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class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/26.htm">New International Version</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, &#8220Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” <a href="/esv/acts/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” <a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?” <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Within so little time do you persuade me to become a Christian?" <a href="/kjv/acts/26.htm">King James Bible</a> Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. <a href="/nkjv/acts/26.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself.” <a href="/nasb/acts/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> Agrippa replied to Paul, &#8220In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” <a href="/lsb/acts/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Agrippa replied to Paul, “In such short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” <a href="/amp/acts/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian.” <a href="/csb/acts/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily? ” <a href="/hcsb/acts/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, &#8220Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?"&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. <a href="/cev/acts/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Agrippa asked Paul, "In such a short time do you think you can talk me into being a Christian?" <a href="/erv/acts/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. <a href="/gwt/acts/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think you can quickly persuade me to become a Christian?" <a href="/gnt/acts/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> Agrippa said to Paul, "In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian?" <a href="/isv/acts/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> Agrippa asked Paul, "Can you so quickly persuade me to become a Christian?" <a href="/msb/acts/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, ?Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?? <a href="/net/acts/26.htm">NET Bible</a> Agrippa said to Paul, "In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?" <a href="/nheb/acts/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Agrippa said to Paul, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?" <a href="/wbt/acts/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Agrippa answered, "In brief, you are doing your best to persuade me to become a Christian." <a href="/web/acts/26.htm">World English Bible</a> Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Agrippa said to Paul, “In [so] little you persuade me to become a Christian?” <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Within so little time do you persuade me to become a Christian?" <a href="/ylt/acts/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Agrippa said unto Paul, 'In a little thou dost persuade me to become a Christian!' <a href="/slt/acts/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Agrippa said to Paul, In a little thou persuadest me to be a Christian.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Agrippa said to Paul: In a little thou persuadest me to become a Christian. <a href="/cpdv/acts/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, “To some extent, you persuade me to become a Christian.” <a href="/nabre/acts/26.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then King A-grip’pa said to him, With little effort you almost persuade me to become a Christian. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Agrippa said to him, “In a little bit you will persuade me to become a Christian.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul: You almost persuade me to be a Christian. <a href="/godbey/acts/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Agrippa said to Paul, With little persuasion thou dost persuade thyself to make me a Christian. <a href="/haweis/acts/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. <a href="/mace/acts/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but Agrippa reply'd to Paul, you almost persuade me I shall be a christian! <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Agrippa answered, "In brief, you are doing your best to persuade me to become a Christian." <a href="/worrell/acts/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a small degree you are persuading me to make a Christian!" <a href="/worsley/acts/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I know that thou believest them. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian. <a href="/parallel/acts/26-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=8815" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Festus Interrupts Paul's Defense</a> …27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/67.htm" title="67: Agrippas (N-NMS) -- Agrippa, i.e. Herod Agrippa II. Apparently from agrios and hippos; wild-horse tamer; Agrippas, one of the Herods.">Agrippa</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">said to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulon (N-AMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/3982.htm" title="3982: peitheis (V-PIA-2S) -- A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.">“Can you persuade</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: En (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oligō (Adj-DNS) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">such a short time</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsai (V-ANA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">to become</a> <a href="/greek/5546.htm" title="5546: Christianon (N-AMS) -- A Christian. From Christos; a Christian, i.e. Follower of Christ.">a Christian?”</a> 29“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/24-24.htm">Acts 24:24-25</a> After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. / As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Acts 17:32-34</a> When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.” / At that, Paul left the Areopagus. / But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them. <a href="/acts/13-44.htm">Acts 13:44-46</a> On the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. / But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. / Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. <a href="/acts/18-4.htm">Acts 18:4-6</a> Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. / And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. / But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Acts 28:23-24</a> So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. / Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19-22</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">2 Corinthians 5:11</a> Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a> But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Matthew 22:15-22</a> Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. / They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. / So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ... <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Luke 23:8-11</a> When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. / Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer. / Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. ... <a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37-38</a> “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” / “What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him. <a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-15</a> From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ... <a href="/mark/6-20.htm">Mark 6:20</a> because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly. <a href="/matthew/27-17.htm">Matthew 27:17-24</a> So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” / For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. / While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” ... <a href="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1</a> Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian.Almost.<a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Acts 26:29</a> And 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.<a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Acts 24:25</a> And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.<a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-27.htm">Agrippa</a> <a href="/acts/21-27.htm">Almost</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Best</a> <a href="/acts/24-4.htm">Brief</a> <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/luke/15-16.htm">Fain</a> <a href="/acts/20-12.htm">Little</a> <a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Make</a> <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Making</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/18-13.htm">Persuade</a> <a href="/galatians/5-8.htm">Persuasion</a> <a href="/acts/25-13.htm">Short</a> <a href="/acts/26-2.htm">Think</a> <a href="/acts/26-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/acts/24-4.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/26-32.htm">Agrippa</a> <a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Almost</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Best</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Brief</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">Fain</a> <a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Little</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Make</a> <a href="/acts/27-18.htm">Making</a> <a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">Persuade</a> <a href="/galatians/5-8.htm">Persuasion</a> <a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Short</a> <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Think</a> <a href="/acts/27-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/27-30.htm">Trying</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 26</div>1. <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;</a> 12. <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.</a> 28. <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/26-31.htm">The whole company pronounces him innocent.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Agrippa said to Paul King Agrippa II, the last of the Herodian dynasty, was well-versed in Jewish customs and controversies. His presence in this narrative highlights the intersection of Roman political authority and Jewish religious tradition. Agrippa's familiarity with Jewish law and prophecy provided him with a unique perspective on Paul's message. This encounter occurs during Paul's defense before Agrippa, Festus, and other dignitaries, showcasing the spread of the Gospel to influential leaders.“Can you persuade me The question reflects Agrippa's awareness of Paul's intent to convert him to Christianity. The Greek term used here implies a rhetorical question, suggesting skepticism or perhaps a challenge. This moment underscores the tension between the Gospel's transformative power and human resistance. It also highlights the role of persuasion in evangelism, as seen in Paul's missionary journeys and his epistles, where he often reasons with his audience.in such a short time Agrippa's remark may indicate surprise at Paul's boldness and the brevity of his appeal. The phrase suggests the urgency and immediacy of the Gospel message, which calls for a response. This echoes other instances in Acts where the message of Christ prompts immediate decisions, such as the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch (<a href="/acts/8-36.htm">Acts 8:36-38</a>) and the Philippian jailer (<a href="/acts/16-30.htm">Acts 16:30-33</a>).to become a Christian?” The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a>) and was likely a term of derision. Here, it signifies the identity and community of those who follow Christ. Agrippa's use of the term indicates an awareness of the distinctiveness of the Christian faith. This moment reflects the early church's challenges in defining its identity amidst Jewish and Roman contexts. The question also points to the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy that His followers would testify before kings (<a href="/matthew/10-18.htm">Matthew 10:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is giving his defense before King Agrippa. Paul is a central figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king_agrippa.htm">King Agrippa</a> Herod Agrippa II, the Jewish king who is hearing Paul's defense. He is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and the prophets. 3. <a href="/topical/f/festus.htm">Festus</a> The Roman governor who has brought Paul before Agrippa. Festus is seeking Agrippa's opinion on Paul's case. 4. <a href="/topical/c/caesarea.htm">Caesarea</a> The location where this event takes place. It is a significant city in Roman Judea, serving as the administrative center. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_defense.htm">Paul's Defense</a> The event where Paul is defending himself against accusations and sharing his testimony of conversion and mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a> Paul's testimony is a powerful tool for witnessing. Believers should be ready to share their personal accounts of faith to impact others. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_persuasion_in_evangelism.htm">The Role of Persuasion in Evangelism</a> While persuasion is important, conversion is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. Christians should present the Gospel clearly and trust God for the results. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_audience.htm">Understanding the Audience</a> Paul tailors his message to Agrippa's knowledge of Jewish customs and prophecies. Believers should consider their audience's background when sharing the Gospel. <a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_witnessing.htm">Boldness in Witnessing</a> Despite being on trial, Paul speaks boldly about his faith. Christians are encouraged to be courageous in sharing their beliefs, regardless of circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_the_gospel.htm">The Urgency of the Gospel</a> Agrippa's response highlights the urgency of making a decision about Christ. Believers should communicate the importance of responding to the Gospel message.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 26</a> <a href="/q/why_different_versions_of_paul's_conversion.htm">Why does Acts record different versions of Paul's conversion story?</a> <a href="/q/what_happened_at_the_transfiguration.htm">Who was Herod Agrippa II?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_acts_contradict_paul's_letters.htm">Why does Acts contradict Paul's letters in key details, such as his visits to Jerusalem?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_paul_do_between_journeys_3_and_4.htm">What did Paul do between his third and fourth journeys?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.--At the cost of giving up a familiar and impressive text, it must be admitted that the Greek words cannot possibly bear the meaning which is thus put upon them. The words run literally, In, or with, a little thou persuadest me; and this may be completed by, "with little speech," "with little labour," or "little evidence." So in <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm" title="How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words,">Ephesians 3:3</a> we have precisely the same phrase rendered "in few words." Agrippa's words, accordingly, are the expression, not of a half-belief, but of a cynical sneer. Thou art trying to make a Christian of me with very few words, on very slender grounds, would be the nearest paraphrase of his derisive answer to St. Paul's appeal. It was. it will be seen, evasive as well as derisive; he shrinks from a direct answer to the question that had been put to him. In his use of the Latin term "Christian" (see Note on <a href="/acts/11-26.htm" title="And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.">Acts 11:26</a>) we may trace, perhaps, the effect of Roman associations. There certainly were Christian communities at Rome at this time (Romans 16 passim), and they would naturally be described there as they had been at Antioch. It may be noted that, of the prominent English versions, Wiclif gives "in a little thing," Tyndal and Cranmer "somewhat," the Rhemish "a little;" the Geneva agrees with the present version in "almost." The meaning "somewhat," or "a little," is a tenable one. but <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm" title="How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words,">Ephesians 3:3</a>. as already stated, is in favour of that given above. The phrase was, perhaps, in itself ambiguous, and St. Paul accepts in one sense what had been spoken in another.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - And for then, A.V.; with but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian for almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian, A.V. With but little persuasion (ἐν ὀλίγῳ κ.τ.λ.). This saying of Agrippa's is obscure and variously explained. The A.V., following Chrysostom, Beza, Luther, etc., takes ἐν ὀλίγῳ to mean "within a little" or" almost," like the Hebrew כִּמְעַט, which is very suitable to the context. The corresponding ἐν πόλλῳ, or, as otherwise read, ἐν μεγάλῳ would then mean, as in the A.V., "altogether," and the sense of the whole passage is striking and appropriate. But there is some difficulty in getting Otis meaning out of the words. The natural way of expressing it would be παρ ὀλίγον, or ὀλίγου, or ὀλίγον δεῖ. Hence many other commentators take ἐν ὀλίγῳ to mean "in a short time," and the sense to be either "you are making short work of my conversion: you are persuading me to become a Christian as suddenly as you yourself did;" with a corresponding sense for ἐν πόλλῳ, "in a long time," i.e. whether it takes a short or a long time, I pray God you may become a Christian like myself;" or, "you are soon persuading me," you will soon persuade me if you go on any longer in this strain. Others, again, preferring the reading ἐν μεγάλῳ in ver. 29, take ἐν ὀλίγῳ to mean "with little trouble," or "with few words," as <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5</a> (understanding λόγῳ or πόνῳ), "lightly" (Alford), and then the opposite ἐν μεγάλῳ would mean "with much trouble," "with many words," i.e. "with difficulty." But this is rather a fiat rendering. Another difference of opinion is whether the words of Agrippa are to be taken ironically, or sarcastically, or jestingly, or whether they are to be taken seriously, as the words of a man shaken in his convictions and seriously impressed by what he had heard. The whole turn of the narrative seems to favor the latter view. Another view, started by Chrysostom, is that Agrippa used the words in one sense, and St. Paul (mistakenly or advisedly) took them in another. Another possible explanation is that ἐν ὀλίγῳ is here used in the sense in which Thucydides employs the phrase (it. 86 and Ephesians 4:26), Τὴν ἐν ὀλίγῳ ναυμάχιαν and Ἐν ὀλίγῳ στρατοπεδευομένος, viz. "in a narrow place;" and that Agrippa meant to say, "By your appeal to the prophets you press me hard; you have got me into a corner. I am in a στενοχωρία, a ' narrow room; ' I hardly know how to get out of it." The ἐν μεγάλῳ would then mean a" large room," a εὐρυχωρία (<a href="/psalms/30.htm">Psalm 30</a>:8). This would suppose ἐν ὀλίγῳ and ἐν μεγάλῳ to have become proverbial phrases. <a href="/commentaries/acts/26-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Agrippa Ἀγρίππας (Agrippas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_67.htm">Strong's 67: </a> Agrippa, i.e. Herod Agrippa II. Apparently from agrios and hippos; wild-horse tamer; Agrippas, one of the Herods. [said] to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. Paul, Παῦλον (Paulon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. “Can you persuade πείθεις (peitheis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3982.htm">Strong's 3982: </a> A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. in Ἐν (En) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. such a short [time] ὀλίγῳ (oligō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> Puny; especially neuter somewhat. to become ποιῆσαι (poiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. a Christian?” Χριστιανὸν (Christianon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5546.htm">Strong's 5546: </a> A Christian. From Christos; a Christian, i.e. Follower of Christ. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul With a little (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/26-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 26:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 26:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/26-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 26:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 26:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>