Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Then {G1161} Agrippa {G67} said {G5346} unto {G4314} Paul {G3972}, Almost {G1722}{G3641} thou persuadest {G3982} me {G3165} to be {G1096} a Christian {G5546}.
Agrippa said to Sha’ul, “In this short time, you’re trying to convince me to become Messianic?”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”
And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.
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Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. -
Matthew 10:18
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. -
James 1:23
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: -
James 1:24
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. -
Acts 26:29
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. -
Ezekiel 33:31
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness. -
2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Acts 26:28 captures a pivotal and candid moment during the Apostle Paul's powerful defense before King Agrippa II. This verse highlights the king's striking admission of being deeply affected by Paul's compelling testimony and the logical presentation of the Christian faith.
Context of Acts 26:28
This verse is found within Paul's final recorded defense before a Roman official, specifically King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice, presided over by Governor Festus. Paul, having been accused by the Jews, appealed to Caesar and was awaiting transport to Rome. Festus, uncertain how to articulate the charges to Caesar, arranged for Paul to present his case before Agrippa, who possessed a greater understanding of Jewish customs and prophecies. Paul's defense, detailed in Acts 26, recounts his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), his subsequent divine commission to preach the Gospel to Gentiles, and the core message of Jesus' resurrection. His eloquent and Spirit-filled declaration of truth led to Agrippa's profound, yet ultimately incomplete, confession.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application and Reflection
Agrippa's poignant declaration serves as a powerful reminder for all who hear the Gospel. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent or emotional stirring to a genuine, life-changing commitment to Jesus Christ. In matters of faith, there is no middle ground; one is either fully in Christ or outside of Him. This verse encourages believers to boldly share their personal testimony, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to convict hearts. For those who feel "almost persuaded," it is a call to take that crucial step of faith and fully embrace the salvation offered through Jesus, for as 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us, "now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."