Acts 25:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore his wife also hears with him and does not refuse to listen. Moreover, she listens not merely, but with great honor. So strong was their desire. If he had not wished it, he would not have listened. Nor would he have allowed his wife to take part in the hearing if he had not thought highly of Paul. She herself, I think, also desired it.

See what company gathers to hear Paul: "the most distinguished citizens," the writer says. The governor and the king come with all their armed attendants. With them come the commanders of thousands and the chief men of the city, whom he calls "the most distinguished."

King Herod Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II, son of Herod Agrippa I; see Acts ch. 12. He possessed, with the title of king, the tetrarchies of Philip and Lysanias; Lk 3:1. He was the last king of the Herodian family, with whom that royal line came to an end.

Being in a vassal relationship to Rome, he considered it his duty to congratulate Festus on his new appointment. For this purpose he came to Caesarea soon after Festus entered upon the office of procurator of Judea.

Agrippa expressed agreement to "hear this man," and Festus took care the very next day to satisfy the little king's wish. He ordered a special chamber to be prepared for the occasion and invited all the chief military commanders and the most prominent citizens of the city.

The Herods loved spectacles, and Festus satisfied their passion with a majestic ceremony. He no doubt appeared in his purple cloak, with a full retinue of lictors and bodyguards. They stood armed behind the gilded seats prepared for him and his distinguished guests.

The wish of the distinguished guest was fulfilled on the very next day.

"With great pomp" means in royal fashion.

"Into the judgment hall" means either where trials were ordinarily held, or, more probably, the chamber appointed on this occasion for hearing Paul's defense.

"With the commanders of thousands": in Caesarea, the residence of the governor of a whole province, and one not very peaceful, there were five cohorts of soldiers. Consequently there were five commanders of thousands; Josephus, Bell. jud. 3, 4.2.

The Apostle Paul was brought before King Agrippa in a solemn setting, in the judgment hall. Saint John Chrysostom sees in this a new glorification of Paul.

"See how the enemies themselves involuntarily further the work. So that there might be more hearers, Agrippa himself wished to hear Paul. He hears him not simply, but with pomp. Festus grants him this pleasure, and Paul appears still more glorious.

"All this was produced by the plots of the Jews. Had there been no plots, none of the rulers would have wished to hear him. No one would have listened with such silence and attention. Therefore let us not regard plots as something disastrous. If we do not act against ourselves, nothing can catch us in its snares."