Agrippa
Summary
The name of two Herodian rulers: Herod Agrippa I who persecuted the early church and died under divine judgment, and Herod Agrippa II before whom Paul made his famous defense.
☩Herod Agrippa I
The grandson of Herod the Great, Agrippa I became king over territories that eventually matched those of his grandfather, including Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and Perea. He is the "Herod" of Acts 12 who persecuted the early church, executing James the brother of John and imprisoning Peter. His death came suddenly when, after accepting divine honors at Caesarea, he was struck by an angel of the Lord and eaten by worms.
☩Herod Agrippa II
The son of Agrippa I, Agrippa II ruled over northern territories including parts of Galilee and Perea. He is best known for hearing Paul's defense at Caesarea alongside his sister Bernice and the Roman governor Festus. After Paul's powerful presentation of the gospel, including his conversion account, Agrippa famously responded, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian," and acknowledged that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Agrippa," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Agrippa," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.George Morrish, "Agrippa," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).