After several days had passed
This phrase indicates a passage of time, suggesting a period of deliberation or preparation. In the context of Acts, it reflects the ongoing political and judicial processes of the Roman Empire. The Greek word for "days" (ἡμέραι) often signifies a period of waiting or anticipation, which in this case, sets the stage for a significant encounter. Historically, this time lapse could imply the careful planning of Agrippa and Bernice's visit, highlighting the importance of the events that are about to unfold.

King Agrippa
This refers to Herod Agrippa II, the last of the Herodian rulers. His full name was Marcus Julius Agrippa, and he was the great-grandson of Herod the Great. Agrippa II was known for his knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, which made him a significant figure in the context of Paul's trials. His presence in the narrative underscores the intersection of Jewish and Roman worlds, as Agrippa was a client king under Roman authority. The title "King" (βασιλεύς) emphasizes his political power and influence, though his authority was limited by Roman oversight.

and Bernice
Bernice was the sister of King Agrippa II and Drusilla, who was married to Felix, the previous governor. Her presence alongside Agrippa is notable, as she was a prominent and controversial figure in her own right. The mention of Bernice highlights the familial and political dynamics at play. Historically, Bernice was known for her beauty and her complex personal life, which included rumors of an inappropriate relationship with her brother Agrippa. Her involvement in this event adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative.

came down to Caesarea
Caesarea was a significant city in the Roman province of Judea, serving as the administrative center and the residence of the Roman governor. The phrase "came down" (καταβαίνω) is often used in the Bible to describe travel from a higher elevation to a lower one, as Jerusalem is situated on a hill. Caesarea's role as a hub of Roman power and influence makes it a fitting location for the unfolding of these events. Archaeologically, Caesarea is known for its impressive Roman architecture, including an amphitheater and aqueducts, reflecting its importance as a center of governance and culture.

to pay their respects to Festus
This phrase indicates a formal visit, likely intended to establish or maintain political alliances. Festus, the Roman governor, had recently succeeded Felix, and such visits were customary to show allegiance and support. The Greek word for "pay their respects" (ἀσπάζομαι) can also mean to greet or salute, suggesting a diplomatic gesture. This visit underscores the political maneuvering and the delicate balance of power between Roman authorities and local rulers. Festus's role as governor placed him at the center of judicial proceedings, including the trial of Paul, which Agrippa and Bernice would soon become involved in.

(13) King Agrippa and Bernice.--Each of the characters thus brought on the scene has a somewhat memorable history. (1) The former closes the line of the Herodian house. He was the son of the Agrippa whose tragic end is related in Acts 12:20-23, and was but seventeen years of age at the time of his father's death, in A.D. 44. He did not succeed to the kingdom of Judaea, which was placed under the government of a procurator; but on the death of his uncle Herod, the king of Chalcis, in A.D. 48, received the sovereignty of that region from Claudius, and with it the superintendence of the Temple and the nomination of the high priests. Four years later he received the tetrarchies that had been governed by his great-uncles Philip and Lysanias (Luke 3:1), with the title of king. In A.D. 55 Nero increased his kingdom by adding some of the cities of Galilee (Jos. Ant. xix. 9, ? 1; xx. 1, ? 3; 8, ? 5). He lived to see the destruction of Jerusalem, and died under Trajan (A.D. 100) at the age of seventy-three. (2) The history of Bernice, or Berenice (the name seems to have been a Macedonian form of Pherenice) reads like a horrible romance, or a page from the chronicles of the Borgias. She was the eldest daughter of Herod Agrippa I., and was married at an early age to her uncle the king of Chalcis. Alliances of this nature were common in the Herodian house, and the Herodias of the Gospels passed from an incestuous marriage to an incestuous adultery. (See Note on Matthew 14:1.) On his death Berenice remained for some years a widow, but dark rumours began to spread that her brother Agrippa, who had succeeded to the principality of Chalcis, and who gave her, as in the instance before us, something like queenly honours, was living with her in a yet darker form of incest, and was reproducing in Judaea the vices of which his father's friend, Caligula, had set so terrible an example (Sueton. Calig. c. 24). With a view to screening herself against these suspicions she persuaded Polemon, king of Cilicia, to take her as his queen, and to profess himself a convert to Judaism, as Azizus had done for her sister Drusilla (see Note on Acts 24:24), and accept circumcision. The ill-omened marriage did not prosper. The queen's unbridled passions once more gained the mastery. She left her husband, and he got rid at once of her and her religion. Her powers of fascination, however, were still great, and she knew how to profit by them in the hour of her country's ruin. Vespasian was attracted by her queenly dignity, and yet more by the magnificence of her queenly gifts. His son Titus took his place in her long list of lovers. She came as his mistress to Rome, and it was said that he had promised her marriage. This, however, was more than even the senate of the empire could tolerate, and Titus was compelled by the pressure of public opinion to dismiss her, out his grief in doing so was matter of notoriety, "Dimisit invitus invitam" (Sueton. Titus, c. 7 Tacit. Hist. ii. 81; Jos. Ant. xx. 7, ? 3). The whole story furnished Juvenal with a picture of depravity which stands almost as a pendent to that of Messalina (Sat. vi. 155?9).

To salute Festus.--This visit was probably, as the word indicates, of the nature of a formal recognition of the new procurator on his arrival in the province.

Verse 13. - Now when certain days were passed for and after certain days, A.V.; Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at for King Agrippa and Bernice came unto, A.V.; and saluted for to salute, A.V. and T.R. Agrippa the king. Herod Agrippa II., son of Herod Agrippa I. (Acts 12.), and consequently brother of Drusilla (Acts 24:24). He was only seventeen at his father's death, and so not considered by Claudius a safe person to entrust his father's large dominions to. But he gave him Chalets, and afterwards, in exchange for it, other dominions. It was he who made Ismael the son of Phabi high priest, and who built the palace at Jerusalem which overlooked the temple, and gave great offence to the Jews. He was the last of the Herods, and reigned above fifty years. Bernice was his sister, but was thought to be living in an incestuous intercourse with him. She had been the wife of her uncle Herod, Prince of Chalets; and on his death lived with her brother. She then for a while became the wife of Polemo, King of Cicilia, but soon returned to Herod Agrippa. She afterwards became the mistress of Vespasian and of Titus in succession (Alford). And saluted; ἀσπασόμενοι, which reading Meyer and Alford both retain. The reading of the R.T. is ἀσπασάμενοι. It is quite in accordance with the position of a dependent king, that he should come and pay his respects to the new Roman governor at Caesarea.

Parallel Commentaries ...


[After]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

several
τινῶν (tinōn)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

days
Ἡμερῶν (Hēmerōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

had passed,
διαγενομένων (diagenomenōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1230: To pass (of time); I continue through, intervene. From dia and ginomai; to elapse meanwhile.

King
βασιλεὺς (basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

Agrippa
Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 67: Agrippa, i.e. Herod Agrippa II. Apparently from agrios and hippos; wild-horse tamer; Agrippas, one of the Herods.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Bernice
Βερνίκη (Bernikē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 959: From a provincial form of phero and nike; victorious; Bernice, a member of the Herodian family.

came down
κατήντησαν (katēntēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2658: From kata and a derivative of anti; to meet against, i.e. Arrive at.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Caesarea
Καισάρειαν (Kaisareian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2542: From Kaisar; Caesaria, the name of two places in Palestine.

to pay their respects
ἀσπασάμενοι (aspasamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.

to Festus.
Φῆστον (Phēston)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5347: Festus. Of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus, a Roman.


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NT Apostles: Acts 25:13 Now when some days had passed Agrippa (Acts of the Apostles Ac)