Acts 26:29
What does Acts 26:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:29 means
Paul answers with heartfelt charity: he wishes that all present would become as he is—a believer in Christ—except for his chains. His concern is not personal vindication but the salvation of his hearers. He acknowledges his bonds without bitterness, contrasting spiritual freedom with physical restraint. This reveals the gospel’s transforming power: the once-violent persecutor now longs for his judges’ good. Paul’s identity rests in Christ, not in circumstances. He would gladly exchange his suffering if it meant others received forgiveness and the inheritance promised in Jesus. This is apostolic love, mirroring the Lord who suffered to bring many to light and life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Paul said, It is my prayer to God that, in little or great measure, not only you, but all those hearing me today might be even as I am, but for these chains.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Paul said, `I would have wished to God, both in a little, and in much, not only thee, but also all those hearing me to-day, to become such as I also am--except these bonds.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Paul said: I would to God that both in a little and in much, not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, should become such as I also am, except these bands.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Paul [said], I would toGod, both in little and in much, that not only thou, but all who have heard me this day, should become such as I also am, except these bonds.
Context
Agrippa’s deflection (v.28) draws from Paul a pastoral response (v.29). Having made his defense and appeal, the hearing is effectively complete. Verses 30–32 describe the dignitaries’ departure and private judgment. They find no crime deserving death or imprisonment, though Paul’s appeal to Cæsar prevents release. The narrative thus closes the Caesarean hearings and prepares for Paul’s journey toward Rome under God’s providence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 16:3
and the children of Israel said unto them, Would that we had died by the hand of Jehovah in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh-pots, when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
- Acts 25:14
And as they tarried there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
- Acts 12:6
And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
- Romans 9:1
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,
- Numbers 11:29
And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah’s people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them!
- Colossians 1:28
whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;
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