Topical Encyclopedia Berenice, also known as Bernice, is a historical figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. She was a member of the Herodian dynasty, a ruling family in Judea during the time of the Roman Empire. Berenice was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Herod Agrippa II, making her a prominent figure in the political and social landscape of the region.Family Background and Early Life Berenice was born into the Herodian dynasty, a family known for its complex and often tumultuous relationships with the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace. Her father, Herod Agrippa I, was a king of Judea who is noted in the Book of Acts for his persecution of the early Christian church. Herod Agrippa I's death is recorded in Acts 12:23, where it states, "Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died" . Marriages and Political Influence Berenice was married multiple times, a common practice among royal families to secure political alliances. Her first marriage was to Marcus Julius Alexander, a member of a wealthy and influential Jewish family in Alexandria. After his death, she married her uncle, Herod of Chalcis, with whom she had two sons. Following his death, Berenice lived with her brother, Herod Agrippa II, which led to rumors of an incestuous relationship, though these claims are not substantiated by biblical texts. Berenice's political influence grew as she accompanied her brother in his rule over the territories granted to him by the Romans. Her presence at significant political events and her interactions with Roman officials highlight her role as a key figure in the Herodian court. Berenice in the New Testament Berenice is mentioned in the Book of Acts during the account of the Apostle Paul's trial. In Acts 25:13, Berenice is present with her brother Agrippa II when they visit Festus, the Roman governor, in Caesarea. The passage states, "A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus" . This visit sets the stage for Paul's defense before Agrippa, where he shares his testimony and the message of the Gospel. In Acts 26, Paul addresses King Agrippa and Berenice, presenting his case and recounting his conversion experience. Berenice's presence at this event underscores her involvement in the political and judicial processes of the time, as well as her exposure to the early Christian message. Historical and Cultural Context Berenice's life and actions must be understood within the broader context of the Herodian dynasty's complex relationship with Rome and the Jewish people. Her family's allegiance to Rome often put them at odds with Jewish nationalistic sentiments, and their rule was marked by political maneuvering and intrigue. Berenice's interactions with Roman officials, including her rumored relationship with the future Emperor Titus, further illustrate the intricate web of alliances and power dynamics that characterized her life. Her account provides insight into the challenges faced by the Herodian rulers as they navigated their dual roles as Jewish leaders and Roman clients. Legacy While Berenice's life is not extensively detailed in the biblical text, her presence in the New Testament narrative highlights the intersection of political power and the spread of Christianity in the first century. Her account serves as a backdrop to the Apostle Paul's ministry and the early church's efforts to proclaim the Gospel amidst a complex and often hostile environment. Smith's Bible Dictionary BereniceInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia BERENICEber'-e-nes. Greek 959. Bernike -- Berenice, Bernice, daughter of Herod Agrippa I ... Berenice, Bernice, daughter of Herod Agrippa I. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Bernike Phonetic Spelling: (ber-nee'-kay) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/959.htm - 6k Library The Greek Kings of Egypt. The Epistles of Dionysius. Plato's Inconsistency He Supposes the Soul Self-Existent, yet ... Magic and Sorcery Only Apparent in their Effects God Alone Can ... The Buildings of More Eminent Note in Sion. Introduction to the De Sententia Dionysii. Whether Ambition is Opposed to Magnanimity by Excess? The Prophecies Apocryphal Traditions. How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... Thesaurus BereniceBerenice. Berekiah, Berenice. Beri . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BERENICE. ber'-e-nes. See BERNICE. Berekiah, Berenice. Beri . ... /b/berenice.htm - 6k Ptolemy Antiochus Berekiah (11 Occurrences) Beri (1 Occurrence) Almost (27 Occurrences) Sweat (3 Occurrences) Nazirite (10 Occurrences) Dispersion (4 Occurrences) Resources Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |