Persuasion

Acts 26:26 "For the king (Agrippa) 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."

Paul was accused of the Jews of desecrating the temple. He appealed to Caesar and was taken to Felix, the governor then to Herod Agrippa, the Judean monarch who was "the friend of Caesar" Claudius, but was a strong believer in Judaism as well. Agrippa's kingdom was as great as was his grandfarher's, Herod the Great. He was a powerful man both in Judea and Rome.

Agrippa listened to the accusation. The outcome are the passages above. Agrippa, although closer to the accusers than the accused, understood scriptural prophecy. Paul reminded him of that as well as that he knew all about Jesus. Paul knew his monarch! He read Agrippa's inner demons.

Agrippa was no different than anyone. Paul used reason, but Agrippa was too engrossed in what he already believed to submit his pride and admit it: "I believe!" He wasn't quite there. He said "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!"

It's said "'Almost' doesn't count except at horseshoes!" Agrippa just as well be playing horseshoes because "almost" in Christianity doesn't count! It would be great if this was said "For by grace are ye saved through doubt...", but it says:

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith..."

"Almost" doesn't "save". It's called"doubt"! Faith is not only belief, which Agrippa almost had, but it's confidence and trust in Jesus too! It may be that Agrippa believed, but he didn't to the extent that he would serve one he perceived as a commoner. How can a king submit to a carpenter. Pride is why it didn't happen!

Why do people today be almost persuaded, but not submit? It's for the same reason! They are king of their domain and pride keeps them from submitting. Why is submitting so hard? Because the person who submits, king or commoner, must serve. We all must go from king to servant and that's a hard thing to do!

The old person is king and the new person with Christ must be servant. That means "change". It's not a change in obedience, but a change in heart. It's when the believer desires to change to please his new King. Agrippa couldn't do that! What would the people think? You can't do that. What would your friends think? Nothing is new with you. King Agrippa battled with his spiritual antagonists and so do we. If you're almost a believer, there is one thing you must do: submit! That's your living sacrifice.

I bet right now that Agrippa looks beyond the chasm to Paul and thinks often "Paul... I wish thou had persuadeth me!" That can be you if you fail to become a Christian.