King James Version

What Does Acts 26:28 Mean?

Acts 26:28 in the King James Version says “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

Acts 26:28 · KJV

Context

26

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

27

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

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.

30

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (ἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις Χριστιανὸν ποιῆσαι)—The Greek phrase en oligō ('in a little') is ambiguous: 'almost,' 'in short order,' or even ironically, 'with little effort.' The verb peithō means 'to persuade, convince'—Paul's defense had penetrated Agrippa's intellect, if not his will. Christian (Χριστιανόν) appears only three times in Scripture (Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16)—originally a term of mockery meaning 'partisan of Christ,' here acknowledged by a king.

Agrippa's response is one of history's most tragic 'almosts'—like Felix trembling but dismissing Paul (24:25), he stands at the threshold of faith but will not cross. Poieō ('to make, do') reveals the issue: he recognizes becoming Christian as a deliberate act, a categorical break with his incestuous relationship with Bernice, his political ambitions, his Herodian heritage. Paul's testimony—Damascus road encounter, prophetic fulfillment, resurrection of Christ—logically compelled assent, but the cost was too high. Almost persuaded is eternally lost.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This exchange occurred around AD 59-60 in Caesarea. Agrippa II was educated in Rome, deeply versed in Jewish theology (v. 3), and understood messianic prophecy. His great-grandfather Herod the Great murdered Bethlehem's infants; his great-uncle Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and mocked Jesus; his father Agrippa I killed James and imprisoned Peter. Now this Agrippa hears the gospel clearly articulated—and refuses it. Within a decade, he would side with Rome against Jerusalem (AD 66-70), betraying his own people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What intellectual or lifestyle barriers keep you 'almost persuaded' but prevent full surrender to Christ?
  2. How does Agrippa's tragedy warn against the danger of admiring Christianity intellectually while refusing it personally?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὁ1 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 13

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἀγρίππας3 of 13

“Agrippa”

G67

wild-horse tamer; agrippas, one of the herods

πρὸς4 of 13

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλον6 of 13

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἔφη,7 of 13

“said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ἐν8 of 13

“Almost”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὀλίγῳ9 of 13
G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

με10 of 13

“me”

G3165

me

πείθεις11 of 13

“thou persuadest”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

Χριστιανὸν12 of 13

“a Christian”

G5546

a christian, i.e., follower of christ

γενέσθαι13 of 13

“to be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 26:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 26:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 11:26Matthew 10:181 Peter 4:162 Corinthians 4:2Ezekiel 33:31Acts 26:29

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