Bible Strands
Acts 25:23
The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Festus convenes the city's military commanders and leading officials the day after Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea. He orders Paul brought into the auditorium to satisfy Agrippa's request to hear the prisoner directly.
The words — The Greek ἐπαύριον (epaurion) literally means "next day," signaling the immediate fulfillment of Festus's promise. The participle ἐλθόντος (elthontos) denotes the arrival of Agrippa and Bernice to occupy the seat of judgment.
The thread — This assembly fulfills the royal visit recorded in Acts 25:13 and concludes the audience when the same figures rise in Acts 26:30. The political pressure surrounding Paul mirrors the Jewish petitions described in Acts 25:24.
Why it lands — The text documents a formal legal proceeding where secular authorities evaluate a prisoner before a royal audience. It requires the reader to note how official procedure and political theater frame the presentation of a defendant's case.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 25:13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
- Acts 26:30 Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them.
- 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.
- Esther 1:4 And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.
- Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”
- Isaiah 5:14 Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers!
- Isaiah 14:11 Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.
- Ezekiel 7:24 So I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will end the pride of the mighty, and their holy places will be profaned.
- Ezekiel 30:18 The day will be darkened in Tahpanhes when I break the yoke of Egypt and her proud strength comes to an end. A cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity.
- Ezekiel 32:12 I will make your hordes fall by the swords of the mighty, the most ruthless of all nations. They will ravage the pride of Egypt and all her multitudes will be destroyed.