²²Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” ²³So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the auditorium accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

Agrippa was gripped by the report about Paul, who seemed to be a remarkable individual. What was it about Festus’ report about Paul that intrigued the monarch? Was it the drastic appeal to Caesar for what outsiders would deem a provincial issue, a matter of religious disagreement in a small country a long way from Rome? Was it that Festus, being a man on the rise in the Roman hierarchy and a powerful ruler in his own right, was stymied by the man Paul? Or was Agrippa flattered that Festus thought he might have some wisdom and insight in how to deal with the situation, being more familiar with the Jewish people and their ways? As with many issues of human relationships, there are various layers. At the least, Agrippa wanted to examine the prisoner himself so as to better advise Festus.

Agrippa may simply have been intrigued because Paul was a fascinating person with a compelling message. This man believed so strongly in the resurrection of an individual that he would risk alienation from his own people, and ultimately would appeal to Caesar with his case. We remember the Athenian philosophers in Acts 19 who were quite interested in Paul’s teachings, inviting him to discuss it with them. Through the centuries, the Christian message has intrigued many with its uniqueness and its authoritative message of Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6).

Notice the nature of the crowd before whom Paul was brought to testify, a virtual “Who’s Who” of that time and place. It was quite the formal occasion— and all to hear Paul’s defense of himself and his message. What an amazing opportunity for Paul to share his testimony before the elite. Paul saw even the worst of situations as a divinely appointed occasion to preach the message of salvation. He wrote to the Philippians later:

¹²Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, ¹³so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, ¹⁴and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. (Phil. 1:12–14)

Lord, help me see that my difficulties are divine appointments to glorify You.