The name Agrippa in the New Testament of the King James Version (KJV) refers to two distinct but related rulers from the Herodian dynasty: Herod Agrippa I and his son, Herod Agrippa II. Both men played significant, yet contrasting, roles in the persecution and defense of the early Christian church.
Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12)
The first Agrippa is known for his persecution of the apostles and his sudden, dramatic death.
Identity and Rule: He was the grandson of Herod the Great (the Herod who attempted to kill the infant Jesus) and ruled as a client king over a territory that eventually included Judea and Samaria from A.D. 41 to 44. He sought to gain favour with the Jewish people by observing their customs and persecuting the growing Christian sect.
Role in Scripture: His actions are recorded in the Book of Acts:
- Persecution and Martyrdom: He initiated a campaign against the Church, becoming the first king to execute an Apostle:“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.” (Acts 12:1-2, KJV)
- Imprisonment of Peter: Seeing that the execution of James pleased the Jewish leaders, he proceeded to arrest Peter with the intention of executing him after the Passover. Peter was miraculously freed by an angel, much to Herod’s frustration.“And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.” (Acts 12:3, KJV)
Divine Judgment and Death: Agrippa I’s life ended abruptly when he accepted blasphemous praise from a crowd in Caesarea.
“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” (Acts 12:21-23, KJV)
Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25–26)
The second Agrippa was the son of Agrippa I and the last of the Herodian line to bear the title of king.
Identity and Rule: He was Herod Agrippa II, who ruled a smaller territory north of Judea, though he was granted the authority to supervise the Temple in Jerusalem. He is found in Scripture alongside his sister, Bernice.
Role in Scripture: He is primarily known for his involvement in the trial of the Apostle Paul.
- Paul’s Appeal: The Roman governor Festus brought Paul, who was a prisoner and Roman citizen, before Agrippa II. Festus sought the king’s help in formulating a charge to send Paul to Caesar in Rome.“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself…” (Acts 26:1, KJV)
- The Testimony: Paul’s eloquent defense included the story of his conversion and a forceful declaration of the Gospel, which greatly moved the king. Agrippa II, being an expert in Jewish customs, understood the gravity of Paul’s claims regarding the resurrection.
- The Response: Agrippa II’s famous response to Paul’s testimony is a solemn moment that speaks of a missed opportunity:“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28, KJV)
After hearing Paul’s case, Agrippa II concluded that the Apostle was innocent of any crime deserving death or imprisonment, saying, “This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” (Acts 26:32, KJV).
The Return Question
The story of Herod Agrippa II and the Apostle Paul serves as a potent reminder for those awaiting the Lord’s Return. Agrippa II’s famous declaration of being “almost” persuaded to be a Christian is a warning against procrastination. The truth of the Gospel, and the promised Return of Christ, is not a matter for casual consideration but for immediate and absolute commitment. The Lord calls for a decisive stand, not a position of being merely “almost” ready when the great day of the Lord arrives.
Prophetic Hotspot: God’s Sovereignty Over Rulers
The contrasting fates of the two Agrippas provide a clear example of God’s absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers.
- Agrippa I persecuted the Church and claimed divine glory, resulting in his swift and awful judgment by the Angel of the Lord (Acts 12:23). This demonstrates that no earthly power can ultimately stand against the will of God.
- Agrippa II, though he never fully accepted the faith, was used by God to authenticate Paul’s innocence and provide a platform for the Gospel to be heard by royalty and sent further toward Rome (Acts 26).
Both accounts confirm the unchanging prophetic truth that “the LORD reigneth” (Psalm 93:1, KJV) and He uses the actions of kings—whether in their pride or their ambivalence—to ensure that the Word of God is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9, KJV) but continues to grow and multiply.