The account of Festus consulting Agrippa is found in the New Testament book of Acts, specifically in Acts 25:13-27. This event occurs during the apostle Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, where he is held under Roman custody. The narrative provides insight into the political and judicial processes of the Roman Empire, as well as the providential hand of God in the spread of the Gospel.

Context and Background

Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as the Roman governor of Judea around AD 59. Upon assuming office, Festus inherited the unresolved case of Paul, who had been imprisoned for two years. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem had accused Paul of various offenses, including desecrating the temple and inciting rebellion. However, they failed to provide evidence that would warrant a conviction under Roman law.

Festus, seeking to placate the Jewish authorities while adhering to Roman legal standards, proposed a trial in Jerusalem. Paul, aware of the potential danger and the lack of a fair trial, exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11).

The Arrival of Agrippa and Bernice

King Agrippa II, the great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his sister Bernice visited Festus in Caesarea shortly after Festus took office. Agrippa, though a client king under Roman authority, was well-versed in Jewish customs and religious matters. His presence provided Festus with an opportunity to gain insight into the perplexing case of Paul.

Festus' Consultation with Agrippa

Festus presented Paul's case to Agrippa, expressing his dilemma. He explained that the accusations against Paul were not criminal by Roman standards, as they pertained to "questions about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive" (Acts 25:19). Festus admitted his uncertainty in handling such religious disputes and sought Agrippa's expertise.

Agrippa's Interest in Hearing Paul

Intrigued by the case, Agrippa expressed a desire to hear Paul himself. Festus arranged for a hearing the following day, which was attended by Agrippa, Bernice, military commanders, and prominent city leaders. This gathering underscored the significance of the event and the high-profile nature of Paul's case.

Significance of the Consultation

The consultation between Festus and Agrippa highlights several key themes:

1. Divine Providence: The involvement of Roman and Jewish leaders in Paul's case illustrates God's sovereign orchestration of events. Despite human intentions, God's purpose to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles and to Rome was being fulfilled through Paul's legal journey.

2. Legal and Cultural Context: The narrative provides a glimpse into the complexities of Roman governance and the interplay between Roman and Jewish authorities. It underscores the challenges faced by early Christians in navigating legal systems that were often hostile to their faith.

3. Testimony of the Resurrection: Central to the accusations against Paul was his proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This core tenet of Christian faith was a stumbling block to many, yet it remained the foundation of Paul's defense and mission.

4. Witness to the Gentiles: Paul's appeal to Caesar and his subsequent hearings before Roman officials served as a platform for the Gospel to reach influential Gentile audiences. This aligns with Jesus' commission to Paul to be a witness "before kings" (Acts 9:15).

The consultation between Festus and Agrippa set the stage for Paul's defense before Agrippa, which is detailed in the subsequent chapter of Acts. This event is a testament to the early church's perseverance and the unstoppable advance of the Gospel message.