Many jokes surrounded Charles III’s coronation a few weeks ago in Britain. One was something like … “What a shame that he needs to wear his mother’s clothes”. This was in reference to that white fury robe he wore. The whole ceremony with all the parties cost the tax payer a staggering $125 million. (ABC News). King Charles III and his wife, queen consort’s joint coronation was nothing short of lavish pomp. Please read:
Ac 25:23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.” 26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
Each time Paul gives testimony, he used the same basic outline, yet adds more information.
1) The grand entrance. This must have been such an entrance … the king, the queen consort together with high ranking officers and the leading men (officials) of the city.
Ac 25:23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city.
The concept of “great pomp” coupled to the “audience room” gives the impression of show, display and parade. Although not stated, this show means the recipients, Festus and the leading men of the city accepted and approved of the incestuous union between Agrippa II and Bernice.
2) Paul’s entrance. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. There was also show … and to show that Festus had power over Paul … so he thought! Throughout the process of the hearing we must never lose sight of the fact that the Lord Jesus has decreed to Paul that he would remain safe and be His witness in Rome.
3) Festus’ explanation of the case to king Agrippa. It is a formal hearing and Festus wanted to be impartial, yet faithful to the Roman Judicial system.
(a) You see this man. Festus needed those present to understand that Paul was being referred to. Most likely he was in chains (handcuffs).
(b) By referring to the whole Jewish community he was meaning that the high priests and elders of the Jews represented the whole Jewish nations as the Sanhedrin (or part thereof). Festus relays that the Jewish religious leaders consulted (petition) him about Paul voicing their opinion that he ought not to live.
(c) Although Festus found from the hearing he conducted that Paul was not guilty of any crime warranting death, because he appealed to be heard by Caesar as a citizen of Rome, the governor agreed to this request.
(d) As we mentioned before, when referring a case to the emperor, he needed to write a well thought through document explaining all the relevant information in a logical sequence.
Ac 25:26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”
He is really saying that without such documentation the emperor would not be impressed with him … and at that, for being in office less than a month.
(e) Permission to speak.
Ac 26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
Unless the king gave permission, no one was able to speak in his presence. Paul now had his chance.
4) Paul defending himself. He is using this opportunity to preach the Gospel before the king and his sister, queen consort Bernice, his incestuous “common law wife”. Remember that this was part of our Lord’s will for Paul?
Ac 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.
Ac 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
(1) Paul’s normal method of addressing people.
Ac 26:1 So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense.
This gesture was a sign of both respect as well as showing the people he could defend himself.
(2) Paul’s respect for the king. This does not mean he respects or approves of the king’s wickedness. He as a man of authority and under authority respects the position Agrippa holds. This is an important quality we as Christians need to hold too. We never condone sin … not ours nor that of others … but we respect the God appointed leaders in society. Consider again passages like …
Ro 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
1Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
It does not matter what their politics are. It does not matter what their religion is. It does not matter how immoral or unethical they are. We as followers of the Lord Jesus apply His Word to our conduct, especially before our leaders. Paul is a good example.
Ac 26:2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.”
Agrippa was a Jew and understood Jewish Law, culture, customs and controversies. Paul knew this and as we shall see tomorrow, he went for the jugular.
Our Father, as You have appointed all leaders, help us to respect them, submit to their leadership and pray for their salvation. Amen.