Acts 25:13

What does Acts 25:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 25:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 25:13 means

King Agrippa and Bernice arrive at Cæsarea and pay their respects to Festus. Their visit brings into the story a ruler from the Herodian line, known for familiarity with Jewish matters. Providence now gathers civil and royal authorities, creating a wider platform. Though Paul seems insignificant, God is arranging for him to speak before powerful people. Agrippa’s presence will help Festus interpret the religious dimensions of the case. What looks like mere courtly ceremony opens the door to a hearing where the gospel will be set forth with clarity to those in high places—fulfilling Christ’s design to reach even kings.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when certain days were passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Cæsarea, and saluted Festus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when certain days were passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Cæsarea, and saluted Festus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when some days had gone by, King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea and went to see Festus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And certain days having passed, Agrippa the king, and Bernice, came down to Caesarea saluting Festus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after some days, king Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea, to salute Festus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when certain days had elapsed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to salute Festus.

Context

After the appeal is granted (verse 12), the legal track points to Rome, but Festus still needs to specify charges. The arrival of Agrippa and Bernice introduces new actors who can assess Jewish issues. In verses 14–21 Festus will recount the case and his perplexity, and in verse 22 Agrippa will express interest in hearing Paul. This royal visitation thus becomes a providential pause before transfer to Rome, allowing a fuller public consideration of the gospel and easing Festus’ administrative dilemma about what to write to the emperor.

v.12Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Thou hast appealed unto Cæsar: unto Cæsar shalt thou go.

v.13This passage

v.14And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 26:1

    And Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth his hand, and made his defence:

  • Acts 26:27

    King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

  • 2 Kings 10:13

    Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah: and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen.

  • Acts 8:40

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.

  • 1 Samuel 25:14

    But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them.

  • Acts 25:22

    And Agrippa said unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him.

Related questions readers ask