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. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:26-28)

Almost Is Lost

King Agrippa was the grandson of Herod the Great, who ordered the massacre of infants in the city of Bethlehem. Agrippa (known as Agrippa II) was familiar with Jewish laws and customs. When Agrippa visited Festus in Caesarea and learned the story of Paul, he asked to meet the apostle of Christ. After great pomp and circumstance, Agrippa and Bernice (the sister of Agrippa) entered the auditorium with the commanders and prominent men of Caesarea, whereupon Festus commanded Paul to be brought in. The contrast was stark: Paul chained as a criminal standing before the power elite of the Roman Empire. Paul would not be impressed with the pomp of Agrippa and his entourage. The apostle would take the opportunity to present the gospel of Christ to King Agrippa and those gathered with him.

Paul recounted his life and conversion in a little more than five hundred words when Festus, in a loud voice, said that Paul had been driven mad by his much learning. Paul defended himself, showing that what he had spoken was the words of truth and reason. The influence of the New Testament church and its teaching had not gone unnoticed by the king. Paul then directly asked King Agrippa if he believed the words of the prophets, affirming that Agrippa knew and understood what he needed to do to be saved. Here was a man bound in metal, challenging the man bound by the burden of sin. Agrippa knew Paul spoke the truth. The king was aware that his incestuous relationship with Bernice was wicked. The gospel was tearing at Agrippa’s heart as the king cried out to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Paul’s greatest joy would have been to witness Agrippa becoming a Christian, but that was not to be. Agrippa would lose his kingdom when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and he would die in Rome at the age of 70. His plea to almost become a Christian did not make him a Christian. Having great intentions cannot cleanse a soul from sin. Believing only that Jesus is the Christ is nothing more than what demons believe. So many people mirror the heart of Agrippa, thinking there is a better time to do the will of the Father. When they get their families situated in a better place, they will think about being a Christian. Some mistakenly believe that when they get their lives straightened out, they will obey the gospel, not realizing that the gospel is what straightens out life. Believing that one must be perfect to be saved is a critical mistake in human philosophy, built on human pride.

The lesson about King Agrippa is that claiming almost to decide to follow Jesus will never leave the footprints on the road to salvation. A man who is almost persuaded to be a Christian is still lost. There is no hope in almost. The victory of Jesus Christ cannot be realized when the heart almost obeys. There will be far too many souls that are lost who had the opportunity to be saved and squandered the grace of God because they could not fully commit their lives to Jesus. An almost persuaded person is a lost person until they stop believing in “almost salvation” and do the will of the Father. Those who are saved are those who obey. Where are you? Are you almost or are you committed? Eternity depends on your answer.