Acts 26:28
What does Acts 26:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:28 means
Agrippa replies that Paul is close to persuading him to become a Christian—whether as sarcasm, evasion, or partial openness. Either way, he feels the weight of Paul’s appeal. The term “Christian,” once a label from outsiders, is here acknowledged before royalty. Agrippa recognizes that Paul’s arguments compel a personal decision, not mere curiosity. His response shows how the gospel confronts even powerful people: it calls for repentance and faith, not merely admiration. By deflecting, Agrippa avoids confessing belief while signaling that Paul’s case is compelling. The tension between intellectual assent and surrendered faith is on display in the royal court.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Agrippa said to Paul, A little more and you will be making me a Christian.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Agrippa said unto Paul, `In a little thou dost persuade me to become a Christian!'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Agrippa said to Paul: In a little thou persuadest me to become a Christian.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Agrippa [said] to Paul, In a little thou persuadest me to become a Christian.
Context
Paul has just pressed Agrippa about believing the prophets (v.27). The king’s response in verse 28 sidesteps a direct confession. Next, Paul will express his earnest desire for everyone present to share his faith (v.29). The formal proceedings will then conclude (vv.30–32) with a recognition of Paul’s innocence but the constraint of his appeal to Cæsar. The moment captures the courtroom’s evangelistic edge.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:18
yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
- Acts 11:26
and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
- James 1:23
For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:
- Acts 26:29
And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds.
- Mark 10:17
And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
- Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
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