Section 25:23–26:32
Paul defended himself before King Agrippa
In this section, Festus told Agrippa that he wanted advice about what to write to Caesar regarding Paul. Paul told his story about becoming a Christian to Agrippa. He also defended his actions and explained why the Jews were upset with him. Then he urged Agrippa and the other people there to believe in Jesus as the Christ.
Other examples of headings for this section are:
Paul explained his ⌊faith and⌋ actions to King Agrippa
-or-
Paul ⌊came and⌋ stood before Agrippa and told his story
-or-
Paul Brought before Agrippa (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Paul Before Agrippa (New International Version)
Paragraph 25:23–27
25:23a
The Greek conjunction often translated as “therefore” introduces this verse. It introduces the result of Festus promising King Agrippa to have Paul speak before him.
Agrippa and Bernice came: They came from where they stayed in the palace to the audience room in the palace.
Bernice: See how you spelled this name in 25:13.
with great pomp: This phrase refers to people doing things as the king arrived to show the importance of the king and to honor him. The king also wore expensive clothing, jewelry and such things to show that he was important. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
with a lot of fanfare (God’s Word)
-or-
with much splendor and ceremony
-or-
with a great celebration of the king’s coming
-or-
made a big celebration/ceremony of his position as king
25:23b
the auditorium: This phrase refers to a large room where many people could gather and listen to someone or have a meeting. It was probably not the same room as the courtroom, or if it was, it was not used as a courtroom at this time. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
the audience room (New International Version)
-or-
the meeting room (Contemporary English Version)
25:23c
along with the commanders and leading men of the city: The words along with here indicate that the commanders and leading men of the city were less important to the story than King Agrippa and Bernice. So Luke used along with rather than “and.” Indicate this in your translation. For example:
accompanied by high-ranking officers and prominent citizens (Revised English Bible)
the commanders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commanders refers to the five officers in Caesarea who each commanded a large group of soldiers. Each group numbered between five hundred to one thousand soldiers. These officers were two ranks below general and one rank above centurion. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
the military tribunes (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the high ranking officers (New International Version)
-or-
senior military officers (NET Bible)
leading men of the city: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as leading is literally “prominent.” This refers to the important men of Caesarea. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
the city leaders
-or-
the important men of Caesarea (New Century Version)
leading men: Here the word men probably refers to only men. In this society, usually only the men were leaders.
25:23d
Paul be brought in: This clause is passive. Festus may have commanded one of his servants, an official of the court, the head jailer, or a soldier to bring Paul. Who exactly Festus ordered is not important to the story. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
⌊someone⌋ ⌊went and⌋ brought Paul
-or-
⌊a soldier⌋ brought Paul into the room
-or-
⌊a servant⌋ fetched Paul
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