Who Was King Agrippa in The Bible?
Do you know why Agrippa wanted to marry his sister?
Agrippa actually used a lot of tactics in political matters and to strengthen his position in politics he wanted to marry his sister Berenice because his sister had a very good position in politics. So Agrippa tried to marry Berenice to strengthen his political position.
Introduction
King Agrippa was the Roman king who oversaw the affairs of Judea and the surrounding areas. He was the last ruler of his family Herod. He used to solve religious problems along with political problems. King Agrippa II took an interest in Paul’s case and defended his faith. Paul defended Jesus before King Agrippa and Paul’s trial made King Agrippa interested in Christianity.
Verse
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (Acts 26:1-3)
Reign of King Agrippa
King Agrippa II became the ruler after the death of his father Herod Agrippa I. He had very good relations with Rome. He was very interested in the Jewish religion and often saw its affairs. During his reign, King Agrippa II was tolerant towards the Jews and understood their traditions. Being a prominent figure in Rome, Paul‘s case was brought before him.
Verse
“A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.” (Acts 25:13)
Case of Paul
Paul was the messenger of God and he brought the message of Christianity to the people. After Jesus, his teachings were spread by Paul and the rest of the apostles. When Paul was teaching the people, he was captured by the Jewish leaders because The Jewish leaders feared that the spread of Christianity would destroy the name of Judaism. Therefore, the Jewish leaders made many different accusations against him so that he would be kept in prison and unable to preach. Therefore, Paul’s case was brought before the ruler of Rome. Then later, the ruler of Rome met with King Agrippa. So he told him about Paul. In this way, Paul’s case came before King Agrippa. King Agrippa listened and understood his case very carefully. Paul also told everyone that first he was a Jew and then later Jesus gave teachings from which he accepted the religion of Christianity.
Verse
“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.” (Acts 26:4-6)
Reaction of King Agrippa
Paul was summoned to Jerusalem by the Jewish leaders to be killed on the way, but Paul pleaded with the Roman ruler Festus that he was a Roman citizen and had the right to petition Caesar. For this reason he did not go to Jerusalem and then the Festus met King Agrippa and King Agrippa listened to his case. He listened to Paul’s case with great interest and he also said that your words are very interesting. If I listen to him anymore, I might even become a Christian. But Agrippa did not convert to Christianity, but he was greatly influenced by Paul.
Verse
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.” (Acts 26:28-29)
Verse
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” 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.” (Acts 25:22-23)
Defense of Paul
Paul defended his religion of Christianity before the Roman ruler and King Agrippa and explained to them why he was bringing the teachings of Christianity to the people. After that there was a positive impact in his case. Once Paul was in Damascus, Jesus stopped him. This incident made Paul’s faith even stronger. Because of this, he assumed that no matter how many difficulties he faced, he would always bring the message of Christianity to the people and will continue to preach the word of God.
Verse
“On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. (Acts 26:12-15)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Paul‘s presentation of his case to Agrippa shows that even those in high positions can understand, just as Agrippa did. It is a different matter that he did not accept Christianity, but Paul’s words forced him to think. While defending his religion, Paul also preached it, which forced Agrippa to think once.
Verse
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 26:31-32)
