King James Version

What Does Acts 26:30 Mean?

Acts 26:30 in the King James Version says “And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:” — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:”

Acts 26:30 · KJV

Context

28

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost , and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

30

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31

And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

32

Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them—After Paul's defense and appeal (26:1-29), the assembly ends. The verb ἀνέστη (anestē, 'rose up') indicates formal dismissal. Ὁ βασιλεὺς (ho basileus, 'the king') Agrippa leaves first (protocol), followed by ὁ ἡγεμών (ho hēgemōn, 'the governor') Festus, Bernice, and οἱ συγκαθήμενοι αὐτοῖς (hoi synkathēmenoi autois, 'those sitting with them'—the military tribunes and city leaders).

The scene's formality contrasts with its outcome: all this pomp and power assemble, hear the gospel, and disperse without conversion. Yet Paul has faithfully testified before kings as Jesus predicted (Acts 9:15). The rising of earthly authorities symbolizes their rejection and departure from the gospel, while Paul remains—bound but bearing eternal truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This gathering (c. AD 59-60) in Caesarea's audience hall brought together the last Herodian king, a Roman governor, military commanders, and civic leaders—the full spectrum of power in first-century Judea. Paul's testimony before them fulfilled biblical patterns: Joseph before Pharaoh, Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, prophets before kings. The assembly's departure without decision leaves Paul's fate unchanged—he'll go to Rome as planned—but provides another testimony recorded in Scripture for all generations. Agrippa's 'almost persuaded' (26:28) becomes history's cautionary tale of intellectual assent without faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the spiritual significance of the entire assembly rising and leaving after hearing Paul's testimony but not responding in faith?
  2. How does this scene illustrate that even powerful, educated people can hear the gospel clearly yet reject it through indifference or delay?
  3. In what ways does Paul's faithfulness to testify matter, regardless of the immediate response, and how should this inform our gospel sharing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ταῦτα2 of 17

“thus”

G5023

these things

εἰπόντος3 of 17

“spoken”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς4 of 17

“them”

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

Ἀνέστη5 of 17

“rose up”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ὁ6 of 17
G3588

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

βασιλεὺς7 of 17

“the king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Καὶ8 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ9 of 17
G3588

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

ἡγεμὼν10 of 17

“the governor”

G2232

a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province

ἥ11 of 17
G3588

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

τε12 of 17

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

Βερνίκη13 of 17

“Bernice”

G959

victorious; bernice, a member of the herodian family

Καὶ14 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ15 of 17
G3588

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

συγκαθήμενοι16 of 17

“they that sat with”

G4775

to seat oneself in company with

αὐτοῖς17 of 17

“them”

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 26:30 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 26:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 28:22Acts 18:15Acts 25:23

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