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Act 25:21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded
him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar."
In other words, he is saying “I need help.”
AGRIPPA REQUESTS PAUL TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE HIM (22-27)
After hearing the Paul’s case from Festus, Agrippa requests to hear Paul for himself. Paul is
then brought before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice.
Act 25:22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow,"
he said, "you shall hear him."
This is exactly what Festus wants to hear. Agrippa is pleased to straighten out something Felix
has started.
Act 25:23 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.
And on the morrow (next morning), when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp
(phantasia: glamour, vain show), and was entered into the place of hearing, with chief captains
(high-ranking Roman generals), and principal men (officials) of the city, at Festus’
commandment Paul was brought forth.
Agrippa and Bernice represent the fourth generation of Herods who have rejected the gospel.
They are also the last of the Herodian line.
Herod the Great had rejected the gospel when he slaughtered the children in an effort to get
rid of Jesus shortly after his birth. Herod’s son, Antipas, (named after his grandfather
Antipater), murdered John the Baptist. The third-generation, Herod Agrippa I, had James killed
and Peter thrown into prison. Herod Agrippa II is now presented with an opportunity to accept
the Lord as Paul ministers to Him. However he and Bernice reject Jesus Christ and die,
effectively ending the Herodian line.
When word spread that Agrippa and Bernice were in town and this brilliant man was going to
officiate the law, he drew a crowd of dignitaries from Roman and local government circles. Paul
will now be brought into this very glamorous occasion before the highest of dignitaries to
present his case and the gospel. Paul will hear an introduction to his own case, which will
include hypocrisy. Festus will whitewash the case to protect his own image.
Act 25:24 And Festus said: "King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see
this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and
here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer.

