Courtesy visit

King Agrippa and his sister Bernice came to pay a courtesy visit to Festus. It was only natural for Agrippa, a king appointed by Rome, to welcome the new governor upon his arrival.

Let’s take a look at the lineage and background of King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II). (1) His father was Herod Agrippa I. He killed James and attempted to kill Peter but failed (ref. Acts 12). Later, he died in Caesarea after being struck by worms (ref. Acts 12:23). (2) His great-uncle (his father’s uncle) was Herod Antipas. He beheaded John the Baptist (ref. Matt. 14) and also played a role in the trial of Jesus (ref. Luke 23). (3) His great-grandfather was Herod the Great. He ordered the killing of all boys aged two and under in Bethlehem. (4) When his father died, Herod Agrippa II was 17 years old. His sisters, Bernice and Drusilla, were 16 and 6 years old, respectively. (5) He was educated in Rome and was well-regarded by Emperor Claudius. Around the age of 30, he became king of the Galilean region. Among the Herodian dynasty, he had the best reputation (he was also the last ruler of the Herodian dynasty). Let’s take a look at Bernice’s background. (1) Her first marriage was to her uncle, but she was widowed at a young age. (2) After that, she lived with her brother, Agrippa (in a relationship that appeared to be incestuous). (3) Ultimately, she became the wife of General Titus, who later destroyed Jerusalem.

Troubled Festus

“Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea, paying their respects to Festus.” (1) Paul had appealed to Caesar, but Festus had not yet taken any concrete action. In order to send Paul to the Roman court, he needed to write a formal charge. However, since no specific crime could be identified, there was nothing to write. (2) The dispute between Paul and the Jews was ultimately an internal matter of Judaism. Specifically, it was a debate over whether Jesus had risen from the dead. However, this issue did not fit within the framework of Roman law. (3) Confused, Festus brought up Paul’s case and sought Agrippa’s advice. (a) Agrippa was well-versed in Roman law. (b) He was a king appointed by Rome. (c) As a Jew (an Idumean), he was also knowledgeable about Judaism. (d) Additionally, he was the overseer of the Temple and had the authority to appoint the high priest. The conviction of Paul, though a prisoner, remains unshaken. In contrast, the rulers of this world around him are wavering. In Christ, the balance of power has been reversed. The foundation of our lives is in Christ, the solid rock.