(story told in Acts 25:13-26:32)
Herod Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and the last ruler from the Herodian dynasty. He governed parts of the Roman Empire and was well known for his knowledge of Jewish customs and laws. When the apostle Paul was imprisoned by the Romans, Agrippa was invited to hear his case. What followed was not just a legal hearing, but one of the most powerful moments of testimony in the book of Acts.
Paul had been arrested for preaching about Jesus and was brought before the Roman governor, Festus. When Agrippa and his sister Bernice came to visit, Festus asked for Agrippa’s help in understanding the charges. The next day, Paul stood before them in chains and shared the story of his life—his early years as a Pharisee, his persecution of Christians, and the dramatic encounter he had with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Paul explained how that moment changed him completely, turning him from an enemy of Jesus to a messenger of hope. He spoke with boldness about repentance, forgiveness, and the resurrection of the dead. His words were not only a defense but an invitation for everyone listening to believe in Christ.
As Paul spoke, Agrippa was deeply moved. When Paul asked, “Do you believe the prophets? I know you do,” Agrippa replied, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Though intrigued, he stopped short of faith.
Herod Agrippa II’s story reminds us that hearing the truth is not enough—we must also respond to it. Paul’s words still challenge every heart today: the gospel calls each of us to move from “almost” believing to truly following Christ.