John Calvin Commentary Acts 26:28

"And Agrippa [said] unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian." — Acts 26:28 (ASV)

And Agrippa said to Paul. The apostle prevailed at least this far, in that he extracted from King Agrippa a confession—though it was not voluntary—of the sort usually yielded by those who can no longer resist the truth, or who at least show some sign of agreement. Agrippa’s meaning is that he would not willingly become a Christian; indeed, that he would not be one at all; and yet he was not able to deny, but that he was drawn in a way against his will. By this it appears how great the pride of human nature is until it is brought under to obey by the Spirit of God.

Interpreters interpret this phrase, ἐν ὀλίγῳ, differently. Valla thought that it ought to be translated thus: “You almost make me a Christian.” Erasmus translates it a little. The old interpreter renders it more plainly in a little; because, translating it word for word, he left it to the readers to judge as they pleased.

And surely it may be suitably referred to the time, as if Agrippa had said, “You will make me a Christian immediately, or in one moment.” If anyone objects that Paul’s answer does not agree with this, we may quickly answer; for since the speech was ambiguous, Paul suitably applies that to the substance which was spoken of the time.

Therefore, since Agrippa meant that he was almost made a Christian in a short time, Paul adds that he desires that both he (Agrippa) and his companions might rise from small beginnings and progress more and more. And yet I do not dislike that this ἐν ὀλίγῳ signifies as much as ‘almost.’

This answer testifies with what zeal to spread abroad the glory of Christ this holy man’s (Paul’s) heart was inflamed, as he patiently suffers those bonds with which the governor had bound him. He (Paul) desires that Agrippa might escape the deadly snares of Satan, and for both him (Agrippa) and his companions to be partakers with Paul of the same grace, meanwhile being content with his own (Paul’s) troublesome and shameful condition.

We must note that he (Paul) does not wish this simply, but from God, as it is He who draws us to His Son. Because, unless He teaches us inwardly by His Spirit, the outward doctrine will always grow cold.

Except these bonds. It is certain that Paul’s bonds were not so hard, nor did they cause him such sorrow (in which he often rejoiced, and which he mentions for honor’s sake, as being the badge of his apostleship, Galatians 6:17), but he has regard for those to whom he wishes faith without trouble or cross. For those who did not yet believe in Christ were far from that disposition to be ready to strive for the gospel. And surely it is fitting for all the godly to have this gentleness and meekness: that they patiently bear their own cross, wish well to others, and strive as much as they can to ease them of all trouble, and that they in no way envy their quietness and joy. This courtesy is completely contrary to the bitterness of those who take comfort in wishing that other people were in their misery.