Agrippa

 

    Agrippa is אגריפס in Hebrew.  It was a masculine name in Greek.  The Hebrew meaning is uncertain, but could be "wild horse" or "born feet first".  In the BIble it means one who causes great pain at birth.  King Agrippa was born 27 AD and died 100 AD at the age of 73.  He was the last king of Judea.  He also went by Herod II because he was the grandson of Herod the Great.  His son was Agrippa II.  

    Paul was in Caesarea when he was brought before Festus with serious accusations.  Paul represented himself well after denying the accusations.  However, since it was politically rigged, Festus was trying to see how to work the trial to best benefit himself instead of doing what was right.  Paul being who he was, called Festus out on it.  

    Festus did not like having the table turned on him, so he sent Paul to Caesar.  It took a little time to organize.  During that time King Agrippa came with Bernice to visit Festus.  They discussed Paul's cause over the next few days.  Festus of course put the best light on himself.  It kind of backfired because Festus made Paul sound so interesting that Agrippa wanted to meet Paul.

    The next day, Paul was brought before the court to be formally meet Agrippa and Bernice.  Festus reiterated why Paul was being sent to Rome and making himself sound important at the same time.  He flattered Agrippa making out that he had no charges until the king could put them into words.  

    Agrippa was interested in what Paul had to say, so he ordered Paul to defend himself.  Paul laid it out factually and pointed out how Agrippa would understand what was happening.  Festus thought Paul was insane.  Paul defended his sanity by explaining why he was speaking so truthfully.  

    Paul knew Agrippa understood what he was talking about.  Agrippa was determined not to become a Christian and basically told Paul that.  Then He along with the governor and Bernice left to talk about it amongst themselves.  They all agreed that Paul did not deserve the death penalty even if they did not understand him or his faith.  

Acts 25-26