“Almost Thou Persuadest Me”
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things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none
of these thing are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a
corner.” Then, turning to Agrippa, he addressed him directly, “King
Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.”
[438]
Deeply affected, Agrippa for the moment lost sight of his surround-
ings and the dignity of his position. Conscious only of the truths which
he had heard, seeing only the humble prisoner standing before him as
God’s ambassador, he answered involuntarily, “Almost thou persuadest
me to be a Christian.”
Earnestly the apostle made answer, “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,” adding, as he raised his fettered hands, “except these
bonds.”
Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice might in justice have worn the fetters
that bound the apostle. All were guilty of grievous crimes. These
offenders had that day heard the offer of salvation through the name
of Christ. One, at least, had been almost persuaded to accept the
grace and pardon offered. But Agrippa put aside the proffered mercy,
refusing to accept the cross of a crucified Redeemer.
The king’s curiosity was satisfied, and, rising from his seat, he sig-
nified that the interview was at an end. As the assembly dispersed, they
talked among themselves, saying, “This man doeth nothing worthy of
death or of bonds.”
Though Agrippa was a Jew, he did not share the bigoted zeal and
blind prejudice of the Pharisees. “This man,” he said to Festus, “might
have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” But the
case had been referred to that higher tribunal, and it was now beyond
the jurisdiction of either Festus or Agrippa.
[439]