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Acts 26:28
Verse
Context
Sermons
Carter Conlon
Alan Redpath
Brian Brodersen
Russell DeLong
Jonathan Edwards
Benjamin Franklin
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian - Εν ολιγῳ με πειθεις ΧριϚιανον γενεσθαι. This declaration was almost the necessary consequence of the apostle's reasoning, and Agrippa's faith. If he believed the prophets, see Act 26:22, Act 26:23, and believed that Paul's application of their words to Christ Jesus was correct, he must acknowledge the truth of the Christian religion; but he might choose whether he would embrace and confess this truth, or not. However, the sudden appeal to his religious faith extorts from him the declaration, Thou hast nearly persuaded me to embrace Christianity. How it could have entered into the mind of any man, who carefully considered the circumstances of the case, to suppose that these words of Agrippa are spoken ironically, is to me unaccountable. Every circumstance in the case proves them to have been the genuine effusion of a heart persuaded of the truth; and only prevented from fully acknowledging it by secular considerations.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Almost--or, "in a little time." thou persuadest me to be a Christian--Most modern interpreters think the ordinary translation inadmissible, and take the meaning to be, "Thou thinkest to make me with little persuasion (or small trouble) a Christian"--but I am not to be so easily turned. But the apostle's reply can scarcely suit any but the sense given in our authorized version, which is that adopted by CHRYSOSTOM and some of the best scholars since. The objection on which so much stress is laid, that the word "Christian" was at that time only a term of contempt, has no force except on the other side; for taking it in that view, the sense is, "Thou wilt soon have me one of that despised sect."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Paul said, I would to God,.... This prayer of the apostle's shows his affection for the souls of men, and his great desire for their conversion, and also his sense of the power and grace of God, as necessary to it: that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am; that is, his wish was that not only Agrippa, but that all that were present, were not only within a little, or in some low degree, but entirely, in the highest and fullest sense, Christians, as he was; that they knew as much of Christ, and had as much faith in him, and love to him, as he had, and were as ready to serve and obey him: he does not wish that Agrippa and the rest that heard him were as he had been, a bigot for traditions and ceremonies, that trusted in his own righteousness, did many things contrary to the name of Jesus, was a blasphemer of him, a persecutor of his saints, and an injurious person; but as he now was, not meaning with respect to his civil circumstances, as a mean poor man, and a tent maker, or with respect to his single state of life, which he elsewhere advises to, Co1 9:5 or with respect to his ministerial capacity, as an apostle of Christ, and a preacher of the Gospel; but as a Christian, and in a private capacity: his sense is, he wished that they were as he, regenerated by the Spirit of God, new creatures in Christ, called by the grace of God with an holy calling, believers in Christ, lovers of him, pardoned by his blood, justified by his righteousness, sanctified by his grace, children of God, and heirs of eternal life: and all this he wishes for of God, saying, "would to God", &c. knowing that the whole of this is not of men, but of God; all grace, and every blessing of it, which make or show a man to be a Christian indeed, are from him. And this wish is expressive of true grace, which desires the good of others, and also of a spirit truly generous, that is not selfish and monopolizing; and which is concerned for the glory of God, the interest of Christ, and the weakening of Satan's kingdom: and from the whole of this it appears, that a person may arrive to true satisfaction of his own state; and that it is an evidence of grace, when the heart is drawn out in desires, after the salvation of others; and that altogether Christians are the only desirable ones; and that to be made a real Christian is the work of God, and to be ascribed to him. This the apostle wished for, for Agrippa and all that heard him; as does every Gospel minister for their hearers, the hearing of the word being the ordinary means of believing; and the rather it is desired by them, because the condemnation of those that hear the word is otherwise thereby aggravated: the apostle adds, except these bonds; which were both troublesome and reproachful: not but that he cheerfully endured them himself, and thought it the duty of Christians to bear them patiently, when called to it, but then they were not things to be desired and wished for; the exception is not only Christian like, but humane and genteel.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
26:28 “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”: This enigmatic remark might have been ironic, incredulous, scoffing, or brushing off Paul’s challenge. It also might have been a direct statement of Paul’s persuasiveness, or a direct statement about or genuine question of Paul’s intention. It seems best to take Agrippa’s reply as deliberately evasive: He didn’t want to admit that he believed the prophets (26:27), for Paul had just made a strong case, and the next step would be to believe in Jesus as the promised Messiah to whom the prophets pointed. Agrippa didn’t want to take that step. On the other hand, he didn’t want to say that he didn’t believe the prophets, for that would alienate the Jewish subjects to whose loyalties he wanted to appeal. His non-committal response underlines his discomfort with Paul’s testimony.
Acts 26:28
Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense
27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”28Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Almost Persuaded
By Carter Conlon6.4K44:33King AgrippaMAT 13:22ACT 26:22ACT 26:282CO 5:172TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude and praise to God. He then addresses a specific person, a girl he met on the street who was carrying a baby, and emphasizes that Jesus died for her. The preacher highlights the sacrifice and love of Jesus, stating that even if she was the only one to receive Him, He would still have come and suffered. The sermon also includes references to the apostle Paul's testimony and the importance of accepting Christ before it is too late. The preacher warns about the consequences of rejecting Jesus and urges the audience to seek salvation while the opportunity is still available.
What Is a Christian
By Alan Redpath6.0K43:42ChristianMAT 6:24MAT 10:37MAT 16:25ACT 26:281PE 3:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a businessman who was torn between pursuing worldly success and following God's calling. He emphasizes the importance of making a decision to fully commit to God and His gospel. The speaker uses the story of a tightrope walker and a boy in the crowd to illustrate the difference between intellectual belief and wholehearted commitment. He also shares a story about a grocer and his son to highlight the need to trust in God even when we can't see the way forward. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own commitment to God and make a decision to fully surrender their lives to Him.
(Acts) Almost a Christian
By Brian Brodersen8491:00:22ACT 9:5ACT 26:18ACT 26:22ACT 26:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses Paul's commission to the Gentiles as outlined in verse 18. The first aspect of this commission is to open their eyes, as the natural condition of man is one of spiritual blindness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing this spiritual blindness in others and the need for them to see the truth of the gospel. The sermon also encourages believers to serve the Lord by simply asking Him what He would have them do and trusting in His power to enable them to fulfill their calling. The speaker concludes by highlighting the patience and love of God in persistently reaching out to humanity and urging listeners to fully commit to following Christ.
Out at Home
By Russell DeLong01SA 15:22MAT 19:21JHN 18:38ACT 26:28HEB 3:12Russell DeLong delivers a powerful sermon on the fine line between success and failure, victory and defeat, using vivid sports analogies to illustrate the concept of being 'out at home' - so near yet so far. He emphasizes the tragic consequences of being almost persuaded but ultimately lost, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Saul, Pilate, and the rich young ruler who were close to making the right choice but fell short. DeLong urges listeners not to be called out by the Great Umpire one inch from home plate, but to fully commit their will, mind, and heart to God to avoid being 'almost but lost.'
The Unreasonableness of Indetermination in Religion
By Jonathan Edwards0DEU 30:191KI 18:21PSA 32:9EZK 20:39LUK 14:28ACT 17:27ACT 26:282TI 3:7JAS 1:8REV 3:15Jonathan Edwards preaches about the unreasonableness of being indecisive in religion, using the example of Elijah challenging the people to choose between the Lord and Baal. He emphasizes the importance of making a firm decision in matters of faith, highlighting the folly of wavering between two opinions and the need to fully commit to following God. Edwards explores the various reasons why individuals remain unresolved in religion, from doubts about the truth of Scripture to indecision about embracing a life of holiness. He urges listeners to examine their hearts and make a definitive choice to either pursue God wholeheartedly or face the consequences of remaining undecided.
The Love of God to Man
By Benjamin Franklin0PSA 37:10PSA 86:15MIC 7:18MAT 9:37ACT 26:28ROM 5:20ROM 15:13ROM 15:332CO 4:171PE 5:10The preacher delves into the multifaceted nuances of the Greek word 'oligos,' which can refer to being small in number, time, distance, size, or degree. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting the significance of 'little' in God's economy. Believers are encouraged to endure suffering with the understanding that it is temporary and light compared to the eternal weight of glory awaiting them. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that God, the God of all grace, is sovereign over every trial and suffering, promising restoration and eternal reward for those who persevere.
What Is a Christian? - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0Personal Relationship with ChristTrue ChristianityMAT 7:23ACT 9:17ACT 22:10ACT 26:28COL 1:27T. Austin-Sparks explores the true meaning of being a Christian, emphasizing that it is not merely about adopting a religion, joining a church, or participating in a movement. He highlights that true Christianity begins with the realization of Jesus as a living person, followed by a commitment to His Lordship and the indwelling of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Sparks warns against the dangers of assuming religious identity without genuine transformation and stresses the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. The essence of being a Christian is encapsulated in the experience of Christ living within us, guiding our lives.
Homily 16 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0JER 15:19MAT 7:26JHN 16:22ACT 26:28ROM 5:31CO 6:12CO 4:17EPH 4:1PHP 1:292TI 2:9John Chrysostom delivers a sermon addressing the Prefect's role in pacifying the people amidst rumors of danger, emphasizing the need for courage and faith in the face of adversity. He urges the congregation to avoid oaths and highlights the importance of enduring tribulations with patience and hope in God's deliverance. Chrysostom encourages the listeners to imitate Paul's example of finding joy and glory in suffering for Christ, showcasing the power of faith and perseverance. He concludes by exhorting the congregation to use the Lenten season as a time for spiritual growth, focusing on genuine repentance and good works that endure beyond the fasting period.
The Almost Christian
By John Wesley0Love for God and NeighborAuthentic FaithMAT 22:37ACT 26:28John Wesley preaches on the concept of being 'Almost Christian,' emphasizing that many people live morally upright lives and follow the external forms of Christianity without truly embracing the faith. He distinguishes between mere outward compliance with Christian principles and the deeper, transformative love for God and neighbor that defines a true Christian. Wesley warns that being almost a Christian is insufficient for salvation, as it lacks the sincerity and genuine faith that leads to a heartfelt relationship with God. He calls for self-examination and urges listeners to seek a complete commitment to Christ, characterized by love and faith. Ultimately, Wesley encourages believers to strive for a full and authentic Christian life, filled with the love of God and a sincere desire to serve Him.
The Almost Christian. (Acts 26:28)
By George Whitefield0MAT 6:24MAT 22:37LUK 9:62ACT 26:28JAS 1:8George Whitefield preaches on the danger of being almost Christians, using the example of King Agrippa who was 'almost persuaded' to be a Christian. He emphasizes the need to wholeheartedly surrender to God, rather than wavering between God and the world, highlighting the ineffectiveness, danger, and ingratitude of being only partially committed to Christ. Whitefield urges the congregation to strive to be altogether Christians, giving their whole hearts to God and experiencing the true joy and peace that comes from complete devotion.
Kadesh-Barnea Again
By J. Wilbur Chapman0DEU 1:19MAT 26:24MAT 27:24MRK 10:21LUK 13:24ACT 26:28HEB 3:7JAS 4:17REV 3:20J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the significance of Kadeshbarnea in Deuteronomy 1:19, drawing parallels between the missed opportunity of the children of Israel to enter the Promised Land due to lack of trust in God and the missed opportunities for salvation in the New Testament. He emphasizes the importance of wholehearted surrender to God, using examples of individuals like Herod, Pilate, Judas, Felix, and Agrippa who were 'almost persuaded' but failed to fully commit, leading to tragic consequences. Chapman warns against stopping at the 'Kadesh-barnea' moments in life, where one is close to salvation but hesitates, risking eternal loss.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian - Εν ολιγῳ με πειθεις ΧριϚιανον γενεσθαι. This declaration was almost the necessary consequence of the apostle's reasoning, and Agrippa's faith. If he believed the prophets, see Act 26:22, Act 26:23, and believed that Paul's application of their words to Christ Jesus was correct, he must acknowledge the truth of the Christian religion; but he might choose whether he would embrace and confess this truth, or not. However, the sudden appeal to his religious faith extorts from him the declaration, Thou hast nearly persuaded me to embrace Christianity. How it could have entered into the mind of any man, who carefully considered the circumstances of the case, to suppose that these words of Agrippa are spoken ironically, is to me unaccountable. Every circumstance in the case proves them to have been the genuine effusion of a heart persuaded of the truth; and only prevented from fully acknowledging it by secular considerations.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Almost--or, "in a little time." thou persuadest me to be a Christian--Most modern interpreters think the ordinary translation inadmissible, and take the meaning to be, "Thou thinkest to make me with little persuasion (or small trouble) a Christian"--but I am not to be so easily turned. But the apostle's reply can scarcely suit any but the sense given in our authorized version, which is that adopted by CHRYSOSTOM and some of the best scholars since. The objection on which so much stress is laid, that the word "Christian" was at that time only a term of contempt, has no force except on the other side; for taking it in that view, the sense is, "Thou wilt soon have me one of that despised sect."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Paul said, I would to God,.... This prayer of the apostle's shows his affection for the souls of men, and his great desire for their conversion, and also his sense of the power and grace of God, as necessary to it: that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am; that is, his wish was that not only Agrippa, but that all that were present, were not only within a little, or in some low degree, but entirely, in the highest and fullest sense, Christians, as he was; that they knew as much of Christ, and had as much faith in him, and love to him, as he had, and were as ready to serve and obey him: he does not wish that Agrippa and the rest that heard him were as he had been, a bigot for traditions and ceremonies, that trusted in his own righteousness, did many things contrary to the name of Jesus, was a blasphemer of him, a persecutor of his saints, and an injurious person; but as he now was, not meaning with respect to his civil circumstances, as a mean poor man, and a tent maker, or with respect to his single state of life, which he elsewhere advises to, Co1 9:5 or with respect to his ministerial capacity, as an apostle of Christ, and a preacher of the Gospel; but as a Christian, and in a private capacity: his sense is, he wished that they were as he, regenerated by the Spirit of God, new creatures in Christ, called by the grace of God with an holy calling, believers in Christ, lovers of him, pardoned by his blood, justified by his righteousness, sanctified by his grace, children of God, and heirs of eternal life: and all this he wishes for of God, saying, "would to God", &c. knowing that the whole of this is not of men, but of God; all grace, and every blessing of it, which make or show a man to be a Christian indeed, are from him. And this wish is expressive of true grace, which desires the good of others, and also of a spirit truly generous, that is not selfish and monopolizing; and which is concerned for the glory of God, the interest of Christ, and the weakening of Satan's kingdom: and from the whole of this it appears, that a person may arrive to true satisfaction of his own state; and that it is an evidence of grace, when the heart is drawn out in desires, after the salvation of others; and that altogether Christians are the only desirable ones; and that to be made a real Christian is the work of God, and to be ascribed to him. This the apostle wished for, for Agrippa and all that heard him; as does every Gospel minister for their hearers, the hearing of the word being the ordinary means of believing; and the rather it is desired by them, because the condemnation of those that hear the word is otherwise thereby aggravated: the apostle adds, except these bonds; which were both troublesome and reproachful: not but that he cheerfully endured them himself, and thought it the duty of Christians to bear them patiently, when called to it, but then they were not things to be desired and wished for; the exception is not only Christian like, but humane and genteel.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
26:28 “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”: This enigmatic remark might have been ironic, incredulous, scoffing, or brushing off Paul’s challenge. It also might have been a direct statement of Paul’s persuasiveness, or a direct statement about or genuine question of Paul’s intention. It seems best to take Agrippa’s reply as deliberately evasive: He didn’t want to admit that he believed the prophets (26:27), for Paul had just made a strong case, and the next step would be to believe in Jesus as the promised Messiah to whom the prophets pointed. Agrippa didn’t want to take that step. On the other hand, he didn’t want to say that he didn’t believe the prophets, for that would alienate the Jewish subjects to whose loyalties he wanted to appeal. His non-committal response underlines his discomfort with Paul’s testimony.