Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am… I. PAUL'S CHARACTER. In his reply we have the words, "Such as I am." What, then, was he when he stood face to face with Agrippa? Paul was a Christian — a Christian in the highest, deepest, broadest meaning of the term — a loyal, loving disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Such was his character when he stood face to face with Agrippa. II. PAUL'S CIRCUMSTANCES. In his reply we have the words, "except these bonds." III. PAUL'S WISH. "I would to God," etc. This was not the false wish of a proud, self-righteous Pharisee, but the true wish of a real Christian philanthropist. He wished that Agrippa resembled him in character, but not in circumstances. From this wish we infer — 1. That Paul never regretted becoming a Christian. When he stood before Agrippa he was an old man; he had been a disciple of Christ for very many years; a death of martyrdom was before him; and yet, withal, he would not have exchanged positions with Agrippa. 2. That what Paul was it was possible for Agrippa to become. (J. F. Smythe.) Parallel Verses 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. |
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