Acts 25:13-22
The resurrection of Jesus stands at the heart of the controversy surrounding the gospel.
13 Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus.
14 As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him.
16 I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction before the accused has met the accusers face to face and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.
17 When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charges against him of such things as I supposed;
19 but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
The resurrection of Jesus stands at the heart of the controversy surrounding the gospel.
To introduce Agrippa and Bernice and to recount Festus’ summary of Paul’s case, centering on Jesus’ resurrection.
This passage introduces Agrippa II into the trial narrative and sets the stage for Paul’s defense before him. Luke emphasizes the theological core of the dispute: the resurrection of Jesus. The narrative transitions from provincial administration to royal audience.
Herod Agrippa II, ruler over parts of northern Palestine, maintained close ties with Rome and oversight of temple affairs. Bernice, his sister, accompanied him. Festus seeks Agrippa’s insight regarding Jewish religious matters to draft a coherent report to Caesar. The reference to Jesus being alive highlights the resurrection as the substantive issue.
Paul Appeals to Caesar and Is Set Before Agrippa
Acts 25 shows that Paul’s appeal to Caesar is the providential legal path by which the Lord’s promise of witness in Rome moves forward, even though no valid charge deserving death is found against him.