Bible Strands
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King Agrippa addresses Paul during a formal judicial proceeding, immediately after Paul affirms Agrippa’s familiarity with the prophets. The exchange occurs while Paul stands bound before a mixed audience of Roman officials and Jewish leaders.
The words — The proper noun Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas) identifies the speaker as the Herodian king presiding over the case. The particle δὲ (de) operates as a narrative pivot, marking the transition from Paul’s concluding argument to the king’s immediate verbal response.
The thread — The encounter between rulers and the gospel message parallels Matthew 10:18, where believers are delivered before governors and kings as witnesses. The pattern of hearing without obedience aligns with Ezekiel 33:31, which notes that people sit before prophets to hear words but refuse to act on them.
Why it lands — The verse records a political leader’s deflection, treating faith as a proposition that can be postponed by temporal convenience. It requires the reader to decide whether spiritual claims warrant immediate submission or can remain indefinitely uncommitted.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Cross-references
- Matthew 10:18 On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
- Acts 11:26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
- Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
- Mark 10:17 As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
- Acts 24:25 As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.”
- Acts 26:29 “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.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- James 1:23 For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,
- 1 Peter 4:16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
- Mark 6:20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.