Lexical Summary phantasia: Appearance, display, imagination Original Word: φαντασία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pomp. From a derivative of phantazo; (properly abstract) a (vain) show ("fantasy") -- pomp. see GREEK phantazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phantazó Definition imagination, show, display NASB Translation pomp (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5325: φαντασίαφαντασία, φαντασίας, ἡ, show, showy appearance, display, pomp: Acts 25:23. (Polybius 15, 25, 5, etc.; (Diodorus 12, 83); others.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Background The term translated “pomp” in Acts 25:23 evokes the ideas of outward show, pageantry, display, and spectacle. It signals an impressive façade designed to impress observers, yet it carries no necessary implication of true substance or moral worth. In Greco-Roman society such grand processions were common at trials, banquets, and civic celebrations to emphasize rank and power. Historical Setting in Acts 25:23 The sole New Testament occurrence appears when “Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp” (Acts 25:23) to hear Paul’s defense before Festus. Governor Festus had invited Agrippa II—client king of the Herodian dynasty—and his sister Bernice to lend credibility to his handling of Paul’s case. The scene combines military tribunes, city dignitaries, and regal apparel, all entering the audience hall in ceremonial order. Luke’s deliberate mention of the “great pomp” heightens the contrast between worldly authority and the chained apostle who bears the message of the risen Christ. Within a narrative dominated by imperial politics, the Gospel’s representative appears unimpressive outwardly yet speaks with heaven’s authority (Acts 26:29). Biblical Contrast between Outward Show and Inward Reality 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds readers that “the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Scripture repeatedly opposes empty display with genuine righteousness: Paul himself embodies this antithesis. He stands bound, yet his testimony carries eternal weight (2 Timothy 2:9). Agrippa’s splendor will pass; Paul’s gospel endures (Romans 1:16). Theological Reflections 1. Ephemeral Power versus Eternal Kingdom: The pageantry of Rome illustrates the transient nature of earthly rule (Psalm 103:15–16). Christ’s kingdom, though presently unseen, is everlasting (Hebrews 12:28). Practical Ministry Implications • Evaluate ministry methods: Guard against substituting spectacle for substance (2 Corinthians 4:2). Related Biblical Themes and References Worldly Show: Esther 1:3–7; Daniel 4:30; Revelation 18:16. Humble Glory: Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5; 1 Peter 5:5–6. Perishable Versus Imperishable: 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 John 2:17; 1 Timothy 6:17–19. Summary Strong’s Greek 5325 highlights the dazzling yet hollow magnificence that often surrounds human authority. Luke records it once, strategically, to set a jeweled backdrop for the priceless Gospel. The episode invites every generation to discern true glory, reject vanity, and proclaim Christ with boldness regardless of surrounding pomp. Forms and Transliterations φαντασία φαντασίαν φαντασιας φαντασίας phantasias phantasíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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