Acts 26:29
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
3 of 33
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 33
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀλίγῳ
G3641
ὀλίγῳ
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
11 of 33
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλῷ
altogether
G4183
πολλῷ
altogether
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 33
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οὐ
that not
G3756
οὐ
that not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
15 of 33
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
18 of 33
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σήμερον
this day
G4594
σήμερον
this day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
24 of 33
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
γενέσθαι
were
G1096
γενέσθαι
were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
25 of 33
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοιούτους
such
G5108
τοιούτους
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
26 of 33
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ὁποῖος
as
G3697
ὁποῖος
as
Strong's:
G3697
Word #:
27 of 33
of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)
κἀγώ
G2504
κἀγώ
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
28 of 33
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
31 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Paul's statement came after Agrippa's ambiguous response 'Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian' (verse 28). Paul's prayer for their conversion, even while they held power over him, demonstrates remarkable spiritual maturity and missionary passion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain love and desire for opponents' salvation even when they have power over you?
- What does Paul's qualification 'except these bonds' teach about honestly representing both Christianity's blessings and costs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's response to Agrippa - 'I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds' - expresses pastoral heart even while defending himself. His desire that all would share his faith (minus imprisonment) shows love for opponents and confidence that Christianity brings blessing. This gracious witness under pressure exemplifies Christ-like love.