From Almost to Altogether: Lessons from Agrippa and Paul

Acts 26:28

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian.

To be "almost persuaded" means to be convinced of the right path and to feel the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, yet ultimately refusing to submit the will to God or accept the cross of a crucified RedeemerULe 159.10+2. It is a state of spiritual peril where a person recognizes the truth and feels their need for a Savior but allows pride, worldly interest, or a lack of moral courage to prevent a full surrender6BC 1066.10+2.

The Spiritual Significance of Being "Almost Persuaded"

The experience of King Agrippa illustrates that being intellectually convinced of the truth is not enough for salvationEv 209.2+1. When Paul spoke before him, the power of the apostle’s reasoning and his testimony of the risen Christ forced Agrippa to acknowledge the truth of the gospelLP 255.1+2. However, "almost" is a fatal position because it leaves the soul outside the kingdom of God, choosing to continue in defiance of lightTT 34.4+1.

• A Refusal of the Cross: To be almost persuaded is to put aside proffered mercy and refuse the self-denial required by the gospelLP 260.1.

• The Loss of Conviction: If one does not make a decided effort to return to Christ when moved, the conviction of sinfulness will eventually leave themBDOC 4.46+1.

• The Victory of Satan: When a soul is almost persuaded but hesitates, Satan works upon the heart to gain the victory and lead them away from the truth12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 32.

Lessons from King Agrippa’s Trial

Agrippa had the opportunity to hear the offer of salvation from God’s own ambassadorULe 159.10+1. Although he was expert in Jewish customs and believed the prophets, his vanity and self-importance hindered him6BC 1066.10+2.

• Earthly Pomp vs. Eternal Truth: Agrippa was dazzled by the brilliant scene and the high rank of his audience, which helped banish nobler thoughts6BC 1066.10.

• The Warning of Family History: Agrippa might have remembered the disasters that befell his ancestors who fought against God, yet he still allowed pride to rule his heart6BC 1066.10.

• A Failed Decision: Despite being deeply affected and speaking his conviction involuntarily, he did not take the final step to become altogether a follower of ChristRH May 18, 1876, par. 44+2.

The Call to Full Persuasion

God requires a willing and intelligent service, and the heart must be fully persuaded in its own mindPTUK July 4, 1895, page 421.2+1. Genuine faith is inseparable from a transformation of character and a determined effort to follow the expressed will of GodPH096 10.1.

• Individual Responsibility: Each person must make a determined effort for themselves, as the Holy Spirit will not come upon those who do not cooperate with divine agenciesRH April 8, 1909, par. 12+1.

• The Danger of Delay: Like Felix, who waited for a "convenient season," many lose their souls by neglecting the present opportunity to yield to Jesus Acts 24:2514LtMs, Lt 21, 1899, par. 6.

• Total Surrender: The difference between being lost and saved is found in moving from "almost" to "altogether" such as the apostles, relying fully on the merits of the blood of ChristRH May 18, 1876, par. 44+1.

"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" Acts 26:28.

"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" Acts 26:29.

Acts 26:29

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

On a deeper level, Paul’s response expresses a desire for others to experience the total transformation of character and the perfect freedom found in Christ, regardless of outward circumstancesLP 259.3+1. He sought for his listeners to possess a faith so wholehearted that it would transcend earthly rank and physical sufferingEd 67.2+1.

The Contrast Between Outward Bonds and Inner Freedom

Paul’s words highlighted the irony that, while he was physically manacled, he was the only person in that assembly who was truly freePTUK October 31, 1895, page 690.10. His auditors, though seated in royal pomp and appearing to be at liberty, were actually captives to their own sins and worldly vanitiesRH November 16, 1911, par. 16+2.

• True Liberty in Christ: To be "altogether" as Paul was meant to possess a conscience at peace with God and man, even while wearing the chains of a prisonerLP 259.3+1.

• The Burden of Sin: Those who held Paul captive were themselves guilty of grievous crimes and were moving toward eternal ruin while being pleased with their own slaveryRH November 16, 1911, par. 16+1.

• A Superior Condition: Had King Agrippa and his guests become altogether such as Paul, they would have been infinitely more free than they were in their state of royaltyPTUK October 31, 1895, page 690.10.

The Call for Unreserved Consecration

To be "altogether" a Christian requires an unreserved consecration of the body, soul, and spirit to GodPM 26.3. This is not a partial or half-hearted service but a complete yielding of the will to the divine willGCB December 1895, page 607.4+2.

• Individual Responsibility: Every person must enlist their own affections, will, and efforts to reach this condition of full subjection to GodGCB December 1895, page 607.4.

• Dying to Self: Being "altogether" such as the apostle means being crucified with Christ so that the old man of sin is destroyed and one no longer serves sin Galatians 2:20TBI 294.1+1.

• Consistency of Life: This state is characterized by a consistent life, fervent love for Jesus, and a character that reflects the purity and benevolence of the PatternRH December 18, 1883, par. 3+1.

The Polish of True Courtesy

Paul’s reply demonstrated that a deep spiritual connection with God provides a refinement of character and a "true polish" that worldly diplomacy cannot excelHDL 32.1+1.

• Gentle Courtesy: Despite being a prisoner, Paul answered with a gentle courtesy that sprang from real kindness of heart and a sincere desire for the salvation of his persecutorsHDL 32.1+2.

• Absence of Revenge: His lack of any desire for revenge and his prayer that his auditors might be spared his afflictions proved his sincerity and the reality of his faithLP 259.3+1.

• Persuasive Eloquence: This "altogether" experience makes the believer a bold soldier of the cross, able to present the truth in a manner that commands respect and touches the conscienceHDL 32.1+2.

The Resurrection Hope

At the heart of being "altogether" as Paul was is a living hope in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal lifeSITI December 2, 1886, page 729.1+1.

• A Sustaining Power: This hope sustained Paul through stonings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks, and he desired that everyone present share in this same confidenceGCDB March 24, 1891, page 226.3+2.

• The Promise to the Fathers: Paul stood judged for the hope of the promise made to the fathers, a promise he understood to be consummated only through the resurrection Acts 26:6-8SITI April 13, 1888, page 231.5+1.

• Confidence in the Call: Being fully persuaded means never losing confidence in one's conversion or call, regardless of the trials encountered on the journeyGCDB March 24, 1891, page 226.3.

"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" Acts 26:29.