MPV Commentary

Herod Agrippa II ON A Visit to Festus, Being Consulted by Him on Paul's Case, Desires to Hear the Apostle, Who Is Accordingly Brought Forth.

King Agrippa II was a great-grandson of Herod the Great and Drusilla's brother (see Acts 24:24). After his father's tragic death (Acts 12:23), Judea was attached to the province of Syria. Four years later, on the death of his uncle Herod, he became king of the northern principalities of Chalcis and eventually gained control over Batanea, Iturea, Trachonitis, Abilene, Galilee, and Perea with the title of king. He reigned for 51 years until his death around A.D. 100.

Agrippa II came to Cæsarea to pay his respects to Festus on his accession as procurator. His sister Bernice accompanied him, and there were suspicions about their relationship due to her previous marriage to their uncle Herod of Chalcis and her subsequent licentious lifestyle.

Festus took advantage of Agrippa's presence to discuss Paul's case after several days had passed. He declared that he would deliver any man to death if they were guilty of crimes punishable by civil law, as Festus suspected.

However, Festus was uncertain about how to handle the charges against Paul, which involved questions related to their own Jewish superstition or religion (see Acts 17:22). Festus referred to Jesus as "one Jesus" and acknowledged that Paul had been affirming His resurrection. This shows that the significance of Jesus' resurrection was a central part of Paul's defense.

Festus expressed his doubts about how to deal with such matters, saying he would like to hear more from Agrippa about them. He also mentioned that he wanted to refer the case to Augustus for further consideration.

When Agrippa arrived in Cæsarea with Bernice and a large entourage of chief captains, principal men of the city, and other dignitaries, Festus asked him if he would like to hear Paul's case. This was a significant moment, as it marked one of the most influential audiences Paul had yet addressed.

Agrippa replied that he had no definite information about Paul's case to write to Emperor Nero.