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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 26:28 - 26:28
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With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian (en oligōi me peitheis Christianon poiēsai). The Authorized rendering is impossible: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” En oligōi does not mean “almost.” That would require oligou, par' oligon, or dei oligou. It is not clear, however, precisely what en oligoi does mean. It may refer to time (in little time) or a short cut, but that does not suit well en megalōi in Act 26:29. Tyndale and Crammer rendered it “somewhat” (in small measure or degree). There are, alas, many “somewhat” Christians. Most likely the idea is “in (or with) small effort you are trying to persuade (peitheis, conative present active indicative) me in order to make me a Christian.” This takes the infinitive poiēsai to be purpose (Page renders it by “so as”) and thus avoids trying to make poiēsai like genesthai (become). The aorist is punctiliar action for single act, not “perfect.” The tone of Agrippa is ironical, but not unpleasant. He pushes it aside with a shrug of the shoulders. The use of “Christian” is natural here as in the other two instances (Act 11:26; 1Pe 4:16).