But he said Calmly, and with a perfect command of himself, not in the least provoked by such an invidious imputation; I am not mad, most noble Festus A title properly belonging to a Roman propretor. How inexpressibly beautiful is this reply! How strong! yet, how decent and respectful! Madmen seldom call men by their names and titles of honour. Thus, also, Paul refutes the charge. But utter the words of truth Confirmed in the next verse; and soberness The very reverse of madness. And both these remain, even when the men of God act with the utmost vehemence. For the king knoweth of these things Is not an entire stranger to them. Paul, having refuted Festus, pursues his purpose, returning naturally, and as it were step by step, from him to Agrippa. Before whom also I speak freely Imboldened by his permission, and assured of his candour. For I am persuaded that none of these things Of which I have been speaking; are entirely hidden from him No, not what I have related concerning my conversion to Christianity. Agrippa could not but have heard of it, having been so long conversant among the Jews. For this thing was not done in a corner He seems to refer not merely to one particular fact, such as his conversion and commission to preach the gospel, but to include the other great facts of Christianity; and particularly the death and resurrection of Christ, and the miraculous powers conferred on his disciples, which were all matters open and notorious, of the truth of which thousands had opportunity of being certainly and thoroughly informed. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? He that believes these, believes Paul, yea, and Christ. The apostle now comes close to his heart. What did Agrippa feel when he heard this? I know that thou believest Them to be written by divine inspiration, and art aware of the weight of those arguments which are derived from the authority of their testimony. Paul, it seems, knew Agrippa to be of the sect of the Pharisees: for his father, being a zealous Jew, had educated him in the Jewish religion, according to the strictest form. Here Paul lays so fast hold on the king, that he can scarcely make any resistance. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian Paul's doctrine, concerning Jesus of Nazareth, appeared to Agrippa so conformable to the things written concerning the Messiah, by Moses and the prophets; and his testimony concerning the appearing of Jesus to him by the way, was rendered so probable by the total alteration of his sentiments and conduct, that Agrippa declared he was almost persuaded of the truth of the things which Paul affirmed concerning Jesus, and therefore to become a Christian. The meaning of his words is not, Thou persuadest me to be almost a Christian, or, to become an almost Christian; but, as it is here expressed, Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian, a true Christian, that is, really to embrace the religion of Christ. See here, Festus, altogether a heathen; Paul, altogether a Christian; Agrippa, halting between both. Poor Agrippa! But almost persuaded! So near the mark, and yet to fall short! Another step, and thou art within the veil. Reader, stop not with Agrippa; but go on with Paul. And Paul Powerfully struck with so remarkable an acknowledgment, said With great fervency of spirit, and yet with perfect decency; I would to God that not only thou, &c. Agrippa had spoken of being a Christian, as a thing wholly in his power. Paul gently corrects his mistake; intimating that to be a Christian is the gift and the work of God; but also all that hear me this day It was modesty in Paul not to apply directly to them all; yet he looks upon them and observes them; were both almost and altogether such as I am Christians indeed; full of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. He speaks from a full sense of his own happiness, and an overflowing love to all. Except these bonds For my afflictions I am willing to bear myself, till Providence shall release me from them, without desiring that any others should share with me in them. He wishes that they might all be happy Christians as he was, but not persecuted Christians; that they might taste as much as he did of the blessings that attended Christianity, but not so much of its crosses; that they might be in bonds to Christ, but not in bonds for Christ. Nothing surely could be said more tenderly, nor with better decorum.
Related Commentaries of Acts 26:25
Acts 26:25-29
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
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.