King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." 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."
Acts 26:27-29

Paul testified before King Agrippa II, resulting in Agrippa admitting that Paul’s personal testimony and declaration of the gospel “almost persuaded” him to “become a Christian.” But not quite. Paul’s response reveals that Paul knew that only God could make Agrippa a Christian. That is why Paul prayed. The words, “I would to God,” mean that Paul prayed that God would change Agrippa’s heart.

When we have said what we can say (hopefully, prayerfully), let us pray that God will do the work of regeneration and conversion that only He can do. Our responsibility is to talk to people about Christ and the gospel—including our testimonies as is appropriate. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to save people. So let us pray, pray, pray!

I am convinced that one of the greatest motivations for evangelism is a sincere desire to see people saved—saved from sin and rescued from God’s wrath forever in Hell. Maybe the reason we are less than urgent about evangelism is that, though in our heads we believe people need to be saved, we are not gripped in our hearts that it matters that much. Let us be reminded and motivated by the fact that when people are saved, they are SAVED! And that, conversely, when they are not saved they are not only not saved, they are doomed to eternal destruction!

Because Paul was gripped by this reality, he spoke up and he prayed. And notice that he longed not only for Agrippa to be saved, but also for all who were present and heard the gospel as Paul spoke to Agrippa.

Lord, please save our loved ones. Use our pleas to them, and hear our prayers for them!