Bernikē (Βερνίκη) is a Macedonian Greek name meaning "victorious" or "she who brings victory" (from pheronike). In Acts 25:13, 23 and 26:30, she appears as the sister of King Agrippa II who accompanied him to Caesarea to hear the Apostle Paul's defense before Governor Festus. Historical sources (Josephus) indicate she was notorious for immorality.
The hearing before Agrippa and Bernice (Acts 26) represents one of the New Testament's most dramatic scenes of the gospel confronting worldly power. Paul's Spirit-filled defense included a direct evangelistic appeal: "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?" (Acts 26:27). Agrippa's half-reply — "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (26:28) — stands as one of history's most poignant near-responses to the gospel. Before Bernice and all the court's pomp, Paul remained the free man while Agrippa remained captive to sin.