Paul Before Festus and King Agrippa

Context & Setting

• Main Biblical Reference: Acts 25:1–26:32
• Historical Period: 1st century AD (Roman imperial rule over Judea)
• Geographic Location: Caesarea Maritima (Roman administrative center on the Mediterranean coast)
• Key Characters: Paul, Porcius Festus, King Herod Agrippa II, Bernice, Jewish leaders/accusers

The Narrative

The Beginning:
After Festus succeeds Felix as governor, Jewish leaders press charges against Paul and request a transfer to Jerusalem. Paul denies wrongdoing and insists he has not violated Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar. Facing pressure and seeking a fair hearing, Paul appeals to Caesar, which Festus grants.

The Middle:
King Agrippa II and Bernice arrive in Caesarea, and Festus consults Agrippa because he must send Paul to Rome but lacks clear charges to report. Agrippa agrees to hear Paul, and Paul speaks respectfully, describing his former zeal as a Pharisee and the common Jewish hope in God’s promised resurrection. He recounts his encounter with the risen Jesus and his commission to preach repentance and faith, explaining that his message fulfills what “Moses and the Prophets” foretold.

The End:
Festus interrupts, accusing Paul of madness, but Paul insists he is speaking “true and rational words,” and Agrippa recognizes the public nature of these events. Paul expresses his desire that all who hear him might become believers—“except for these chains.” After conferring, Festus and Agrippa conclude Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment, yet because Paul appealed to Caesar, he must be sent to Rome.

Theological Meaning

This episode highlights God’s sovereign guidance of the gospel’s advance through legal and political channels, even amid unjust accusations. Paul’s defense centers on the resurrection—presented not as a novelty but as the fulfillment of Israel’s Scriptures—showing continuity between God’s promises and the proclamation of Jesus as the risen Messiah. The narrative also portrays Christian witness as both public and accountable: the message is offered openly before rulers, inviting repentance and faith while affirming that God’s purposes are not halted by human courts.

Historical & Cultural Insight

Caesarea Maritima functioned as the Roman administrative headquarters of Judea, with a governor’s residence and formal hearing spaces suited to public proceedings. Archaeological work at Caesarea has confirmed its role as a major Romanized port city and governmental center, fitting Acts’ depiction of official hearings and high-ranking visitors in a provincial setting.

Key Memory Verse

“This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” — Acts 26:31