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.
King Agrippa II had just asked Paul whether he thought he could persuade him to become a Christian so quickly. Paul's answer is one of the most extraordinary moments in the entire book of Acts. Rather than backing down or getting defensive, Paul says he prays — sincerely — that everyone in the room would come to know what he has come to know. The only thing he would not wish for them are his chains — the literal physical restraints he was wearing as a prisoner. In other words, Paul wanted to give everyone his faith, but not his suffering. This is Paul at his most human and most astonishing all at once.
Lord, give me the kind of faith that does not hoard itself. Teach me to genuinely want for others what you have given me — even the people I would rather keep at arm's length. I want to hold out the treasure without needing them to deserve it first. Amen.
Picture this: a man in shackles, standing before a king who holds his fate, sincerely wishing that the king could have what he has. Not the chains — he names that distinction with a kind of dry grace — but everything else. The peace. The purpose. The unshakeable conviction that death itself had been defeated. Paul is not performing generosity here or trying to score rhetorical points in a debate. He is genuinely, warmly offering to give away the most valuable thing he owns to the people who are deciding whether he lives or dies. What would it take for you to pray that way for someone who holds power over you? Not a vague "bless them," but a real prayer — the kind where you actually want them to experience what you have found? Paul does not sanitize the suffering to make his prayer sound more spiritual. He names the chains honestly. He knows exactly what he is wearing. But he separates the treasure from the cost, and he holds the treasure out freely, even to people who have not earned it and may not want it. That is harder than it sounds, especially toward someone who has made your life difficult. And yet it might be the most distinctly Christian posture in this entire chapter.
Why do you think Paul specifically mentioned the chains — what does that honest acknowledgment add to his prayer for Agrippa and everyone else in the room?
Is there someone in your life you genuinely struggle to wish well — someone for whom praying Paul's prayer would cost you something real?
What does Paul's ability to offer this prayer while imprisoned and uncertain of his future reveal about the nature of his faith — and what does it challenge in yours?
How does Paul's prayer reshape the way you think about relating to people who have hurt you, disappointed you, or hold authority over you?
What is one specific prayer you could pray this week for someone who makes your life harder — not a vague prayer, but a genuine one?
But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.
Jeremiah 13:17
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts 26:28
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Colossians 1:28
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Luke 19:42
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
Mark 5:19
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luke 19:41
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Romans 9:3
And Paul replied, "Whether in a short time or long, I wish to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these chains."
AMP
And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am — except for these chains.”
ESV
And Paul [said], 'I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.'
NASB
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
NIV
And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
NKJV
Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
NLT
Paul, still in chains, said, "That's what I'm praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me—except, of course, for this prison jewelry!"
MSG