24 While Paul was saying this in his defense , Festus said in a loud voice , "Paul , you are out of your mind ! Your great learning is driving you mad ." 25 But Paul said , "I am not out of my mind , most excellent Festus , but I utter words of sober truth . 26 "For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence , since I am persuaded that none e of these things escape his notice ; for this has not been done in a corner . 27 "King Agrippa , do you believe the Prophets ? I know that you do ." 28 Agrippa replied to Paul , "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian ." 29 And Paul said, "I would wish to God , that whether in a short or long time , not only you, but also all who hear me this day , might become such as I am , except for these chains ." 30 The king stood up and the governor and Bernice , and those who were sitting with them, 31 and when they had gone aside , they began talking to one another , saying , " This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment ." 32 And Agrippa said to Festus , "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 26:24-32
Commentary on Acts 26:24-32
(Read Acts 26:24-32)
It becomes us, on all occasions, to speak the words of truth and soberness, and then we need not be troubled at the unjust censures of men. Active and laborious followers of the gospel often have been despised as dreamers or madmen, for believing such doctrines and such wonderful facts; and for attesting that the same faith and diligence, and an experience like their own, are necessary to all men, whatever their rank, in order to their salvation. But apostles and prophets, and the Son of God himself, were exposed to this charge; and none need be moved thereby, when Divine grace has made them wise unto salvation. Agrippa saw a great deal of reason for Christianity. His understanding and judgment were for the time convinced, but his heart was not changed. And his conduct and temper were widely different from the humility and spirituality of the gospel. Many are almost persuaded to be religious, who are not quite persuaded; they are under strong convictions of their duty, and of the excellence of the ways of God, yet do not pursue their convictions. Paul urged that it was the concern of every one to become a true Christian; that there is grace enough in Christ for all. He expressed his full conviction of the truth of the gospel, the absolute necessity of faith in Christ in order to salvation. Such salvation from such bondage, the gospel of Christ offers to the Gentiles; to a lost world. Yet it is with much difficulty that any person can be persuaded he needs a work of grace on his heart, like that which was needful for the conversion of the Gentiles. Let us beware of fatal hesitation in our own conduct; and recollect how far the being almost persuaded to be a Christian, is from being altogether such a one as every true believer is.