Agrippa II (sources)

Survey of ancient sources on Agrippa II

Overview

The writings of Flavius Josephus are the major source of information for the life and deeds of King Herod Agrippa II. He is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.

Primary sources

Josephus, Jewish Antiquities

Ant XVIII 5, 4 -- Agrippa had by Cypros two sons and three daughters, which daughters were named Berenice, Mariamne, and Drusilla; but the names of the sons were [Herod] Agrippa [II] and Drusus, of which Drusus died before he came to the years of puberty.

=Acts of the Apostles

"Berenice and Agrippa arrived at Caesarea to welcome [the new Roman governor] Festus (Acts 25:13). Since they were staying there several day, Festus laid Paul's case before the king (25:14)... On the next day Agrippa and Berenice 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" (25:23). After listening to Paul's speech "the king rose, and the governor and Berenice and those who were sitting with them; and as they were leaving they said to one another, This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment" (26:30-31).