In Paul’s defense before King Agrippa and the governor Festus, in Acts 26, he made a direct appeal to the king‘s knowledge and faith in the prophets (26:26-27). Agrippa’s “almost” response has troubled and even hunted many for the last two millennia. “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (26:28). What does this rejection by the King show us is required to become a Christian? Persuasion!
First, consider the source of the persuasion. The gospel is “the power of God to salvation” (Rom. 1:16), and Paul knew that. He spoke “the words of truth and reason” (26:25) about “the Christ,” who came to “suffer” and to “be the first to rise from the dead” (26:23). It is the wonderful news about the saving love and sacrifice of Jesus that compels us (2 Cor. 5:14) and calls us (2 Thess. 2:14) to the Lord. Jesus Himself said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32). The only source of persuasion that is truly available and should ever be utilized is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Second, consider the one who persuades. Persuading an individual to become a Christian must never be about the persuader himself or herself but about Christ (1 Cor. 2:1-2). Paul did not make himself out to be anything. In fact, he identified himself as one who had been extended the amazing grace of God and was humbly obeying the commission that had been given to him (26:1-23). If we are going to “be well pleasing to Him,” then we must “persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:9-11). That involves stepping out of our comfort zone and initiating conversations that will help prepare people to “appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (5:10).
Third, consider the method of persuasion. Various efforts can be persuasive, but not all methods are appropriate when seeking to persuade someone to give their life to Christ. Proper and effective persuasion must be motivated by love (Eph. 4:15), saturated with grace (Col. 4:6), moved with compassion (Matt. 9:36-38), engaged in with humility (Rom. 12:3) and presented with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). Our methods of persuasion must never get in the way of the persuading power of the gospel itself.
Finally, consider the focus of the persuasion. There are lost souls all around us who desperately need Jesus (Luke 15:4). Most of them do not even realize it. Agrippa did not realize how urgently he needed to be persuaded to become a Christian. Sadly, there is no evidence that he ever was “altogether” persuaded. Who have you been trying to persuade for Christ? Don’t give up! Who will you meet this week who needs to be persuaded? Don’t miss any opportunity!