Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 26:24-32

"And as he thus made his defense, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad. But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. And Agrippa [said] unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. And Paul [said], I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except these bonds. And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar." — Acts 26:24-32 (ASV)

It is fitting for us, on all occasions, to speak the words of truth and sobriety, and then we need not be troubled by the unjust criticisms of men. Active and diligent followers of the gospel have often been despised as dreamers or madmen for believing such doctrines and such wonderful facts; and for testifying that the same faith and diligence, and an experience like their own, are necessary for all people, regardless of their rank, for their salvation. But apostles and prophets, and the Son of God himself, were exposed to this charge; and no one needs to be troubled by this when Divine grace has made them wise unto salvation.

Agrippa saw a great deal of reason for Christianity. His understanding and judgment were, for the moment, convinced, but his heart was not changed. And his conduct and temperament were very different from the humility and spirituality of the gospel. Many are almost persuaded to be religious who are not quite persuaded; they are under strong convictions of their duty and of the excellence of God's ways, yet they do not act on their convictions. Paul urged that it was the concern of everyone to become a true Christian, and that there is enough grace in Christ for all.

He expressed his full conviction of the truth of the gospel and the absolute necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. Such salvation from such bondage the gospel of Christ offers to the Gentiles—to a lost world. Yet it is with great difficulty that any person can be persuaded that he needs a work of grace on his heart, like that which was necessary for the conversion of the Gentiles. Let us beware of fatal hesitation in our own conduct, and recollect how far being almost persuaded to be a Christian is from being completely the Christian that every true believer is.