Bernice
Sister of King Agrippa
Sister of Agrippa II who heard Paul's testimony at Caesarea with great pomp.
Acts 25-26 names Bernice with her brother Agrippa II at Caesarea. They came with great pomp to hear Paul, who reasoned of Christ before them and Festus the governor.
Her Story
Festus laid Paul's cause before Agrippa. Bernice came with the king into the place of hearing. Paul rehearsed his conversion and the resurrection of Christ. Festus said, 'Paul, thou art beside thyself.' Agrippa said, 'Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.' Paul answered, '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.' They went aside and concluded, 'This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.' Yet they sent him to Caesar.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Sister of Herod Agrippa II and Drusilla (Acts 25:13)
- 2Heard Paul's defense at Caesarea with great pomp (25:23)
- 3Stood near as Agrippa was 'almost persuaded' (26:28)
Key KJV Scriptures
"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
Why It Matters
Bernice came in pomp to hear the gospel and went out unchanged. Almost is not enough. The most royal audience may receive the clearest word and miss the kingdom.
Application for Today
Do not be almost. The 'almost Christian' shares only the grief, not the glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bernice?
Daughter of Herod Agrippa I, sister of Agrippa II and Drusilla. Roman historians record her later association with the emperor Titus — but in Scripture she is the queen who almost heard.
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