The Power of a Rich Toward God Life, Part 2

Paul's Journey from Pathetic to Prized

This is part two of a chapter on unlearning pomp and circumstance and learning instead the rich toward God life. You can read part one HERE.

The story of Paul appearing before Agrippa and Bernice is a prophetic warning for those who put pomp and circumstance (a fancy coat) over a vast estate (being rich toward God).

“The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer” (Acts 25:23-24).

Picture in your mind the illustrious and flamboyant Agrippa II and Bernice entering a great, ostentatious hall. Everyone is kissing up to them, flattering them, trying to get their attention and curry their favor. Many would like to be them. They stay in the best accommodations and eat the best food. They have servants and the power to kill men and women or set them free.

Bernice, by the way, was Agrippa II’s sister, not his wife.

But she lived with him.

Yes, there were rumors.