Women of the Bible.

I've been enjoying Bible Gateway's short character studies on Bible Women. Today's devotional was on Bernice, from Acts 25 and 26.

Although there are only a total of six verses in the scriptures that actually refer to Bernice, there is plenty said in a few words about the life of this ungodly woman.

The name "Bernice" is expressive of "a good and happy victory". Left me wondering if this Bernice was aptly named, at all.

She was the oldest daughter of King Herod Agrippa, described in Acts 12 as one "who vexed the church". Clearly in her childhood, a strong hatred of the first christians must have been instilled by her father.

She had several marriages, one of which was to her Uncle Herod. When he passed away, she became her brother Agrippa's constant consort. Tiring of him, she married Polemon, King of Cilicia and was mistress to many, before ultimately returning to intimacy with Agrippa.

Ugh. Not exactly the girl-next-door type of figure. In fact, if I ever met someone like Bernice in my life, I would most certainly cast her aside with disdain. (Shame on me.)

But not Paul. What did he do?

He appealed to Bernice's heart in the presence of Agrippa, declaring what God had done for his soul. Her brother listened, and his conclusion to Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” I wonder what thoughts entertained Bernice's mind as she heard her brother's response to the message of salvation? Was she silently convicted of her evil and shame? Did she consider the One who had died for her wicked acts?

The scriptures are silent on Bernice's end, but I'm pretty certain, despite the meaning of her name, she met with a sad and unhappy defeat.

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