King James Version

What Does Acts 25:22 Mean?

Acts 25:22 in the King James Version says “Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.”

Acts 25:22 · KJV

Context

20

And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. I doubted: or, I was doubtful how to enquire hereof

21

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. hearing: or, judgment

22

Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

23

And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

24

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

Read Acts 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself—King Agrippa II's request (Ἐβουλόμην καὶ αὐτὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀκοῦσαι, Eboulomēn kai autos tou anthrōpou akousai, 'I myself also was wishing to hear the man') expresses personal curiosity. As a Jewish king educated in Rome, Agrippa was knowledgeable about Jewish affairs and intrigued by this case that had roiled Judea for years.

To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him—Festus immediately accommodates: Αὔριον ἀκούσῃ αὐτοῦ (Aurion akousē autou, 'Tomorrow you will hear him'). The promptness suggests Festus sees strategic value: Agrippa might help him formulate charges for Caesar (v. 26-27). What Festus views as political necessity, God orchestrates as another gospel opportunity. Paul will give his fullest defense, including his conversion testimony, before this royal court—fulfilling Jesus's words that disciples would testify 'before governors and kings' (Matthew 10:18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Agrippa II (AD 27-93) was great-grandson of Herod the Great, educated in Rome under Claudius's court. He ruled territories northeast of Judea and was given authority over the Jerusalem temple and high priestly appointments, making him uniquely positioned to advise Festus on Jewish affairs. His companion Bernice was his sister (and rumored to be his lover, a scandal in both Jewish and Roman society). Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish law and messianic expectations made him the ideal audience for Paul's testimony, though his response ('Almost thou persuadest me,' 26:28) reveals intellectual understanding without spiritual surrender.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sovereignly arrange circumstances (Paul's appeal, Festus's confusion, Agrippa's visit) to create gospel opportunities?
  2. What's the significance of Paul testifying before Agrippa, who represents the last of the Herodian dynasty that began with the Herod who slaughtered Bethlehem's infants?
  3. In what ways should Christians prepare to give testimony whenever unexpected opportunities arise, as Paul did?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἀγρίππας1 of 18

“Agrippa”

G67

wild-horse tamer; agrippas, one of the herods

δὲ2 of 18

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 18

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φῆστον5 of 18

“Festus”

G5347

festal; phestus (i.e., festus), a roman

φησίν6 of 18

“said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ἐβουλόμην7 of 18

“I would”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

καὶ8 of 18

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτοῦ9 of 18

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου11 of 18

“the man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀκούσῃ12 of 18

“he thou shalt hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὁ13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ14 of 18

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

Αὔριον15 of 18

“To morrow”

G839

properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow

φησίν16 of 18

“said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

ἀκούσῃ17 of 18

“he thou shalt hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

αὐτοῦ18 of 18

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 25:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 25:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:15Luke 21:12Isaiah 52:15Matthew 10:18

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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