of the Jewish council or local gentry. Their presence further validates the solemnity and importance of the event from a human perspective.
- And at Festus’s command: (καὶ κελεύσαντος τοῦ Φήστου - kai keleusantos tou Phēstou) Festus, as the Roman procurator, maintained ultimate authority over the proceedings and the prisoner. He dictated the timing for Paul's appearance.
- Paul was brought in: (ἤχθη ὁ Παῦλος - ēchthē ho Paulos) A passive verb emphasizing Paul's lack of agency in the entry. He was not processing with pomp, but was brought in, as a prisoner, contrasting sharply with the grand entrance of the rulers.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp": This phrase highlights the intentional display of wealth, power, and social standing by the Herodian rulers, making the scene a public spectacle designed to impress. The term "pomp" often denotes superficiality.
- "entered the audience hall with the commanders and the prominent men of the city": This indicates a full assembly of political, military, and civil leadership. It signifies a gathering of significant worldly authority, all eyes set on the upcoming proceedings.
- "And at Festus’s command, Paul was brought in": This final clause provides a sharp contrast. The preceding grandeur quickly fades as the focus shifts to Paul, a lone prisoner, subject to the command of the Roman governor. This juxtaposition sets the stage for a dramatic encounter between worldly power and the humble vessel of divine truth.
Acts 25 23 Bonus section
This assembly in Acts 25:23 represents one of several fulfilments of Jesus' prophecy in Mt 10:18, where His followers would be "brought before governors and kings for My name's sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles." Paul’s appearance before Agrippa and Festus was not merely a legal proceeding but a divinely appointed evangelistic opportunity. The sheer number and status of the audience highlight the broad reach God intended for Paul's message. It's a testament to God's sovereign control that even a prisoner’s appeal, intended for personal safety, became a platform for advancing the Gospel to the highest echelons of Roman and Jewish society. The details of the "pomp" could also hint at a Hellenistic cultural practice where public spectacle was common, often used by Roman officials and client kings to solidify their power and impress their subjects. This makes the simplicity of Paul's entry even more poignant.
Acts 25 23 Commentary
Acts 25:23 presents a powerful visual contrast, showcasing the superficial glory of earthly power against the humble presence of a prisoner for Christ. The elaborate display orchestrated by Festus for Agrippa, Bernice, the chiliarchs, and prominent citizens underscores human attempts to project authority and importance. This gathering, steeped in phantasia, or outward show, ironically precedes Paul's testimony, where true spiritual authority will be on display. Paul, entering without any pomp, stands as a stark testament to the kingdom of God, which is "not of this world" (Jn 18:36), relying on God's strength, not human spectacle (1 Cor 2:1-5). The rulers' political and social calculations set the stage, but it is Paul's unwavering faith that will truly make a lasting impact. This scene ultimately serves as an arena for the Gospel to be proclaimed before an audience that needed to hear it most – those in power.