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 25:23KJV
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Acts 25:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:23 mean?

Acts 25:23 describes how King Agrippa and Bernice entered the courtroom with great ceremony, accompanied by important military officers and city leaders, and at the order of Festus, Paul was brought in to be heard. The verse sets the scene for a formal and public hearing where Paul will speak before a distinguished audience.

This moment takes place in Caesarea, where the Roman governor Festus is hosting King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. Festus has arranged this hearing because he wants Agrippa’s opinion on Paul’s case before sending him to Rome. The verse highlights the impressive display of authority and power, contrasting the grandeur of the officials with Paul, who stands as a prisoner.

The Greek behind Acts 25:23

  • The word translated “pomp” is φαντασία (phantasia), which carries the sense of display, splendor, or show. The Greek here emphasizes the impressive and almost theatrical nature of the entrance, suggesting a scene meant to impress onlookers.
  • The phrase “chief captains” uses the Greek word χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos), meaning commanders of a thousand soldiers. This detail shows that high-ranking military leaders were present, underlining the importance of the event.
  • The phrase “principal men of the city” uses the Greek κατὰ ἐξοχήν (kata exochēn) and ἄνδρες (andres), meaning the most prominent or leading men. This highlights that the city’s elite were gathered, making the audience both powerful and influential.

Why Acts 25:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies the level of attention and seriousness given to Paul’s case, showing that it was not a minor matter but one that drew the highest officials and leaders.
  • The contrast between the “great pomp” of the authorities and Paul’s situation as a prisoner sets up the dramatic tension for Paul’s defense and testimony in the following verses.
  • Understanding the setting helps explain why Paul’s speech in the next chapter is so significant, as he is given a platform before the most powerful people in the region.

Where else these words appear

“Bernice” Greek G959 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • 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 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • 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:

“Festus'” Greek G5347 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
  • Acts 25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
  • Acts 25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

“morrow” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.