“A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 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…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.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭13‬-‭14‬, ‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…and so the debate continued. What to do with Paul? From the Roman commander in Jerusalem to Felix in Caesarea…to Festus…finally to Herod Agippa, the highest court of appeal in Israel. 

“Who was Agrippa?

Herod Agrippa II was the last king of the Herodian dynasty, holding power over parts of Galilee and the north. He was known for his intimate knowledge of Jewish customs and his incestuous relationship with his sister, Bernice…

“Impact on Paul

This event highlights Paul’s conviction to preach to authorities, turning his trial into a testimony, and it marks a turning point where he is officially seen as innocent by local authorities but must continue to Rome because of his appeal.” (Source: Google AI)

Once again, we see the hand of God in Paul’s circumstances. Paul’s appeal to Caesar came before Agripps’s visit…a decision that was providentially caste in stone. Not even Agrippa, who considered Paul innocent of the charges, and would have released him had he not already appealed to Caesar, could change the decision.

God had decreed that Paul was to go to Rome. He had spoken His  promise to Paul…and Paul had believed and stood on that promise. Agrippa’s intervention came too late. 

Was it not part of God’s assignment for Paul to give testimony before kings? Years before, at the start of his new life in Christ, his commission included this instruction…

“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, Rome included the man with the highest office and the greatest power in the Roman Empire, the Caesar, Nero himself…and Paul was to be transported there and kept safe from attack under Roman guard. 

Festus had alreast decided that Paul was not guilty of these religious charges but Paul had appealed to Caesar. Now Festus needed to produce a credible reason for sending Paul to Rome. How convenient that he could pass the buck to Agrippa!

“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…

“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.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭23‬, ‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:…”

Once again, Paul, who never tired of telling his story, related to Agrippa and his entourage the miracle of his conversion, his calling, and his commitment to obedience to Jesus, concluding with this personal appeal…

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“…Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” 

The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬, ‭22‬-‭23‬, ‭28‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬

What do you feel when you read these words? “If only…?” Oh, if only Agrippa had been there before Paul had appealed to Caesar. Paul could have been set free. He could have been saved from all the suffering he had to endure on his way to Rome…the long sea voyage…the violent storm…the shipwreck…the months on the island of Malta… Surely God could have got him to Rome in a far safer and easier way? 

No, God was still working in His “all things” for Paul’s good. Stand back and consider all the details. God was indeed “within the shadow, keeping watch above His own”, to quote an ancient hymn, “Once to every man and nation”

4 “Though the cause of evil prosper,

yet the truth alone is strong;

though her portion be the scaffold,

and upon the throne be wrong;

yet that scaffold sways the future,

and, behind the dim unknown,

standeth God within the shadow

keeping watch above His own. 

Author: James Russell Lowell

(Source: hymnary.org)

God had decreed that Paul was to go to Rome this way…and to Rome he would go…once again armed with the experiences of sovereign grace surrounding, protecting, providing…throughout the tedious years between his arrest and his eventual arrival in Rome. 

To be continued