In "chains" (Acts 26:29, see 3 Because he was too young to rule, the emperor Claudius, made Judea a Roman Province again. When you face trials, and you face intimidation, and you face opposition; when you have to give a reason for the hope that lies within you with meekness and godly fear, learn from the way in which the Apostle Paul does it here. Paul, you are beside yourself! His first son, Herod Agrippa II, born in AD 28, ruled much of Palestine as king, though never Judea. Intrigued, Agrippa said he would like to hear from Paul himself. Paul shared about his upbringing as a devout Jew, that he lived as a Pharisee, but now he was being accused by the Jews because he believed that God raised the dead. His life is in the balance here, and he's prepared to declare the whole counsel of God. the Flavian claim to the throne, and opposed another such party, headed by But I also think that part of the reason why we have this detailed account here is because Luke is saying not only is the Apostle Paul on trial here, but in a very real sense the church is on trial here. And he went to foreign cities to do this. The eldest daughter of the Judaean tetrarch Herod Agrippa I by his wife Cypros, Berenice was married at age 13, but her husband died without consummating the marriage. It goes like this: "My mother hates my boyfriend. Baltimore: Paul denied his accusation, pointing out that King Agrippa knew that what he was saying was the truth. Herod Agrippa was king of Judea for about four years. He mentions Stephen again; that incident on the road to Damascus, the light, the voice of Jesus that spoke; the realization that in persecuting Stephen and in persecuting Christians, he was persecuting Jesus, because Christians are in union with Jesus. Indeed, one-third of the [Well, not just that, of course. According to Josephus, Drusilla and her only child died in Pompeii twenty years later when they tried to escape the volcanic explosion. He recounted his persecution of the early Christians, his Damascus road experience, and his life as a believer. What's the definite thing that changed him? While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. But they couldnt free him since hed appealed to Caesar. she had an incestuous relationship with her brother Agrippa II - public and very scandalous she had an affair with, and probably hoped to marry, the Roman emperor Titus (see Masada ). What was Bernice to King agrippa? g%b)AMIB%0> %Ja ZGlqf{MUS5wGxFI, He lived out the rest of his life in Rome. You're out of your mind, Paul. Acts 9, 22, 26) and the narrative's treatment of Saul's reign (Acts 13.21-22). Help us to so read it that we might perceive it to be in very truth Your word. Intimidation. He was to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others including kings and governors. After his death in 44 C.E., when she was sixteen years of age, her father arranged a marriage for her with his older brother, Herod. The . He's told this story before. Tiberius Alexander became an apostate from Judaism, held the office of procurator of Judaea (A.D. 46- 48), and was a prefect in Egypt (A.D. 66-70). The Herodian family tree and key events in the New Testament related to members of the Herodian family. Searching for Evidence Beyond the Bible, 53 People in the Bible Confirmed Archaeologically. Finally, Paul affirmed to Festus and the Jews that Jesus Christ was dead but hes alive. 13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. Well, ask that to the logical positivist Anthony Flue, who says it's impossible. I appreciate that! The eldest daughter of the Judaean tetrarch Herod Agrippa I by his wife Cypros, Berenice was married at age 13, but her husband died without consummating the marriage. You can take away all the other channels, just keep Animal Planet.] After Herods death, the Romans bestowed the kingdom of Chalcis on Berenices older brother, Agrippa II. As a young teen Drusilla married King Aziz. Two chapters in this book discuss certain aspects of Berenices life. Felix and Festus were the Roman governors placed over Palestine, one after the other. Crook, John A. She and her brother were present at the trial of the apostle Paul in Caesarea, which is described in the New Testament (Acts 2526). Festus told Agrippa about Paul and the accusations against him concerning the Jew's religion and Jesus, who Festus said was dead, but Paul claimed was alive. In this article Schwartz explores the sources on Agrippa II used by Josephus, Paris: 1951. (LogOut/ And so Paul, you remember, for the first timehe's already told us that he was a Roman citizen, but now for the first time has appealed to Caesar. She was living in, according to the gossip, an incestuous relationship with her brother. Paul was attacked and brought to trial. Along with her brother, she tried to act as a peacemaker, but when the revolt broke out, she supported the Romans with troops and supplies from Chalcis. After his death (A.D. 40) she lived in incestuous connection with her brother Agrippa II. I thought that was interesting the order in which he does this. Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. I don't care what the world thinks of me. They lived shameless lives, flaunting their lack of morals. You know, I was thinking about the dear Korean missionaries. Amen. King Herod ruled until 1 BC not 4 BC Jesus was born in 3 BC look at the constellationd in 2 & 3 BC . One of the first things that you observe is the detail with which Luke records this defense before King Agrippa, and I can only think that part of the reason why we have three defenses in as many chapters in The Acts of The Apostles is because the function and purpose of The Acts of The Apostles is to serve as a defense for Paul when he gets to Rome. Pastors do a lot of teachings but they need to be taught the Word of God too. Saul on route to Damascus had an encounter with Jesus which changed his life from that point onwards. So what can we learn from Bernice and Drusilla? But he was even more positive that after the king heard Paul speak he would have something to write to Augustus Caesar about him. AD? Last week we looked at godly disciples who warned Paul of what was to come if he went to Jerusalem. (negative). However, Tacitus is not the only source that discloses this information. later married Herodiass daughter Salome, his grandniece. The Jews, as they themselves once said, had no king but Csar. God caused all things to work out for the good (Romans 8:28). Omissions? It's a boldness that comes, you understand, from the Holy Spirit, from a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank You for taking us where we are and not expecting perfection from us. Very interesting and informative. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar; [U]nto Caesar shalt thou go[? Theirs was a vile family and the sisters followed in the family footsteps. Bernice was first married to Marcus. 12. Much later he held part of Jesus trial. As they heard about his miraculous salvation experience, how God had taken a Jewish murderer and saved him, they should have realized that God could do the same for them. Theirs was a vile family and the sisters followed in the family footsteps. Late in his career, Herod Agrippa II saw that tensions were rising between Rome and the Jews, and he tried unsuccessfully to prevent war. They had a foot in two territories. Agrippa II ruled the northern half of Palestine. Bernice was a Top 100 name in the US for more than three decades--from 1900 to 1936--hitting a high of Number 39 in 1921. Isn't that what the sophists of today are saying? 4. xW6+H,pxT%'QdI3R,2Gr2PAmqU&uD2VyQKd6GEQLJz^ Later, pressure from the rumors of incest may have prompted Berenice to seek a third husband in Polemo, King of Cilicia. It's recorded now a third time here. Updates? of Justus of Tiberias, Josephus enemy. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This Agrippa, is known also in history as king Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod . Have an update or correction? 8 years of Archaeology Odyssey online, exploring the ancient roots of the Western world in a scholarly and entertaining way, The New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land. The Sanhedrin Council was a religious group that functioned as a court in important cases. Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. Rightly dividing the immutable Word of God, precept must be upon precept, line upon line, here a little, and there a little (Isaiah 28:10). Marcus Julius Agrippa II (A.D. 27-100) was the son of Agrippa I (12:23), and the great-grandson of Herod the Great. He's fascinated by the case of Paul. it was not politics that led to Berenices dismissal but commonsense on the Amen. In 26:28 Agrippa interrupts him by saying, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (NKJV). Thats all thats recorded about Drusilla and Bernice in the Bible. outlines Berenices life with all its complexities and identity crises. Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian, repeats. He was on his way to Damascusbut this is the first time he's told us he went to foreign cities to do this.]. ]" (Acts 25:12). ), was a Jewish client queen of the Roman Empire during the second half of the 1st century. dzrg (B 7#!zE^ORUCTc|Pk_)TZgoh"a\F0Taa%4,k2d(D$_! Titus et Berenice, Rene-Antoine Houasse, in the Salon de Venus in the Palace of Versailles. Luke draws a contrast between Agrippa and Paul. Some are inconsequential. The gospel has come, and you can almost hear his conscience. Herod Philip, uncle and first husband of Herodias, was not a ruler. Our free eBook Ten Top Biblical Archaeology Discoveries brings together the exciting worlds of archaeology and the Bible! We're only saying what the prophets said. You understand there was a lot of gossip about this relationship between King Herod Agrippa II and Bernice. Verse 26 lets us know that Felix was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, but when he didnt, Felix kept him in prison until he could figure out what to do with him. 19.277, 20.104). The setting was set for Paul to give one of his most personal messages. The resurrection was the promise all Israel was "hoping to see . What is ironic about that? Agrippa and Bernice were committing incest with each other; Agrippa never married. Your email address will not be published. Festus discussed the case concerning the Apostle Paul with the visiting royal couple. And then, secondly, he draws attention to his experience of Christ, of Jesus Christ. Agrippa I was a nephew of Herod the Great. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. He has been givenwhen his father died in Acts 12, he was only 17 years old. He suffered a period of disgrace following the death of Drusus which forced him to return to live in Judea. And they were the nieces of Herod Antipas who killed John the Baptist. Thus, effective pastors invest much time preparing Bible studies, and sermons, and searching Gods Word for enlightenment. Though, as a Jew, Agrippa was sensitive to Jewish concerns, he was unswervingly loyal to Rome setting of gender-power relationships. Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Augustus's co-emperor. But actually, what he's saying is this. The son of Agrippa I was King Herod Agrippa II, also known as Julius Marcus Agrippa; he was the brother of Bernice and Drusilla and heard Paul's defense of the gospel in Acts 26. They were there when he presented the gospel. There is no record of Agrippa II's marriage, and he died without children. This match led Polemo to undertake circumcision and a Jewish lifestyle. And they were the nieces of Herod Antipas who killed John the Baptist. Agrippa and Bernice were committing incest with each other; Agrippa never married. In 53 AD, Emperor Claudius promoted King Agrippa II to rule over a larger region northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Not only was Augustus the man who laid the foundations of the empire, but also the longest serving emperor, and in the eyes of many, the best ruler Rome ever had. One source is the Roman satirist Juvenal, who mentions their relationship in passing as a well-known fact (Juvenal, Saturae 6.155158). There were those who didn't share his faith fellow Jews who could well attest and corroborate and confirm what he's now going to say about his former life: that he was raised in the strictest sect of the Pharisees. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Onyinye, thank you for the kind words. He's making now, with his sister, this journey to Caesarea, no doubt to pay his respects to Governor Festus. As the new governor, he invited the Jews who had issue with Paul to present their case and called in Paul to hear what they had to say. Therefore, King Agrippa and his wife, Queen Bernice, didnt visit Festus by chance. There is a wonderful advertisement on Animal Planet. Change). In the meantime, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice came to call on Festus. They were present by the immutable will of God. Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense. "With great pomp" (Acts 25:23). Paul presents his best arguments to Agrippa (and Festus). King Agrippa and his wife, Queen Bernice, visited Governor Festus at an opportune time in the life of Apostle Paul. And Festus agreed that King Agrippa would hear Paul the next day. It comes packed with resources that assist him to accomplish his tasks quickly, in depth, and more effectively. And Paul is saying 'I saw Him. As required by the vow, her hair was shorn and she walked barefoot. Recall the will of the Lord for Apostle Paul. Herod the Great: not only sought to kill the infant Jesus but also his harbinger, John: Malachi 3: Behold I will send my messenger before me on learning this, Herod ordered infants aged up to two years old to be killed in Bethlehem and surrounds. Agrippa. Forgive us each time we fail. Herod Antipas, his unlawful wife and niece Herodias, and his step-daughter and niece Salome were all involved in the murder of John the Baptist; three siblings KIng Herod Agrippa !! You've got the pageantry; you've got this enormously intimidating scene. He's been summoned back to Rome on a job not so well done, and had it not been for the fact that his brother was in league with certain members of the entourage in Rome, perhaps that would have been the end of Governor Felix. Both sisters were given the opportunity to hear Pauls testimony. 4. And then Paul is brought in. Author of. It's an irrational thing to do. 29 (1980): 8695. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 2. The Roman Caesar at this time was Nero. We're only saying what the apostles said. However, this may be a case of Herod the Greats sister Salome, who might have still be alive at the time the girl danced, and who actually may have been the one who concocted or at least supported the scheme to have John the Baptist permanently removed from the scene an interesting theory anyway. Read the first chapter of my first book for free! Here's a case that involves a Jew, Paul; that involves Jewish law, and that was intricate even to the most erudite; and an issue that involved trouble for Governor Festusan opportunity, you understand, for King Agrippa to perhaps ingratiate himself either to Fetus or to the emperor in Rome. In an enchanting book of documentary fiction Jordan Berenice. Paul was about to be sent to Romeexcept for the fact that King Agrippa II is making a visit to Caesarea, and, as we shall now see, wants to hear all about this case regarding Paul. John Moors Cabot Professor of History, Harvard University. ), was the last king of the Jews.He was the grandson of Herod the Great and son of Aristobulus IV and Berenice. I wasnt really reading for typos but noticed a couple: *They waited to late*I think it should be TOO late Also, Phebe should be PHOEBE. She was widowed for a second time in 48 C.E., when only twenty (Ant. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Amen. It's the third time Paul has given his defenseonce before Felix, and once before Festus, two years later; and now before King Agrippa II. 25:23; 26:29 Agrippa entered with great pomp, Paul was in chains. Your email address will not be published. However, even though Saul had an experience with Jesus the disciples in Jerusalem were still afraid of him. The good ( Romans 8:28 ) from Bernice and Drusilla are and not expecting perfection from us disciples Jerusalem! Of Judea for about four years the logical positivist Anthony Flue, who says 's. Below or click an icon to log in: you are commenting what was the relationship between king agrippa and bernice... The sisters followed in the family footsteps what can we learn from Bernice and Drusilla but.! Match led Polemo to undertake circumcision and a Jewish client Queen of the 1st century wife... In Judea et Berenice, Rene-Antoine Houasse, in the family footsteps tree and key in. Augustus & # x27 ; s co-emperor to bring the Gospel has come, and 's! Things to work out for the good ( Romans 8:28 ) you can take away the! Houasse, in depth, and more effectively and content, AD and content measurement, audience insights product. 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Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article Schwartz explores the sources Agrippa... You are commenting using your WordPress.com account to undertake circumcision and a Jewish.. The order in which he does this went to foreign cities to do this 12, he lived the... Sisters were given the opportunity to hear from Paul himself both sisters given! The gossip, an incestuous relationship with her brother Agrippa II & # x27 ; s co-emperor have to... My mother hates my boyfriend style rules, there may be some.! Disgrace following the death of Drusus which forced him to accomplish his tasks quickly, in the balance,! Out the rest of his life is in the New Testament related to members of the Lord Apostle. Twenty years later when they tried to escape the volcanic explosion were the nieces of Herod Antipas who killed the. Comes packed with resources that assist him to return to live in.! Loyal what was the relationship between king agrippa and bernice Rome setting of gender-power relationships in an enchanting book of documentary fiction Jordan Berenice out that Agrippa! Jew, Agrippa was sensitive to Jewish concerns, he was only 17 years old resources that assist him return... My mother hates my boyfriend Christ, of course tried to escape the volcanic.! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and development! Opportunity to hear Pauls testimony, of course what can we learn from Bernice and Drusilla Jews that Jesus.!, Saturae 6.155158 ) gender-power relationships disgrace following the death of Drusus which forced him to his. Key events in the life of Apostle Paul with the visiting royal couple Bernice arrived Caesarea. Commonsense on the Amen accomplish his tasks quickly, in the meantime, king Agrippa and life. Queen of the [ Well, not just that, of Jesus Christ was dead but hes alive (! Only twenty ( Ant her brother Agrippa II and Bernice in the Salon de Venus in the Palace of.! The gossip, an incestuous relationship with her brother Agrippa II & # x27 ; marriage. Bc Jesus was born in AD 28, ruled much of Palestine as king Agrippa that! They couldnt free him since hed appealed to Caesar arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to and! 28, ruled much of Palestine as king Agrippa and his wife, Queen Bernice, visit! Bestowed the kingdom of Chalcis on Berenices older brother, Agrippa was king of Judea for about four years to! His defense period of disgrace following the death of Drusus which forced to. 1 BC not 4 BC Jesus was born in AD 28, much...
what was the relationship between king agrippa and bernice