Paul Before King Agrippa Acts 25:22 – 32 JSS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA

After Paul’s trial before Governor Festus, where he appealed to be judged by Caesar, a new opportunity arose for Paul to share his faith. This lesson explores Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa, a significant event that happened before Paul’s journey to Rome. This story shows us how God can use difficult situations to spread His message.

Background: The Appeal to Caesar

Paul had been kept in prison for over two years. When brought before the new governor, Festus, Paul faced many false accusations from Jewish leaders. Seeing that he might not get a fair trial, Paul used his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. Festus had no choice but to agree, saying:

“You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you will go.”

This meant Paul would be sent to Rome to stand trial before Emperor Nero himself.

King Agrippa’s Visit to Caesarea

While arrangements were being made to send Paul to Rome, an important visitor arrived in Caesarea:

• King Agrippa II – He was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and the son of Herod Agrippa I (who had killed James, the apostle). The Romans had appointed him as king over certain Jewish territories.
• Bernice – She was King Agrippa’s sister who often appeared with him at public events. Some historians incorrectly called her his wife, but she was actually his sister.

They came to Caesarea Maritima (the Roman capital of Judea) to pay a formal visit to Festus, who had recently become governor. Such visits were important to maintain good relationships between local rulers and Roman officials.

Festus Discusses Paul’s Case

Governor Festus had a problem. He needed to send Paul to Rome with a letter explaining the charges against him, but he wasn’t sure what to write. The accusations from the Jewish leaders were about religious matters that Roman courts might not understand.

Festus explained the situation to King Agrippa:

“Felix left this man in prison. When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and Jewish leaders made serious accusations against him and asked me to condemn him. I told them that Romans do not hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and had a chance to defend themselves.”

Festus continued: “When his accusers stood up, they did not charge him with any crimes I expected. Instead, they had disagreements with him about their own religion and about someone called Jesus who had died but whom Paul claimed was alive.”

King Agrippa, being familiar with Jewish customs and religious matters, became very interested in Paul’s case and said:

“I would like to hear this man myself.”

Festus replied: “Tomorrow you shall hear him.”

The Grand Assembly

The next day, Festus arranged a grand assembly in the audience hall of the governor’s palace:

• King Agrippa and Bernice entered with great ceremony, wearing royal robes and crowns
• High-ranking military officers attended
• Leading citizens of Caesarea were present
• Governor Festus presided over the gathering

This was not an official trial but rather a formal hearing to help Festus determine what to write to Emperor Nero about Paul’s case.

Paul was brought in, still wearing chains as a prisoner. Despite his chains, Paul stood confidently before this gathering of powerful people.

Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa

Festus introduced the case, and then King Agrippa invited Paul to speak: “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

Paul stretched out his hand (a common gesture when beginning a formal speech) and began his defense:

1. His Jewish Background
   1. He was born and raised as a strict Jew
   2. He belonged to the Pharisee group, the strictest group of Jews
   3. He had received the best education under Gamaliel, a famous Jewish teacher
   4. He had been very dedicated to following Jewish laws and traditions
2. His Past as a Persecutor
   1. He once strongly opposed the followers of Jesus
   2. He put many Christians in prison
   3. He voted for their death when they were condemned
   4. He forced them to speak against Jesus
   5. He pursued them even to foreign cities
3. His Encounter with Jesus
   1. On the road to Damascus, a bright light from heaven surrounded him
   2. He heard Jesus speaking to him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
   3. Jesus identified himself and gave Paul a mission
   4. This experience completely changed his life
4. His New Mission
   1. Jesus appointed him to tell both Jews and non-Jews about salvation
   2. He was to help people turn from darkness to light
   3. He was to share how people could receive forgiveness through faith in Jesus
5. His Obedience to the Vision
   1. He began preaching immediately
   2. He told people they should repent and turn to God
   3. This was why the Jews seized him in the temple and tried to kill him
6. His Current Situation
   1. He was only teaching what Moses and the prophets had said would happen
   2. He was being persecuted for preaching about the resurrection of the dead
   3. Everything he was teaching was actually in line with true Jewish beliefs

King Agrippa’s Reaction

As Paul spoke about Jesus rising from the dead, Festus interrupted loudly:

“Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

But Paul calmly replied:

“I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable.”

Then Paul turned directly to King Agrippa and said:

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

This put Agrippa in an uncomfortable position. If he said yes, it would mean Paul’s arguments were valid. If he said no, he would appear unfaithful to the Jewish beliefs he claimed to represent.

Instead, King Agrippa responded:

“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to become a Christian?”

Paul’s reply showed his deep conviction and compassion:

“Whether short or long, I pray to God that not only you but everyone listening to me today would become like me—except for these chains.”

The Verdict

After hearing Paul’s defense, King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus left the room to discuss the case privately. They agreed:

“This man is not doing anything deserving death or imprisonment.”

King Agrippa told Festus:

“This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

But since Paul had already appealed to Caesar, the decision was final. Paul would be sent to Rome.

The Journey to Rome Begins

Shortly after this hearing, arrangements were made for Paul’s journey to Rome:

• Paul was placed under the guard of a Roman centurion named Julius
• Other prisoners were also being sent to Rome at the same time
• Paul was allowed to have friends like Luke (who wrote the book of Acts) travel with him
• The journey would involve traveling by ship across the Mediterranean Sea
• Many adventures and challenges awaited Paul during this journey

Lessons We Can Learn

1. God can use difficult situations – Paul used his imprisonment as an opportunity to share the gospel with rulers and officials he might never have met otherwise.
2. Be prepared to share your story – Paul was always ready to explain how he met Jesus and how his life had changed.
3. Know your audience – Paul spoke differently to Agrippa (who knew Jewish customs) than he did to Festus (who was Roman).
4. Stay respectful to authorities – Even though Paul was wrongfully imprisoned, he remained respectful to those in power.
5. Stand firm in your beliefs – Despite facing possible death, Paul never denied his faith in Jesus.
6. Truth is powerful – Even King Agrippa and Festus had to admit that Paul had done nothing deserving punishment.

EVALUATION

1. Who was King Agrippa?
   1. King Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa I
   2. He was appointed by the Romans as king over certain Jewish territories
   3. He was knowledgeable about Jewish customs and traditions
   4. He came to visit Festus in Caesarea along with his sister Bernice
2. How did Paul defend himself in front of King Agrippa?
   1. Paul shared his personal testimony
   2. He explained his strict Jewish upbringing and education
   3. He described how he had once persecuted Christians
   4. He told about his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus
   5. He explained that his teachings were in line with what Moses and the prophets had said
   6. He spoke confidently but respectfully
3. What was King Agrippa’s reaction to Paul’s speech?
   1. He was moved by Paul’s words
   2. He asked if Paul thought he could convert him to Christianity in such a short time
   3. After the hearing, he privately told Festus that Paul had done nothing deserving death or imprisonment
   4. He stated that Paul could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think King Agrippa wanted to hear Paul speak?
2. How did Paul’s background as a Pharisee help him in explaining his faith to King Agrippa?
3. What does Paul’s response to King Agrippa tell us about his character and priorities?
4. How can we apply Paul’s example of sharing his testimony in our own lives?
5. Why do you think God allowed Paul to be imprisoned when he had done nothing wrong?