Acts 25:13-22

King Agrippa and Bernice. This is Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice. Drusilla, the wife of Festus, was also their sister. This man became king when his father, Herod Agrippa I died (Acts 12:23). Bernice was beautiful, and had been married twice before Paul ever saw her. An incestuous relationship is implied between she and her brother; later she was to be the "mistress" of both Vespasian and Titus in turn. A visit of welcome to Festus. To greet the new governor. Festus explained Paul's situation to the King. He did this for advice. He knew little of Jewish customs, and he could see no guilt in Paul. King Agrippa was himself a Jew, and would understand the real cause of the problem. About their own religion. Festus had expected them to accuse Paul of crimes punishable by Roman law. But they were not able to prove anything (Acts 25:7). But Paul appealed. Paul used his legal rights as a Roman to protect his life from those Jews who wanted to kill him. This appeal was a "blessing in disguise" (see Acts 28:16). Agrippa said to Festus. What he says in the Greek Implies he had wanted to hear Paul for some time.