Herod Agrippa II

Life and work

Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I and was still a teenager in Rome when his father died, too young at the time to inherit the full kingdom. He was later granted rule over smaller territories in the north and east of Palestine, along with oversight of the Jerusalem Temple and the authority to appoint the high priest — a role that gave him real religious influence even without controlling Judea itself.

In Acts, the newly arrived governor Festus consults with Agrippa about the case of Paul, a prisoner he has inherited and doesn't fully understand how to describe in a formal report to Rome. Agrippa expresses interest in hearing Paul himself, and the next day arrives with great pomp alongside his sister Bernice, with whom he was widely reported to travel and reside closely (Acts 25:13-27).

Paul then delivers one of his longest recorded speeches, describing his zealous life as a Pharisee, his persecution of the church, his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his subsequent commission to preach to Jews and Gentiles alike. Festus interrupts to say Paul's great learning has driven him mad, but Agrippa responds more personally: 'In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?' (Acts 26:28). Agrippa concludes privately that Paul had done nothing deserving death or imprisonment, and that he could have been set free had he not appealed to Caesar.

Extra-biblical evidence

Josephus discusses Agrippa II's reign and territory extensively (he was a contemporary and even a correspondent of Josephus), but no extant source outside Acts records this specific hearing with Paul.

Scripture references

• Acts 25:13-27 — Consulted by Festus about Paul's case
• Acts 26:1-32 — Hears Paul's extended defense
• Acts 26:28 — 'You almost persuade me to be a Christian'

Further reading

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Agrippa II