28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 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 26:28-29 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. What an efficacy St. Paul’s doctrine had upon King Agrippa: though he would not be converted, yet he was convinced; his conscience was touched, though his heart was not renewed.
Learn hence, That there is certainly that in religion which carries its own evidence along with it even to the consciences of ungodly men.
Observe, 2. How sad it is, when persons have enjoyed the scriptures, the preaching of the word, and all means of salvation, and yet are but almost Christians, and shall never enjoy the least salvation; they are within sight of heaven, yet shall never have a sight of God.
Observe, 3. That such as will be Christians indeed, must not only be almost, but altogether Christians: I would that you, and all that hear me, says the apostle, were altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Where note, The extraordinary charity and Christian compassion of St. Paul: he wishes them his graces, not his chains; he did not wish them his bonds and imprisonment, but he wished them the same liberty and enlargement by Jesus Christ, which he enjoyed; he would keep his sorrows and outward troubles to himself, but wishes they were acquainted with his inward consolations and comforts.
A good man wishes others as well as he wishes himself; and if at any time he wishes that which is penally evil to the worst of his enemies, he does it with an eye to their spiritual and eternal good.
A good man dares not wish ill for those who have actually done ill to him, but wishes, prays, and endeavours the best good for them.