Rulers in Paul Era

 

During the era of the Apostle Paul's ministry in the mid-first century AD, the primary "king" he interacted with directly was 

Herod Agrippa II. Paul also lived under the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero. 

Here are the key details regarding rulers during Paul's time:

• King Agrippa II (Herod Agrippa II): Paul made his defense before him in Caesarea, as described in Acts 25-26. Agrippa II, a great-grandson of Herod the Great, was technically a Roman-appointed king with authority over parts of the region and was designated "Protector of the Temple". He is famously remembered for telling Paul, "Almost you persuade me to be a Christian".
• Emperor Nero: Paul's ministry, specifically his missionary journeys and subsequent imprisonment, occurred during the reign of Nero (AD 54–68). Paul appealed to Caesar, which led to him being taken to Rome to appear before Nero.
• Other Leaders: Earlier in Paul's life, Herod Agrippa I (who died in AD 44) reigned as king of Judea. During his later imprisonments, Roman governors (procurators) like Felixand Festus held power over Judea. 

It is also worth noting that Paul (originally Saul) was named after the first king of Israel, King Saul, as both were from the tribe of Benjamin.