टीका वर्तमान में केवल अंग्रेज़ी में उपलब्ध है। हिन्दी अनुवाद प्रगति पर है।
Acts 26 — Almost Thou Persuadest Me to Be a Christian
Before Agrippa, Paul tells his story once more — Pharisee from youth, persecutor of the way, the Damascus road and the heavenly voice, the commission to open Gentile eyes, his obedience. Festus interrupts — Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. Paul replies with steady calm; turns to Agrippa — Believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Agrippa — almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Paul — 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.
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 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 26:28-29
- v.1-11 Paul's background as Pharisee and persecutor
- v.12-18 The Damascus road and the commission
- v.19-23 I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision
- v.24-32 Almost a Christian
Not disobedient. The plainest description of Paul's life. He had seen Christ; he obeyed. Everything since the Damascus road traces back to that single posture.
The test of any genuine calling is whether the called one obeys. Visions and feelings unaccompanied by obedience prove nothing. Paul's entire ministry is the working out of one yes.
Almost. The most poignant word in Acts. Agrippa heard Paul's testimony, knew the prophets, was close — and stopped at the edge. Almost is not converted.
The chapter's implicit warning. Many will come within a verse of believing and not believe. The gap between almost and altogether is the difference between the world's short of heaven and the soul saved.
A breathtaking sentence. The chained prisoner wishes the king and the room were like him — except these bonds. He would give them everything he had except the chains.
The fruit of a heart full of Christ. The man who has Christ does not envy the kings on the throne; he pities them and wants for them what he has. The chapter ends with the prisoner wealthier than the panel.
Verse 28 is the verse to fear. Almost is the place where many spend their lives — moved, intrigued, even respectful, and never converted. If you are almost, do not be content. Move from almost to altogether. The gap is small in feeling and infinite in consequence.
Paul preaches Christ to a king and ends up wishing the king were like him. The chapter shows the inversion of value Christ produces in those He has gripped — chained, accused, soon shipwrecked, Paul has nothing the world counts as wealth, and would not trade his place for the throne. The Christ who appeared on the Damascus road and commissioned him in verse 18 is the Christ whose presence makes Paul's bonds bearable and Paul's pity for kings credible.
Christ's own statement of the missionary purpose. Five aims — open eyes, turn from darkness to light, turn from Satan's power to God, receive forgiveness, share the inheritance. The full salvation in one verse.
By faith that is in me. The entry condition — faith in Christ. The sanctified inheritance is the present possession of those who have believed. The chapter has the gospel's aim, scope, and means stated plainly.