Acts 26 29

Acts 26:29 kjv

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.

Acts 26:29 nkjv

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."

Acts 26:29 niv

Paul replied, "Short time or long?I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

Acts 26:29 esv

And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am ? except for these chains."

Acts 26:29 nlt

Paul replied, "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

Acts 26 verses

Acts 26 29 Meaning

Paul, in his impassioned defense before King Agrippa II and other dignitaries, expresses a profound and fervent wish that all who hear him, especially King Agrippa, might come to share the same spiritual freedom, salvation, and joy in Christ that he experiences. This is despite his physical imprisonment, which he explicitly excludes from his wish for them, highlighting that his spiritual blessedness transcends his chains.

Acts 26 29 Context

Acts 26 records Paul's powerful defense before King Agrippa II, the Roman governor Festus, and Bernice, alongside other military and civic leaders. This appearance was prompted by Festus, who, after hearing Paul's earlier defense (Acts 25), sought a clearer understanding of the charges against Paul to send a report to Caesar. Paul, speaking freely, recounts his Jewish zeal, his dramatic conversion experience on the Damascus road where Jesus appeared to him, and his subsequent divine commission to preach to both Jews and Gentiles, specifically "to open their eyes... that they may receive forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18). His steadfast obedience to this heavenly vision led to his persecution by the Jews. King Agrippa, who was knowledgeable in Jewish customs, becomes visibly affected by Paul's testimony, leading to his rhetorical question in verse 28: "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul's response in verse 29 is a direct, heartfelt, and courageous reply to this specific interjection, widening his appeal to all present.

Acts 26 29 Word analysis

• And Paul said,
  • And Paul: Highlights Paul as the speaker, whose deep conviction and apostolic authority underpin his words.
  • said: Expresses a prompt, spontaneous, and direct response, filled with spiritual urgency.
• "I would to God that
  • I would to God: (Greek: euxaimēn an tō Theō). Not a casual wish, but a fervent prayer or desire appealed directly to God. It conveys a deep, solemn, and divinely-sourced longing, demonstrating Paul's reliance on divine intervention for spiritual change. It signals the seriousness and sincerity of his desire for their salvation.
• whether with little or with much,
  • whether with little or with much, (Greek: en oligō kai en megalō). This phrase carries multiple layers of meaning:
    • Degree of persuasion: Referring to Agrippa's "in a short time" (en oligō) in v.28. Paul says whether it takes a short time (little persuasion) or a long time (much persuasion) to convince them.
    • Circumstance or opportunity: Whether with limited opportunity or abundant opportunity.
    • Outcome: Whether it results in only a "little" conversion (perhaps just Agrippa) or "much" (many among the audience).
  • Paul’s desire for their salvation is unqualified by time, effort, or scale.
• not only you but also all who hear me this day
  • not only you: Addresses King Agrippa directly, showing respect for his position and acknowledgment of his earlier remark.
  • but also all who hear me this day: Paul's evangelistic zeal extends beyond the king. He broadens his desire to include Festus, Bernice, military commanders, and all the prominent citizens present. This reveals the universal scope of the Gospel and Paul's fervent mission to all.
• might become such as I am—
  • might become: (Greek: genesthai). Implies a radical spiritual transformation, a change of state, a genuine conversion, rather than merely adopting a label or new set of beliefs. It's about a complete internal change.
  • such as I am: Refers to Paul's spiritual state: someone who has received God's grace, experienced forgiveness of sins, been justified by faith in Christ, found joy and peace despite suffering, and lives in hope of resurrection. It’s not about his apostolic office, personal characteristics, or external achievements, but his spiritual identity and blessed relationship with God.
• except for these chains."
  • except for these chains: This powerful rhetorical exclusion emphasizes Paul's spiritual freedom and blessedness despite his physical confinement. He does not wish for them the literal chains of a prisoner (symbolizing persecution, hardship, and legal bondage), but he desires for them the glorious liberty and hope he finds within those chains. This highlights the paradox of the Gospel: true freedom can be found even in bondage, and true blessing is spiritual, not circumstantial. It also deflects any misunderstanding that being a Christian means guaranteed physical suffering or imprisonment, distinguishing his specific circumstances from the core message of salvation. These Roman chains represent the injustice he suffers for proclaiming the truth.

Acts 26 29 Bonus section

Paul's declaration here encapsulates both remarkable tact and unyielding boldness. Addressing a king, he simultaneously honors Agrippa by including him first, yet dares to call him to spiritual transformation. His refusal to accept pity for his chains but instead use them as a vivid contrast to the freedom of the Gospel makes his testimony uniquely powerful. This response transcends mere religious discussion; it's a profound spiritual invitation from a man who found ultimate liberty in Christ despite being physically bound. The "chains" represent not only Paul's literal imprisonment but also the very symbol of his suffering for Christ, which he views not as a curse, but as a path to glory, and certainly not something to be avoided at the cost of the spiritual life he now enjoys. His desire aligns with God's own desire that "all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:4).

Acts 26 29 Commentary

Paul's reply in Acts 26:29 is a masterful and profound declaration, revealing the heart of a true evangelist. Far from being offended by King Agrippa's probing question, Paul seized the moment as a unique opportunity to express his deepest longing: that everyone, from royalty to common citizen, might experience the transformative power of Christ as he had. His "I would to God" signals a divinely inspired and prayerful desire, demonstrating that his evangelism flows from a relationship with God. The phrase "whether with little or with much" underscores the urgency and all-encompassing nature of his plea, suggesting that conversion is desirable regardless of the time or effort required. His desire to see them "become such as I am" refers to his inner spiritual state of peace, joy, forgiveness, and hope in Christ, rather than his apostolic office or physical suffering. The crucial qualifier, "except for these chains," brilliantly separates his personal trials—the consequence of his faithful witness—from the immeasurable spiritual blessings that Christianity offers. This exclusion highlights his contentment even in hardship, while also distinguishing the glorious gift of salvation from any temporal cost associated with discipleship. It reveals a selfless love and passion for others to find the same saving grace he possesses, unburdened by his particular suffering. This verse stands as an enduring model of evangelistic earnestness and compassionate witness.