Acts 25:13-22 - The Great Commission Agrippa and Festus: The Gospel on Review

Level 1

Royal Audience
The Great Commission Reaches Kings
(Believers)

King Agrippa and Bernice visit Festus in Caesarea, where he shares Paul’s case: There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner... The Jews charged him with crimes deserving death, but I found he had done nothing (Acts 25:13-22). Paul’s appeal to Caesar intrigues Agrippa: I would like to hear this man myself. Festus arranges a hearing. This providential moment opens a royal stage for Paul, advancing The Great Commission to high authorities amid Christianity Accepted and Opposed. Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel will soon resonate in halls of power. Inspirational—God turns prisons into palaces for witness. Relate it: Facing closed doors? Like Paul, trust divine openings. Act today—pray for a chance to share Jesus with an influential person; seize unexpected platforms.

God's Providence
Creates a Platform for the Gospel
(Scholars / Pastors)

Acts 25:13-22 describes the arrival of King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice to greet the new Roman governor, Festus. In a move of political courtesy, Festus presents Paul’s case to Agrippa, a Jew himself, admitting his own confusion over the charges. Festus explains that Paul’s accusers presented serious accusations but couldn’t prove them, and that the dispute was over "their own religion and a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." Agrippa, intrigued, expresses a desire to hear Paul himself. This passage highlights The Great Commission as God's providential hand uses Paul's imprisonment to provide a unique and powerful platform for Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel to kings and high-ranking officials.

Level 2

From Prison to Palace
The Great Commission Gains a King’s Ear
(Believers)

From Prison to Palace – The Great Commission Gains a King’s Ear

Festus, new governor, hosts royalty: A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus (Acts 25:13). Agrippa II—Herod’s great-grandson—rules small territories; Bernice, his sister, adds political flair. Festus presents Paul’s case: There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned (verses 14-15). He recounts trial: I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers... I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome (verses 16-17, 21).

Perplexity shared: But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him (verse 20). Agrippa responds: I would like to hear this man myself. Festus agrees: Tomorrow... you will hear him (verse 22).

This divine opportunity advances The Great Commission, turning imprisonment into a royal platform amid Christianity Accepted and Opposed—opposed by Jewish charges, accepted by Agrippa’s curiosity.

Storytelling captivates: Imagine Caesarea’s hall, Agrippa’s regal entry, Festus’ puzzled report, Agrippa’s intrigued request, hearing set. Relatable: Obscure trials open unexpected doors; seize them.

Actionable: First, share cases openly—explain challenges to authorities. Second, leverage curiosity: Engage interest for gospel. Third, trust providence: God uses rulers for platforms. Fourth, prepare for hearings: Anticipate high audiences. Fifth, advance boldly: Move toward larger stages. Paul’s royal stage beckons; seize yours today!

Level 2: Expanded Insights
(Scholars / Pastors)

Acts 25:13-22 chronicles a pivotal administrative and political development in Paul's journey, which providentially provides a new and powerful platform for The Great Commission. This passage follows Paul’s appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:6-12), which has taken the case out of Festus’s immediate hands.

The narrative opens with a high-profile visit to Caesarea: "Now after some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus." (Acts 25:13).

  • King Agrippa II: He was a Roman-appointed king over a small Jewish territory, known for his close relationship with Rome. As the son of Herod Agrippa I (who executed James, Acts 12), and the great-grandson of Herod the Great, he had significant influence in Jewish affairs.

  • Bernice: His sister, with whom he had a scandalous relationship.

  • Political Courtesy: Their visit is a political courtesy to the new governor, Festus. This meeting, though secular in nature, is providentially used by God to advance The Great Commission.

Festus, who has no clear legal handle on Paul's case, seizes this opportunity to consult Agrippa, a Jewish expert: "And when they had spent many days there, Festus presented Paul's case to the king, saying, 'There is a certain man left as a prisoner by Felix... about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges, asking for a verdict of condemnation against him.'" (Acts 25:14-15). Festus, a Roman with little understanding of Jewish law, is seeking advice from Agrippa on how to proceed with this complex case, as he needs to send an official report to Caesar.

Festus provides a fair summary of the trial thus far: "I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused has met his accusers face to face and has been given an opportunity to make his defense against the charges... But when the accusers stood up, they began bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting, but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." (Acts 25:16-19).

  • Roman Judicial Fairness: Festus’s summary highlights the core principle of Roman law: a man is innocent until proven guilty, and has the right to face his accusers. This principle, an aspect of Christianity Accepted and Opposed from a positive Roman perspective, providentially protects Paul.

  • The Heart of the Matter: Festus, from a Roman perspective, accurately identifies the heart of the dispute as a religious quarrel about "their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." He sees it as a theological squabble, not a criminal matter, which is precisely what Paul had argued. Festus’s reference to the resurrection of Jesus, the core of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, underscores the central point of contention.

Festus then shares his political dilemma: "Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial on these matters. But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar." (Acts 25:20-21). Festus admits his confusion and his politically motivated suggestion to move the trial to Jerusalem (Acts 25:9). Paul's appeal to Caesar has taken the matter out of Festus's hands, and he now has the responsibility of sending a prisoner to the emperor without a clear, written charge.

Agrippa's response is one of intrigued curiosity: "Then Agrippa said to Festus, 'I also would like to hear the man myself.'" (Acts 25:22). This is a crucial moment. Agrippa, a Jew and a man of great influence, has an interest in Paul’s case. This request, an unexpected turn of events, is another providential act that ensures Paul is given a platform to proclaim Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel to a king and his court. This fulfills the Lord’s promise to Paul that he would testify before kings (Acts 9:15), and is a key step towards fulfilling The Great Commission’s mandate.

Level 3

From Chains to Royal Curiosity
The Great Commission Finds a Regal Platform
(Believers)

Festus, fresh in Judea’s governorship, hosts distinguished guests: A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus (Acts 25:13). Agrippa II—last Herodian king, overseeing temple affairs—arrives with Bernice, his sister, whose rumored closeness stirs whispers. Visit diplomatic—new governor merits courtesy.

Festus shares Paul’s dilemma: Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: 'There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner' (verse 14). Context unfolds: When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned (verse 15). Festus resisted: I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges (verse 16).

Trial recounted: When they came here with me, I did not delay. The next day I sat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought in. His accusers got up to speak, but they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive (verses 17-19). Charges—religious, not criminal—center on resurrection, baffling Festus.

Perplexity confessed: I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar (verses 20-21). Appeal to Nero—citizen’s right—complicates, leaving Festus without clear report.

Agrippa intrigued: Then Agrippa said to Festus, 'I would like to hear this man myself.' He replied, 'Tomorrow you will hear him' (verse 22). Hearing set—royal curiosity opens grand stage.

This divine orchestration advances The Great Commission, transforming imprisonment into opportunity before kings, fulfilling Paul’s Rome destiny (Acts 23:11). Christianity Accepted and Opposed—opposed by Jerusalem’s charges, accepted through Agrippa’s interest. Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel implied—resurrection disputes hint at Paul’s message.

Storytelling vivid: Picture Caesarea’s opulent hall, Agrippa’s regal poise, Festus’ puzzled tone, Bernice’s attentive gaze, tomorrow’s hearing planned. Inspirational: Chains lead to thrones; God elevates platforms from prisons.

Relatable: Obscure struggles gain unexpected audiences; like Paul, trust divine openings.

Actionable: First, share transparently—explain cases to influential ears. Second, engage curiosity boldly: Use interest for gospel. Third, clarify disputes: Highlight resurrection truth. Fourth, trust appeals: Higher courts serve purpose. Fifth, seize royal stages: Speak to power. Sixth, prepare expectantly: Anticipate hearings.

Paul’s audience with Agrippa opened empire’s doors; apply to trials—leverage openings. Facing a 'Festus' today? Share boldly; the Commission reaches kings through chains!

From Chains to Royal Curiosity
The Great Commission Finds a Regal Platform
(Believers)

Acts 25:13-22 chronicles a pivotal administrative and political development in Paul's journey to Rome, serving as a powerful demonstration of how The Holy Spirit's Role providentially orchestrates human circumstances to create a platform for The Great Commission. This pericope highlights the political nature of Christianity Accepted and Opposed and sets the stage for Paul's defense before a king, fulfilling a divine prophecy and securing his journey to the heart of the Roman Empire.

I. The Arrival of Agrippa and Festus's Political Dilemma (Acts 25:13-16)

The narrative begins with a high-profile political visit to Caesarea, providing the perfect context for Festus to seek advice on a complicated legal case.

  • A. The High-Ranking Visitors: "Now after some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus." (Acts 25:13). King Herod Agrippa II, the last in the Herodian line, was a Roman-appointed ruler over territories in the north. As a Jew, he had a deep knowledge of Jewish law and customs. Bernice was his sister. Their visit to Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea, was a political courtesy (aspasamenoi - "greeting" or "paying respects"). This meeting, though secular in nature, is providentially used by God to advance The Great Commission.

  • B. Festus's Political Dilemma: "And when they had spent many days there, Festus presented Paul's case to the king, saying, 'There is a certain man left as a prisoner by Felix... about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges, asking for a verdict of condemnation against him.'" (Acts 25:14-15). Festus, a Roman with little understanding of Jewish law, is faced with a political problem. He has a prisoner whose case he does not understand, but whose accusers are powerful and persistent. He needs to send a formal report to Caesar about Paul's appeal, but he lacks a clear charge. He uses Agrippa, a Jewish expert, to help him frame the case. This shows the political nature of Christianity Accepted and Opposed against Paul, and Festus’s attempt to navigate it.

  • C. Roman Judicial Principle (Acts 25:16): Festus's own summary of Roman law is crucial: "I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused has met his accusers face to face and has been given an opportunity to make his defense against the charges." This statement, which Festus is obligated to follow, is a core principle of Roman law and justice. It is an aspect of Christianity Accepted and Opposed that actually serves to protect Paul, providing him with legal safeguards against mob rule and conspiracy.

II. The Heart of the Matter: A Dispute Over a Resurrection (Acts 25:17-19)

Festus, in his summary to Agrippa, unknowingly and concisely identifies the core of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, providing a clear Roman perspective on the conflict.

  • A. Festus's Legal Confusion (Acts 25:17-19): "So when they had come together here, I made no delay, but on the next day I took my seat on the judgment seat and commanded that Paul be brought. When the accusers stood up, they began bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting, but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." Festus’s summary highlights his utter confusion. He expected to hear about criminal activity, but instead, he heard a dispute over "their own religion" (tēs idias deisidaimonias) and "a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." This statement, from a secular Roman perspective, is a beautiful and concise summary of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and the central point of contention. The resurrection, the core of The Great Commission, is the issue that he cannot understand.

  • B. The Resurrection as the Stumbling Block: This highlights the theological heart of Christianity Accepted and Opposed. For the Jews, the idea of a Messiah who was crucified and resurrected was a scandal. For the Romans, a dispute over a "dead man" being "alive" was a ridiculous religious quarrel. Festus, however, has accurately identified the central, non-negotiable truth of the Gospel, which Paul had proclaimed.

III. The Providential Request and Divine Fulfillment (Acts 25:20-22)

Festus's indecision and Agrippa's curiosity create a unique and providential opportunity for Paul.

  • A. Festus’s Indecision (Acts 25:20): "Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial on these matters." Festus admits his confusion and, in a politically motivated move to appease the Jewish leaders, offers to transfer the trial to Jerusalem (a move Paul had just foiled with his appeal to Caesar, Acts 25:9). This demonstrates his indecision and his attempt to shift the burden of judgment.

  • B. Paul’s Appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:21): "But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar." This re-statement of Paul’s appeal is crucial. It reminds the reader that Paul’s journey to Rome is not a random event but a specific, legal action that he has taken.

  • C. Agrippa's Curiosity and God's Providence (Acts 25:22): "Then Agrippa said to Festus, 'I also would like to hear the man myself.'" Agrippa's interest is the turning point of the narrative. As a Jew, he is familiar with the dispute and wants to hear from Paul himself. This request, a seemingly minor and personal whim, is in fact God's providential orchestration, providing a new and powerful platform for Paul to fulfill the Lord’s promise to him: "you must testify in Rome also" (Acts 23:11) and "bear My name before the Gentiles and kings" (Acts 9:15). This moment is a key step towards fulfilling The Great Commission’s mandate and is a powerful instance of The Holy Spirit's Role using human curiosity for divine purpose. This sets the stage for Paul's defense before Agrippa, which will be a climactic moment in the book.

Acts 25:13-22 thus provides a powerful testament to God's providential care for The Great Commission. Festus’s legal confusion and Agrippa’s curiosity, though motivated by human concerns, are divinely orchestrated to provide Paul with a new and powerful platform for Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel to kings and high-ranking officials. This passage is a crucial hinge in Acts, as it transforms Paul's imprisonment into a divinely ordained journey and is a powerful instance of Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT through Paul's final journey and ministry.