So they come to you like they are my people. They sit in front of you like they are my people. They hear your words. But they won’t do the things you say. They only want to do what feels good. They only want to cheat people and make more money.
Acts 26:28 - Easy To Read Version King Agrippa {\cf2\super [502]} said to Paul, “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Then Agrippa said to Paul, You think it a small task to make a Christian of me [just offhand to induce me with little ado and persuasion, at very short notice]. American Standard Version (1901) And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. Common English Bible Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you trying to convince me that, in such a short time, you’ve made me a Christian?” Catholic Public Domain Version Then Agrippa said to Paul, "To some extent, you persuade me to become a Christian." Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version And Agrippa said to Paul: In a little thou persuadest me to become a Christian. |
So they come to you like they are my people. They sit in front of you like they are my people. They hear your words. But they won’t do the things you say. They only want to do what feels good. They only want to cheat people and make more money.
You will be taken to stand before governors and kings. People will do this to you because of me. You will tell about me to those kings and governors and to the non-Jewish people.
Herod was afraid to kill John. Herod knew that all the people thought John was a good and holy man. So Herod protected John. Herod enjoyed listening to John preach. But John’s message always bothered Herod.
When he found Saul, Barnabas brought him to Antioch. Saul and Barnabas stayed there a whole year. Every time the group of believers came together, Saul and Barnabas met with them and taught many people. In Antioch the followers \{of Jesus\} were called “Christians” for the first time.
But Felix became afraid when Paul spoke about things like living right, self-control, and the judgment that will come in the future. Felix said, “Go away now! When I have more time, I will call you.”
King Agrippa, do you believe the things the prophets {\cf2\super [501]} wrote? I know you believe!”
Paul said, “It is not important if it is easy or if it is hard; I pray to God that not only you but every person listening to me today could \{be saved and\} be like me—except for these chains I have!”
But we have turned away from secret and shameful ways. We don’t use trickery, and we don’t change the teaching of God. No! We teach the truth plainly. This is how we show people who we are. And this is how they can know in their hearts what kind of people we are before God.
But if you suffer because you are a Christian, then don’t be ashamed. You should praise (thank) God for that name (Christian).