Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”
23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”
People are falling all over themselves congratulating each other. Or clamoring for each other’s places of honor. That’s what I see happening in this account. Festus and Agrippa are enjoying their mutual admiration society meeting. Can’t you just hear it? Luke records the scene:
“So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us,…”
Now he’s schmoozing with all these honorific people. Notice, “all who are present…” Earlier Festus had thrown Felix under the bus. “There is a man left prisoner by Felix,” he says. In other words, it’s not my fault. But now Agrippa asks to see Paul and Festus says, “Tomorrow you shall.” I can almost hear Festus’ glee. He is so happy to be able to provide something to the king.
Compare that to the manner in which Jesus – King of the Universe, King of kings, the First and Last – behaves with his disciples and before Caiaphas, Pilate, and King Herod. Humility. Washing feet. Keeping silent before his accusers. Refusing still to play Pilate’s game. Knowing and believing he will One Day have The Last Word.
I’m not much for pomp and circumstance – with two exceptions. One was when our son was promoted to an officer in the Navy. The most powerful moment was when our youngest son gave Tim his first salute. A hand shake later, along with a palmed silver dollar, and the deed was done. The other pomp and circumstance that I’m all in for is when a soldier is buried. The bugle plays taps. Seven rifles fire three rounds each for the 21 gun salute. Those I can get behind. And one more…a beloved pastor and church leader dies and the clergy form an honor guard for the family and casket to pass from the church to the hearse.
I imagine the day of Christ’s return when every knee will bow to him. I imagine how the kings of the earth casting down their golden crowns before him. I imagine the glorious scene witnessed by John in Revelation 7:10, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” That’s no game of thrones. That’s true glory. It belongs to God alone. We all do well to remember that.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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