Who was Herod Agrippa II?

Historical and Familial Background

Herod Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1–2) and the great-grandson of Herod the Great, the ruler who oversaw extensive building projects—including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem—and was known for his cruelty (Matthew 2:16). Agrippa II was born around AD 27–28, making him one of the later members of the Herodian dynasty, which held political power over the Jewish territories under the auspices of Roman authority.

When his father, Herod Agrippa I, died in AD 44 (Acts 12:23), Agrippa II was still too young to rule. Initially, Judaea was again placed under Roman governors. A few years later, Agrippa II was granted authority over certain territories in the region, including Chalcis (in AD 50) and ultimately a larger domain in AD 53 that encompassed northern territories such as parts of Galilee and Perea. He also held the authority to appoint the Jewish high priest, giving him significant religious influence.

Agrippa II in the New Testament

The primary biblical references to Herod Agrippa II appear in Acts 25:13–26:32. While visiting Festus in Caesarea to pay respects (Acts 25:13: “After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.”), Agrippa II encountered the Apostle Paul, who was imprisoned and awaiting trial under Roman jurisdiction.

In Acts 25:22, Agrippa expresses interest in hearing Paul himself: “Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘I would like to hear this man myself.’ ‘Tomorrow you will hear him,’ Festus declared.” This leads to Paul’s famous defense before Agrippa II, Bernice, and other dignitaries. Paul detailed his conversion experience and ministry, culminating in the declaration of the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 26:1–23). Agrippa's response shows that he was familiar with Jewish customs and beliefs, though we do not see evidence of his being fully persuaded to become a follower of Christ.

Agrippa and the Trial of Paul

When Paul delivered his testimony, he appealed to his own transformative encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:12–18), emphasizing the prophecies and the hope of Israel fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection. Agrippa’s familiarity with Jewish practices made him an ideal audience for Paul’s argument. At the same time, as a client king under Rome, Agrippa had to maintain good standing with both the Jewish population and Roman officials.

In Acts 26:27–28, Paul addresses Agrippa directly concerning the prophets:

• Acts 26:27–28: “‘King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.’ Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?’”

This exchange underscores the tension between Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish teachings and his political realities. Agrippa’s final observation, offered alongside Festus, is that Paul had done nothing to merit death or imprisonment (Acts 26:31–32).

Political and Religious Role

Agrippa II’s rule was marked by the delicate balance of Jewish heritage, Roman allegiance, and the high priestly appointments under his jurisdiction. Ancient historian Flavius Josephus records that Agrippa intervened in certain temple and city affairs, exercising authority to remove or install the high priest according to Roman political considerations.

Beyond the biblical accounts, Agrippa II’s reign was marred by the growing tensions between Jerusalem’s Jewish populace and Rome, which escalated into the Jewish-Roman War (AD 66–73). Josephus recounts that Agrippa attempted to deter the Jewish rebels from rebelling against Rome, but was ultimately unsuccessful in maintaining peace, and he sided with the Romans once the conflict began in earnest.

Later Life and Historical Insights

Herod Agrippa II is traditionally regarded as the last of the Herodian kings. His precise date of death is not recorded in Scripture, but historical sources suggest he died around the late first century, possibly into the early second century. Archaeological evidence from the region—such as inscriptions discovered in areas he governed—supports aspects of the territories under his rule and the administrative structure that he upheld.

Though not persuaded by Paul’s message to become a believer, Agrippa II’s role in the New Testament narrative shows the intersection of Jewish authority, Roman governance, and the unfolding spread of the gospel through the Apostle Paul. It also illustrates the historical accuracy of Luke’s record in Acts, as corroborated by external writings like those of Josephus, aligning consistently with known political and geographical details of the time.

Significance in Biblical and Christian Studies

Herod Agrippa II’s prominence in the Book of Acts highlights how the gospel reached the highest tiers of society, echoing Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8 that the message would spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. His interaction with Paul stands as one of the most notable examples of an earthly ruler encountering the life-changing truth of Christ’s resurrection, yet ultimately choosing not to alter his course.

From a historical standpoint, Agrippa II’s life underscores the complex entanglement of politics, religion, and power in first-century Judea. For biblical studies, this context enriches our understanding of Acts as both a theological and historical document, testifying to the veracity and coherence of Scripture.

Conclusion

Herod Agrippa II emerges in the biblical record as a politically savvy, religiously conscious leader of the Herodian lineage who listened to Paul’s defense and gospel presentation. Although his response to Paul’s words indicates a level of recognition regarding the prophetic message, he remained unwilling to fully commit to the Christian faith. His life marks the twilight of Herodian rule in Judea, set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Rome and the Jewish populace. His presence and involvement in the trial of Paul serve to accentuate the widespread reach of the gospel message and the steadfast proclamation of Christ’s resurrection in the face of every human authority—a testament that has endured through history and Scripture alike.