I’m reading Paul’s defense before King Agrippa this morning in Acts 26. After Paul has talked of his own conversion (26:12-18), and of the witness of Moses and the prophets concerning the suffering, resurrection, and ministry of Messiah, he then asks King Agrippa a piercing question, “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (26:27). Agrippa was a Jew . . . he had the background . . . he was familiar with Moses and the prophets. And Paul had just provided the king the “missing piece” — that Jesus was Messiah. And I think Paul, perhaps because of Agrippa’s “body language” or maybe just because the Holy Spirit was impressing it upon him, senses that his words are ringing true to the king . . . that the Spirit is working conviction in his heart . . . and so, Paul provides his royal listener an opportunity to respond.

Now depending on which translation you read, the response is kind of different. In the NIV, NASB, and ESV the translators understand Agrippa’s answer as being more of a question . . . perhaps a way to deflect being put on the spot . . . or, perhaps, a way to avoid the conviction of spirit he might have been feeling. In those translations, Agrippa responds, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:28 NIV). But in the New King James translation, Agrippa’s response is more of a statement than a question . . . more verbalizing an internal struggle rather than jokingly avoiding the subject. In my Bible, Agrippa replies, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (26:8 NKJV).

I guess in the overall scheme of things the difference between the two translations isn’t that big a deal . . . but I’m inclined to go with NKJV. I think Agrippa had been listening . . . had been considering . . . had been going over his childhood teaching from Moses and the Prophets . . . and that Paul’s words were making sense . . . that the dots were connecting . . . that the light was being shed upon the king’s heart. I think Paul sensed it and that’s why he asked the question . . . and I think Paul’s response in verse 29 is consistent with Agrippa struggling on the edge of decision.

And so, as I consider Agrippa’s response, I can’t help but think of the tragedy of being “almost persuaded.” To be at the point where it’s all coming together . . . where, not only your mind, but your inner being as well, are recognizing truth. To be on the edge of decision . . . knowing that the truth you’ve been confronted with demands a decision . . . a free act of the will . . . a getting off the fence . . . a stepping out in faith. To be at the point and say, “Nope . . . not today . . . almost persuaded . . . but not quite.” How sad is that?

And not just sad when it comes to the decision regarding faith in Christ, though that is the most tragic of any “almost persuaded” . . . but sad also when, for those of us who have owned Christ as Savior, we fail to believe His word and appropriate the blessing and power He’s promised us. We read something in the Bible . . . or we hear something from the pulpit . . . and our mind and spirit come together in unified assent that what we’ve heard is to be responded to and acted upon . . . and we’re one step of faith from obedience . . . one act of the will from deciding to live like a believer . . . and instead, we step back from the edge and say, “Almost persuaded . . . but not quite . . . perhaps some other time.” Ouch! Been there . . . done that.

At least in my case, the times of being “almost persuaded” had very little to do with not being sure of what I should do, but more of a fear of doing it. Not so much a case of wondering if God wanted me to obey in a area, but more of wondering what others might think should I step out in obedience. Not so much an issue of the will, but more of “the won’t”. Not so much a matter of the mind, but more a function of faith.

But, I guess what’s of some consolation is that, by His grace, I am still pursuing His mind and His will through His word. And that, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, I’ll be less “almost persuaded” and more “fully committed.” That’s my desire, Lord . . . for Your glory . . . amen.