Herod Agrippa II

Herod Agrippa II was the last major ruler of the Herodian dynasty. He governed territories north and east of Judea, exercised influence over the Jerusalem high priesthood, and heard Paul’s defense before the Roman governor Festus, as described in Acts 25–26.

Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I and was still young when his father died in AD 44. Rome did not immediately give him Judea, which instead returned to direct Roman administration.

Around AD 50 Emperor Claudius gave Agrippa the small kingdom of Chalcis, along with authority relating to the Jerusalem Temple and appointment of high priests. He later received larger territories that had belonged to Philip and other regional rulers.

Agrippa frequently worked with Roman officials and sought to preserve order in a region experiencing growing political and religious tension. His sister Berenice appeared publicly with him and accompanied him on important occasions.

Acts 25–26 describes Agrippa and Berenice visiting the governor Porcius Festus at Caesarea. Festus arranged for Agrippa to hear the imprisoned Paul. Paul recounted his background, his encounter with the risen Jesus, and his mission. Agrippa and Festus concluded that Paul had not done anything deserving death or imprisonment, although Paul had appealed to Caesar.

During the Jewish revolt against Rome beginning in AD 66, Agrippa attempted to discourage rebellion. He eventually supported the Roman side. After Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70, he continued to hold territory under Roman favor.

Agrippa II was the last significant Herodian monarch. The exact year of his death is disputed, with dates in the AD 90s or around AD 100 proposed.

Agrippa II provides a direct link between the final Herodian rulers, Roman provincial administration, Paul’s ministry, and the Jewish revolt of AD 66–70. His career illustrates the dependence of regional kings on Roman imperial power.

• c. AD 50: Received Chalcis and responsibility connected with the Jerusalem high priesthood.
• AD 53: Received territories formerly governed by Philip and other rulers.
• c. AD 59–60: Heard Paul’s defense at Caesarea with Festus and Berenice.
• AD 66: Opposed the outbreak of revolt against Rome.
• AD 66–70: Supported Roman forces during the Jewish revolt.
• c. AD 93–100: Died; exact date uncertain.

Agrippa II died sometime in the late first century AD, possibly in the AD 90s or around AD 100. The exact date and burial place are uncertain.

Agrippa II is the King Agrippa addressed by Paul in Acts 25–26. He heard Paul’s defense and discussed the case with Festus and Berenice. He should not be confused with his father, Agrippa I, in Acts 12.