ACTS 25:13–27
PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA AND THE SEARCH FOR A CHARGE
Text – Acts 25:13–27
13 Some days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
14 Since they were staying there several days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix.
15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.
16 I replied to them that it was not Roman practice to hand over anyone before the accused had faced the accusers and had opportunity to defend himself against the charge.
17 So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.
19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but whom Paul claimed was alive.
20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges.
21 But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.
22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I too would like to hear the man.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”
23 So the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.
24 Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish population petitioned me both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death, and when he appealed to the Emperor I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you, especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this examination I may have something to write.
27 For it seems senseless to me to send up a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”
Historical and Jewish Context
King Agrippa II, a client king under Roman authority, was well-versed in Jewish customs and controversies. Bernice, his sister, often appeared with him in public despite scandal surrounding their relationship. Festus, as a Roman governor, faced the legal obligation to send a clear charge with any prisoner appealed to Caesar. The elaborate public display (“with great pomp”) reflects Roman political culture and contrasts sharply with Paul’s chains. The confusion surrounding the charge highlights how Christianity was still poorly understood by Roman authorities.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the paradox of Christian witness: Paul stands in chains, yet he is the only one who truly understands the heart of the matter—Jesus Christ risen from the dead. Earthly authorities possess power and pageantry but lack clarity about truth. The Resurrection remains the central “problem” for both Jewish and Roman systems, as it challenges all worldly assumptions about power, death, and authority. God places Paul before kings not to be judged, but to bear witness, fulfilling Christ’s promise (Acts 9:15).
Parallels in Scripture
Acts 9:15 – Chosen to testify before kings
Luke 21:12–13 – Witness before rulers
1 Corinthians 1:27 – God’s wisdom confounding the wise
John 18:37 – Christ before Pilate
Psalm 119:46 – Speaking of God’s law before kings
Key Terms
King Agrippa – Jewish authority under Rome
Bernice – Symbol of political power and scandal
Great pomp – Earthly display of authority
Jesus…whom Paul claimed was alive – Core of the Gospel
Appealed to the Emperor – Legal path to Rome
Nothing definite to write – The innocence of Paul
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 25:13–27 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, underscoring that the Resurrection of Jesus is the heart of Christian witness and the source of confusion for those who do not believe.
Conclusion
Acts 25:13–27 exposes the emptiness of worldly power when separated from truth. While rulers search for charges, Paul stands as a free witness to the risen Christ. God uses courts and kings not to silence the Gospel, but to give it a greater stage.
Reflection
Do I measure success by external status or by faithfulness to truth?
Am I ready to witness to the Resurrection even when misunderstood?
How does the risen Christ challenge my assumptions about power and success?
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, You stand at the center of history and judgment. Give me courage to witness to Your Resurrection before all people, humility amid misunderstanding, and confidence that truth will prevail over every human court. Amen.