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Many persons will be disturbed at being told that the "almost Christian," however common an object, is not found in this passage. Agrippa's celebrated saying is, in the Greek, quite ambiguous, and so is Paul's reply. No one can determine with certainty what is the real meaning. "Somewhat" is the most probable interpretation, and agrees best with the character of Agrippa. "In some measure," "somewhat," makes it a polite answer, expressing interest in what has been said, and a disposition to admit that Christianity has really some claims, especially as presented by so able a speaker. The "somewhat Christian" is oftener to be met with in our congregations than the "almost Christian."

I. WHAT LED AGRIPPA TO MAKE THIS CIVIL REPLY.

1. After completing the account of his conversion, Paul declares (vers. 19-23) that he had ever since been trying to act according to the Divine instructions.

(1) He was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. How could he be?

(2) Nobody could object to his exhortation that men "should repent and turn to God," and prove it by a corresponding life.

(3) And the doctrines Paul has taught are really nothing but what was predicted by the prophets and by Moses (ver. 22), namely —

(a)  That the Messiah must be not a worldly conqueror, as the Jews expected, but a sufferer, as in Isaiah 53.

(b)  That He must rise from the dead.

(c)  That, in consequence of His death and resurrection, He will proclaim spiritual light — instruction and hope.

2. The two leading persons among his hearers now speak to Paul, and he replies to each with great wisdom and earnestness (vers. 24-29).

(1) Festus was satisfied that no sane man could express such notions, so he interrupted Paul in an excited manner, and then, perhaps wishing to soften his harsh accusation, he adds, "Thy much learning doth turn thee to madness." He had probably heard that Paul was thoroughly acquainted with the learning of the rabbis. It is also probable that Paul had shown great anxiety to have books (2 Timothy 4:13). "Practical politicians" often express a certain contempt for learned or literary persons, and not unfrequently say it addles their brains to read so much. The apostle's reply (ver. 25) is courteous, dignified, and earnest. He refers to the king as having better acquaintance than a recently arrived governor with the well-known history of Christianity (ver. 26). Then Paul pointedly addresses the young king. Agrippa was a Jew, educated to believe in the Scriptures. Under the impression of Paul's presence and appeal, he was likely to feel a quickened persuasion that the Messianic prophecies were true, and to perceive that they had been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

(2) And so Agrippa said to Paul, "Somewhat thou persuadest me to make me a Christian." The interruption by Festus had been loud and violent. The remark of Agrippa is more courteous than serious. But in both cases Paul's reply is at once dignified and deeply earnest. He wishes that not only Agrippa, but all the others present, might be to some extent and to a great extent such as he is, i.e., Christians. Whether a man be a prince or a beggar, we can wish for him nothing so truly desirable as that he may become a Christian. Whatever else we may be doing for those we love, let us neglect no effort to bring them into the possession of the one thing needful.

II. HOW MANY, LIKE THIS YOUNG KING, ARE ONLY "SOMEWHAT CHRISTIANS"! Here is a youth who has been taught to respect Christianity, who has affection for some pious people; sometimes the words of his pastor, his friend, stir in him a transient interest, and if he were to express his feeling, it would be, "I am really impressed by all this; I am somewhat disposed to become a Christian myself." Here is a child whose tender heart is touched by the story of Jesus, and who inwardly says, "I think I'll get to be a Christian before long." Here is a man growing old, who goes to church and listens with outward decorum, and then goes away without any apparent result; but some day the pastor makes a special appeal, and the man says to a friend as they turn away, "I don't know but some of these days they'll get me into the Church after all." In numerous cases, we must not speak harshly as to the insufficiency of such an interest and purpose, but must strive to encourage, and to deepen, and strengthen it. Yet we must never forget that Christian piety is a very decided and positive thing; that Jesus Himself solemnly said, "He that is not with Me is against Me."

(J. A. Broadus, D. D.)

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KJV: King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

WEB: King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."