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.

And {G1161} Paul {G3972} said {G2036}, I would {G302}{G2172} to God {G2316}, that not {G3756} only {G3440} thou {G4571}, but {G235} also {G2532} all {G3956} that hear {G191} me {G3450} this day {G4594}, were {G1096} both {G2532} almost {G1722}{G3641}, and {G2532} altogether {G1722}{G4183} such {G5108} as {G3697}{G2504} I am {G1510}, except {G3924} these {G5130} bonds {G1199}.

Sha’ul replied, “Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish to God that not only you, but also everyone hearing me today, might become just like me except for these chains!”

“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”

And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.

Commentary

Acts 26:29 captures the Apostle Paul's profound and selfless desire for all to experience the transformative power of the Gospel, even as he stands in chains before King Agrippa II and other Roman officials. It reveals his evangelistic heart, prioritizing spiritual freedom over his own physical bondage.

Context

This powerful statement is part of Paul's defense speech in Caesarea before King Agrippa, Bernice, and Governor Festus, who had summoned him to hear the charges brought against him by the Jewish leaders. Paul recounts his conversion experience and his commission to preach to the Gentiles, explaining why he is persecuted. The verse immediately follows King Agrippa's interjection in Acts 26:28, "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Paul's reply is not a mere politeness, but a heartfelt expression of his mission and passion for the salvation of souls.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Evangelistic Passion: Despite being a prisoner, Paul's primary concern is not his freedom but the spiritual state of his hearers. His wish for them to be "altogether such as I am" underscores his fervent desire for their conversion to Christ. This reflects the core of his ministry, as seen in his declaration in Romans 1:16 about being unashamed of the gospel.
  • Spiritual Freedom vs. Physical Bondage: Paul's famous caveat, "except these bonds," highlights a crucial distinction. He desires for them to share in his spiritual liberation and joy in Christ, but not in his physical imprisonment. This emphasizes that true freedom is found in Christ, regardless of external circumstances, a theme he often explores in his epistles, such as in Galatians 5:1 where he speaks of standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.
  • The Call to Wholehearted Commitment: Agrippa's "almost" versus Paul's desire for "altogether" points to the necessity of full surrender to Christ. Partial faith or intellectual assent is insufficient for true salvation and transformation. The gospel calls for a complete change of heart and life.
  • The Power of the Gospel: That Paul's testimony could bring a king to the brink of conversion testifies to the inherent power of the message of Christ to convict hearts and minds, transcending social status and political power.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "almost, and altogether" translates two distinct Greek expressions: en oligō (ἐν ὀλίγῳ), meaning "in a little" or "in a short time/degree," and en megalō (ἐν μεγάλῳ), meaning "in much" or "in a great degree." This contrast emphasizes the spectrum from partial to complete conviction. Paul's response clearly articulates his desire for a full, unreserved commitment to the Christian faith, rather than a mere intellectual agreement or fleeting emotional response.

Practical Application

Paul's words in Acts 26:29 challenge believers today to cultivate a similar evangelistic passion. Do we genuinely desire for others to experience the freedom and joy we find in Christ, even if it means enduring hardship ourselves? This verse encourages us to:

  1. Share the Gospel Boldly: Like Paul, we are called to be witnesses, ready to share our faith even in challenging circumstances.
  2. Pray for Full Conversion: Our prayers for others should not be for superficial interest, but for a complete and transforming commitment to Jesus Christ.
  3. Value Spiritual Freedom: Recognize that true liberty is not found in earthly comforts or absence of trials, but in our relationship with God through Christ. This perspective helps us endure suffering with grace, knowing our ultimate hope is secure, as Paul exemplified in Philippians 4:12 regarding being content in every state.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the heart of Christian witness: a deep love for God and a genuine desire for others to share in the glorious liberty of His children.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 6:20 (4 votes)

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • Colossians 1:28 (3 votes)

    Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

  • Romans 10:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

  • Acts 21:33 (3 votes)

    Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

  • Exodus 16:3 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

  • Luke 19:41 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

  • Luke 19:42 (2 votes)

    Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.