Almost Persuaded

This conversation between Paul and King Agrippa has always fascinated me! In some ways, King Agrippa is every unsaved person that I have ever shared Christ with. Let me explain why.

In effective witnessing, it is always important to share your story, how you came to know Jesus as personal Saviour, and the difference it has made, having Christ in your life. Agrippa wanted to hear Paul’s story. Paul’s testimony was a miraculous one, where he started out persecuting and killing Christians, but came face to face with Jesus on the Damascus Road. His life was literally turned around through this encounter.

After telling his story, Paul asked King Agrippa a question and made a statement, both which seemed to make Agrippa squirm a bit: “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Paul knew that King Agrippa was a Jew and had read what the prophets said, but Agrippa had also grown up under the influence of the rulers of Rome. Just for a bit of background, Agrippa II was only 17 when he became king after the death of his father, Agrippa 1. He was living in Rome at that time, and was favored by Emperor Claudius. He was later made a king and given authority over Jewish territory. When war threatened between Rome and the Jews he tried to prevent it, but eventually sided with Rome, which led to his Jewish subjects expelling him.

When Paul appealed to what King Agrippa knew and believed, he was forcing the King to consider the truths of what Paul had shared with him, as well as what the Scriptures said. The conviction of what Agrippa knew started to make Agrippa uncomfortable. This point comes in every witnessing situation. There is a choice to choose Jesus or to walk away.

Agrippa made his choice. “Stop trying to persuade me in this short time.” he joked. Paul’s reply did not let Agrippa off the hook. “Whether I would persuade you in a short time or a long time, I wish you had what I have.” I think Paul genuinely cared about Agrippa, and the more that we share Christ with others, the more we will care for the souls of people!

Father God, your heart also breaks when people walk away “almost persuaded.” Help me to keep sharing your good news with renewed enthusiasm today, knowing that there will be those whose hearts are ready to hear and believe! Amen.

Throughout This Day: It is discouraging when so many people walk away when faced with the choice of following Jesus or choosing the power of a self-directed life. “Almost persuaded” is a sad epitaph for King Agrippa, but don’t allow yourself to stop wanting others to have what you have!