TUESDAY February 6, 2024

Sinner and World’s Savior

Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.
Acts 25:22-23

King Agrippa II resided in Jerusalem and Caesarea and was very well versed with Jewish practices. He showed great interest in listening to Paul. Festus accommodated the King and told him, “Tomorrow you will get a chance to hear Paul!” Next day, in royal attire, Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium with great pomp and circumstance and with their following entourage. Royal adulterers came to hear Paul.

Interestingly, Herod Agrippa 1 had James the brother of John killed with the sword (Acts 12:2). Now Paul would address his son King Agrippa II. Paul would give his testimony, and, as a master theologian, prove from the Scriptures that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Many commentators have given great insight regarding the life of King Agrippa II. At this time, he was about 30 years old. Although he had Jewish ancestry, he was raised at the court of Claudius Caesar in Rome. He might have succeeded his father, Herod Agrippa I, as King of Judea, but at the time of his father’s death, he was only seventeen years old. His realm reverted back to Roman provinces that were ruled by a procurator. Later, Agrippa was able to rule over territories of his own, and eventually he gained rule over his father’s territories.

King Agrippa II was also “custodian of the Temple Treasure.” Being the secular head of the Jewish religious system, he had the right to appoint a High Priest, and he maintained the Temple at Jerusalem. He was something of an authority on Jewish religious affairs and debated with the Jews about the Law. Evidently, he was eager to hear what Paul had to say. Although royal, as a sinner, he was about to hear the Good News about Jesus––the Savior of the world.

Let us always remember that Christ calls men and women not only to trust Him as Savior, but also to follow Him as Lord.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!