06 December 2010 Devotion for Today "Almost Persuaded" Acts 26: 24-32

06 December 2010 Devotion for Today "Almost Persuaded" Acts 26: 24-32



24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

(Acts 26:24-32)





This passage of Scripture takes me back to a childhood statement that many of us might remember: "Almost counts only with horseshoes and hand grenades!" The meaning of it of course is that almost means nothing at all. If a man attempts to spring over a two-hundred-foot chasm and almost makes it to the other side, he plunges to his death just the same. If a runner in a race stumbles and falls even before a foot of making it to the finish line, that doesn't make him almost a winner. He loses just the same. You get the idea.



Here in this passage of Scripture the Apostle Paul is defending his very life before Governor Festus and King Agrippa, their "significant others," as well as most of the important dignitaries and officials of the client Kingdom of Judea. Paul was determined, however, to make the most of this situation for a witnessing opportunity for Jesus Christ. The reactions of both Festus and Agrippa were probably predictable. Festus retorted that Paul's testimony was too deep for him, saying that such learning is driving Paul crazy. He refused to take it seriously and ridiculed Paul. King Agrippa's response, however, but much different. He did not treat Paul so contemptuously, and regarded him with respect. Paul appealed to him on the basis of the King's knowledge and background of Judaism. Still, Agrippa deflected Paul's attempts to convert him- probably feeling the pressure of the spotlight in front of all the officials who were watching his every move. It was evident that both the king and his cohorts had heard enough. While the appeal was enough to acquit Paul with the spurious charges against him, it was not enough to get them saved. Both Festus and Agrippa found a way to remove themselves from any responsibility for Paul's case by remanding him to Rome since Paul had appealed on the basis of his citizenship.



Paul, however, is brilliant in his ability to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. He used this trial to aim the Gospel message directly at the leaders of his nation. I'm sure Paul knew that this was a "long shot," but he was not going to discount the ability of the Holy Spirit to change people's hearts. Not only that, but there were many positive outcomes even though Agrippa was "almost persuaded." Paul elevated his own credibility, as well as all others who followed Jesus Christ in that region, and that the government had nothing to fear from this new movement that sought to promote peace and love. Paul could have been released, but he would have done so at his own peril; for the Jews would certainly have murdered him. It was better that he exit Jerusalem for he clearly had done all that he could do there, and going to Rome would build the cause of the Kingdom that much more. Paul did so all at the expense of the Roman Empire- which got him that one-way ticket to the capitol.



Many Christians do not witness today because they feel discouragement or fear defeat. This did not dissuade Paul from doing so. He relied upon the Holy Spirit to instruct him about what to say and left the results to Him. So what if those who heard did not turn to Christ? Imagine the possibility of what may have happened had they done so? This was too great an opportunity to pass up. We have tremendous opportunities around us even today. So if others to whom we speak about Christ are "almost persuaded," don't count it as a failure. Consider it as a victory to the point that they are that much nearer to Christ than what they might have been had you not said anything to them. And count it also complete obedience on your part that you did what Christ instructed you to do, instead of "almost!"



Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be completely obedient to You today, instead of "almost." In Jesus Name, Amen.



Have a blessed day!