Bernice is mentioned in the Bible during Paul’s trial, offering insight into historical events of the early church. Today, let’s explore what the Bible says about Bernice and her role in the New Testament story.
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What Does The Bible Say About Bernice
Acts 25:13
Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus.
This verse mentions Bernice as a companion of King Agrippa. It highlights her presence during a significant event where they greeted Festus in Caesarea. Although Bernice is not a prominent figure in the Bible, her name appears in historical accounts as a member of the Herodian dynasty.
Acts 26:30
Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them.
In this verse, Bernice is mentioned once again as part of the gathering that includes the king, the governor, and others. The context indicates that they had a meeting or a discussion. Despite the brief mention, this verse provides further evidence of Bernice’s involvement in the political circles of that time.
2 Timothy 4:21
Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
Although Bernice is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is worth noting that she was the sister of King Herod Agrippa II, who would have been among “all the brothers” sending greetings. As a member of the Herodian dynasty, Bernice had close connections to influential individuals within the early Christian community.
Acts 24:24
After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
This verse speaks about Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. While Bernice is not directly mentioned here, it is significant to note that Drusilla was Bernice’s sister. This context provides a glimpse into the familial connections between Bernice and influential figures in the Roman Empire during the time of the early church.
Acts 27:1
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.
In this verse, Paul, who was a prisoner, was handed over to Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Cohort. Although there is no direct mention of Bernice, she was involved in the affairs of the Roman Empire and would have been tangentially connected to the events surrounding Paul’s journey as a prisoner.
Acts 25:23
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.
This verse describes the grand entrance of King Agrippa and Bernice, accompanied by military tribunes and prominent individuals, into the audience hall. The purpose of their visit was to partake in a hearing in which Paul would be presented. The presence of Bernice further highlights her involvement in the political and administrative matters of that time period.
Acts 26:1
So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense.
In this verse, we see Agrippa granting Paul permission to speak in his own defense. Although Bernice is not mentioned, she would have been present during this hearing alongside King Agrippa. This verse underscores the influential roles that both Agrippa and Bernice played in the political and legal proceedings of that era.
2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
In this verse, Paul refers to the legal requirement for multiple witnesses to establish charges. During his encounters with King Agrippa and Bernice, Paul would have been aware of this legal principle and the necessity of corroborating evidence. This verse sheds light on the dynamics involved in the legal proceedings that Paul faced as he encountered influential figures like Bernice.
Acts 25:14
And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 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. 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 an opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him.
In this passage, Festus presents Paul’s case before King Agrippa and discusses the accusations made by the chief priests and elders of the Jews. While Bernice is not directly mentioned here, her presence alongside King Agrippa would have influenced the discussions surrounding Paul’s trial. This verse illuminates the political and religious dynamics at play during Paul’s encounters with influential individuals like Bernice.
Acts 25:23
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.
This verse describes the grand entrance of King Agrippa and Bernice, accompanied by military tribunes and prominent individuals, into the audience hall. The purpose of their visit was to partake in a hearing in which Paul would be presented. The presence of Bernice further highlights her involvement in the political and administrative matters of that time period.
Acts 26:1
So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense.
In this verse, we see Agrippa granting Paul permission to speak in his own defense. Although Bernice is not mentioned, she would have been present during this hearing alongside King Agrippa. This verse underscores the influential roles that both Agrippa and Bernice played in the political and legal proceedings of that era.
2 Timothy 4:21
Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
Although Bernice is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is worth noting that she was the sister of King Herod Agrippa II, who would have been among “all the brothers” sending greetings. As a member of the Herodian dynasty, Bernice had close connections to influential individuals within the early Christian community.
Acts 9:1-2
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Before Saul’s conversion to Christianity, he sought permission from the high priest to persecute the disciples of Jesus. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the opposition and threats faced by early Christians, including those who may have encountered Bernice in their own journeys of faith.
Acts 26:28
And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
In this verse, King Agrippa expresses surprise at Paul’s words and his attempt to persuade him to become a Christian. Although Bernice’s response is not recorded, she would have likely heard Paul’s passionate plea as well. This verse prompts reflection on how Bernice may have grappled with the message of Christianity and the potential impact it had on her own faith journey.
Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
After listening to Paul’s defense, King Agrippa remarks that Paul could have been freed if he had not appealed to Caesar. Bernice, as a witness to these events, would have likely heard Agrippa’s words and witnessed the impact of Paul’s testimony. This verse invites contemplation on how Bernice and others in her position encountered the transformative power of the Gospel.
Acts 9:3-4
Now as [Saul] went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Before his conversion experience, Saul encountered a life-changing event on the road to Damascus. This encounter with the resurrected Jesus marked the beginning of his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of the faith. While the direct connection to Bernice may not be evident, this verse emphasizes the power of divine intervention in the lives of those who oppose the message of Christ.
Acts 26:9-10
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
Continuing his defense, Paul reflects on his previous role as a persecutor of Christians. He openly admits to locking up believers, authorizing their imprisonment, and even casting his vote for their execution. Although the influence of Bernice is not explicitly mentioned, this verse serves as a reminder of the opposition that early Christians faced from individuals like Saul prior to their faith transformations.
Romans 13:1-2
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
This verse highlights the importance of believers submitting to the governing authorities, recognizing that all authority is ultimately established by God. While the context of this verse does not directly involve Bernice, her presence within the political circles of her time invites reflection on how early Christians navigated their faith in relation to the Roman authorities, including those connected to Bernice.
Acts 26:19-20
“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
In his defense before King Agrippa, Paul recounts his obedience to the heavenly vision and his mission to preach repentance and conversion to both Jews and Gentiles. While Bernice is not mentioned, she would have been present during these encounters and bore witness to the transformative message Paul carried. This verse prompts thoughts on how Bernice responded to the call of repentance and the challenges it presented to her own life.
Acts 25:22
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”
In this verse, King Agrippa expresses his desire to personally hear Paul’s defense. While the specific response of Bernice is not mentioned, she would have been part of this exchange. As an influential figure alongside Agrippa, Bernice’s presence contributes to the overall significance of the interactions between Paul and the ruling authorities of his time.
Acts 26:22-23
But I have had help from God to this day, and so I stand here, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.
Continuing his defense, Paul proclaims the fulfillment of the prophecies and the role of Jesus Christ in bringing salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Although Bernice’s response is not recorded, she would have been present during these powerful words. This verse invites consideration of the impact of Paul’s message on Bernice and her role in spreading the light of the Gospel.
Acts 26:29
And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
In his concluding statements before King Agrippa, Paul expresses his desire for all who hear him to embrace the faith he has found in Christ. Although Bernice’s response is not recorded, her presence during this momentous testimony signals the potential impact of Paul’s message on her life and those around her.
Acts 9:5
And [Saul] said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
In this verse, Saul encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and receives a powerful revelation of the Lord’s identity. Although Bernice is not directly mentioned, this encounter and the subsequent conversion of Saul highlight the transformative nature of encountering Christ. This verse invites reflection on the potential impact of such encounters on individuals like Bernice.
Acts 9:6
But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.
Following his encounter with Jesus, Saul is instructed to enter the city of Damascus and await further instructions. While Bernice’s role is not mentioned directly, this verse prompts contemplation on the pivotal moments in individuals’ lives when they are called to follow God’s direction. Bernice may have experienced her own moments of divine calling and decision-making.
Acts 9:7
The men who were traveling with [Saul] stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
In this verse, Saul’s companions hear a voice but do not witness the visible presence of Jesus. While Bernice’s involvement is not noted here, the concept of encountering the voice of God without physical visibility prompts reflection on how she, like others, might have received divine guidance and direction in her journey of faith.
Romans 14:10
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
This verse reminds believers about the need to refrain from passing judgment on others, as everyone will ultimately stand before the judgment seat of God. Although the context does not directly involve Bernice, it serves as a reminder that all individuals will be held accountable for their actions and attitudes, influencing how they treat one another. This verse invites introspection on how Bernice approached relationships and judgment in her own life.
Acts 22:14-15
And he said, “The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.
In this verse, Ananias speaks to Paul, affirming the divine appointment that Paul has received to know God’s will. While Bernice is not directly mentioned, the idea of being chosen as a witness to proclaim what one has seen and heard invites contemplation on how Bernice may have fulfilled her own role as a witness within her context.