Almost Persuaded To Be A Christian
“And Agrippa said to Paul, In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?†And Paul said, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am…â€
(Acts 26:28,29)
Old King Agrippa must have realized that he had his hands full with the apostle Paul. Here was Paul, a chained prisoner (Acts 26:29), face-to-face with King Agrippa and his advisor Festus. The text says that Paul spoke boldly to both Agrippa and Festus; so much so, that they were even disappointed because he could have been set free, had he not made an appeal to Caesar (Acts 26:26, 31,32). Note the following major Christian concepts from this passage:
1. Salvation is for all men (Acts 26:17,18,22). Its benefits include receiving forgiveness and sanctification by faith (Acts 26:18).
2. The Christian message is communicated in rational words (Acts 26:25); verified in the prophets (Acts 26:22), and centered in the gospel (Acts 26:22,23).
3. Repentance is a turning to God through deeds (Acts 26:20, see v. 18).
4. It is possible to be a “Christian†(Acts 26:28,29; 11:26).
In the middle of Paul’s speech, we may notice a very special observation: “To his day I have had the help that comes from God†(Acts 26:22). Are you a Christian, or almost persuaded? Keep in mind, that Agrippa believed, but was not yet a Christian (Acts 26:27). Christians turn as well as learn.
-Robert M. Housby