King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains. – Acts 26:27-29
Paul asked for an audience with King Agrippa and got it. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Paul presents his defense to the top officials of the Roman Empire. He gives a full account of his life, heavenly vision, and subsequent conversion. And as he made his defense with joy in spite of his chains, Festus bursts out and calls him insane.
Paul used Festus’ outburst to appeal to what King Agrippa knew. He brought the challenge directly to Agrippa, asking him ‘do you believe?’ Paul asked him if he believed the prophets because he knew that, if Agrippa did believe the prophets, truth, and reason would lead him to believe upon Jesus. He wanted to connect what Agrippa already believed to what he should believe. This is a good and, often necessary, part of the presentation of the message of who Jesus is and what He did for us, before calling the listener to a decision.
Agrippa almost believed but refused to say he believed. Paul almost persuaded him. But however close Agrippa was to becoming a believer, it wasn’t close enough. Agrippa’s reply is especially sad. It means that he almost had eternal life and was almost delivered from the judgement of hell. But almost isn’t enough. Agrippa condemned himself further by admitting how close to the gospel he came, how clearly he understood it and yet he rejected it.
Is your belief almost or complete?
Lord, help me completely trust you, I pray.
Extended Reading – Acts 24-26
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