Acts 25:23
What does Acts 25:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:23 means
With great pomp, Agrippa and Bernice enter alongside military commanders and leading citizens, and Paul is brought in at Festus’ command. The contrast is striking: worldly splendor on one side, a chained apostle on the other. Yet the true weight lies with the gospel Paul carries. God often sets His servants before the great and the good, not to impress them with ceremony but to confront them with truth. The scene underscores that the Christian message is not confined to private corners; it speaks in public halls. This grand assembly becomes the backdrop for exposing the emptiness of the charges and exalting Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought in.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So on the day after, when Agrippa and Bernice in great glory had come into the public place of hearing, with the chief of the army and the chief men of the town, at the order of Festus, Paul was sent for.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862on the morrow, therefore--on the coming of Agrippa and Bernice with much display, and they having entered into the audience chamber, with the chief captains also, and the principal men of the city, and Festus having ordered--Paul was brought forth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice were come with great pomp and had entered into the hall of audience with the tribunes and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment, Paul was brought forth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890On the morrow therefore, Agrippa being come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and having entered into the hall of audience, with the chiliarchs and the men of distinction of the city, and Festus having given command, Paul was brought.
Context
Agrippa had agreed to hear Paul (verse 22). Now the audience is convened with notable display, signaling an important occasion. The upcoming speech from Festus (verses 24–27) will frame the purpose: not a verdict, but help in drafting a report for the emperor. This context clarifies expectations—Paul is not here to be condemned but to be examined. The pomp heightens the narrative contrast and anticipates the powerful personal testimony Paul will deliver in the next chapter before royal and civic elites.
v.22And Agrippa said unto Festus, I also could wish to hear the man myself. To-morrow, saith he, thou shalt hear him.
v.23This passage
v.24And Festus saith, King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye behold this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews made suit to me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:30
And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
- Ezekiel 33:28
And I will make the land a desolation and an astonishment; and the pride of her power shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, so that none shall pass through.
- James 1:11
For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass; and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings.
- Isaiah 5:14
Therefore Sheol hath enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth among them, descend into it.
- 1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
- Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
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