Acts 26:29

“And Paul said, I would to God, etc.] This prayer of the apostle’s shows his affection for the souls of men, and his great desire for their conversion, and also his sense of the power and grace of God, as necessary to it: that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am; that is, his wish was that not only Agrippa, but that all that were present, were not only within a little, or in some low degree, but entirely, in the highest and fullest sense, Christians, as he was; that they knew as much of Christ, and had as much faith in him, and love to him, as he had, and were as ready to serve and obey him: he does not wish that Agrippa and the rest…”

“I would to God, &c.--What unequalled magnanimity does this speech breathe! Only his Master ever towered above this. not only . . . almost . . . but altogether--or, "whether soon or late," or "with little or much difficulty." except these bonds--doubtless holding up his two chained hands (see on Act 12:6): which in closing such a noble utterance must have had an electrical effect.”

“I would to God - I pray to God; I earnestly desire it of God. This shows: (1) Paul’s intense desire that Agrippa, and all who heard him, might be saved. (2) His steady and constant belief that none but God could incline people to become altogether Christians. Paul knew well that there was nothing that would overcome the reluctance of the human heart to be an entire Christian but the grace and mercy of God. He had addressed to his hearers the convincing arguments of religion, and he now breathed forth his earnest prayer to God that those arguments might be effectual. So prays every faithful minister of the cross. All that hear me - Festus, and the military and civil officers who had been…”

“I would to God - Agrippa had spoke of being a Christian, as a thing wholly in his own power. Paul gently corrects this mistake; intimating, it is the gift and the work of God; that all that hear me - It was modesty in St. Paul, not to apply directly to them all; yet he looks upon them and observes them; were such as I am - Christians indeed; full of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. He speaks from a full sense of his own happiness, and an overflowing love to all. Acts 26:30”

“26:29 Paul’s bold answer shows his quickness in repartee. He challenges Agrippa and his whole audience about the value of knowing Christ and making a personal commitment to him.”

“I would: Exo 16:3; Num 11:29; Sa2 18:33; Kg2 5:3; Co1 4:8, Co1 7:7; Co2 11:1 that not: Jer 13:17; Luk 19:41, Luk 19:42; Joh 5:34; Rom 9:1-3, Rom 10:1; Col 1:28 except: Act 12:6, Act 25:14; Eph 6:20 Acts 26:30”