And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

ACTS 25:13KJV
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Acts 25:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:13 mean?

Acts 25:13 describes how, after some days had passed, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice traveled to Caesarea to visit Festus, the Roman governor. This visit set the stage for the next events in Paul's legal case, as Agrippa would soon hear Paul's defense.

In this verse, the writer is narrating a historical moment: King Agrippa II and Bernice, both notable Jewish royals, arrive in Caesarea, the Roman administrative center. Their purpose is to greet or pay their respects to Festus, who was newly appointed as governor. This meeting is important because it brings together Roman and Jewish leadership, leading to Paul's opportunity to present his case before Agrippa.

The Greek behind Acts 25:13

  • The word "salute" (ἀσπάζομαι, aspazomai) is often understood as more than just a casual greeting; it can mean to formally pay respects or honor someone, which fits the context of royal visitors acknowledging a new governor.
  • "Came" (καταβαίνω, katabainō) literally means "to go down," reflecting the geography—Caesarea is at a lower elevation compared to where Agrippa and Bernice likely traveled from, showing attention to historical detail.

Why Acts 25:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies the political and social dynamics at play, showing how Paul's trial involved both Roman and Jewish authorities at the highest levels.
  • It helps the reader understand why King Agrippa, a Jewish ruler familiar with Jewish customs and controversies, becomes involved in Paul's case.
  • The arrival of Agrippa and Bernice sets up the narrative for Paul's significant speech before Agrippa, which is a key moment in the book of Acts.

Where else these words appear

“after” Greek G1230 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
  • Acts 27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

“Bernice” Greek G959 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 25:23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
  • Acts 26:30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

“Agrippa” Greek G67 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 25:22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
  • Acts 25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
  • Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

“came” Greek G2658 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
  • Acts 21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.