Leading Others to Faith in Christ

By Rich Amick

By our lives and our words, are we drawing others toward faith in Christ? 

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:11, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.” He reasoned, explained, and shared the gospel with kindness and conviction, looking to Jesus as his example and trusting God to work hearts. (See Acts 17:2–4; Acts 18:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Acts 16:14.)

When we hear the word persuasion, a passage that often comes to mind is King Agrippa’s response to Paul in Acts 26:28, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (KJV, 1911 ed.). Many Christians have pictured Agrippa as on the verge of belief. However, many modern scholars and translators interpret Agrippa’s words as containing irony or sarcasm, often rendering them as a rhetorical question: “Do you think you can so quickly persuade me to become a Christian?” A modern vernacular would be, “Yeah, right, as if that could happen.” While the Greek syntax is a declarative statement, the context—Agrippa's royal status, his abrupt deflection, and the term "Christian"—supports seeing it as ironic pushback. Agrippa was not close to surrendering; he was deflecting the challenge of Paul’s message. (Some translations frame Agrippa’s response as a skeptical question; see the NIV (2011 ed.), ESV, CSB, GNT, and NET Bible.)

Paul’s response to Agrippa reveals the heart we’re called to have: “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” (Acts 26:29). He simply spoke truth in love, poured out compassion, and prayed earnestly for God’s increase. (Romans 10:1; Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-12.)

Is there someone in your life who seems far from faith—perhaps even resistant? Never underestimate the quiet power of your faithful, loving witness. God can use your steady example, your kind words, and your prayers to draw them fully to Christ.

Let’s go forward this week, persuaded by the love of Christ, gently persuading others toward Him. He is faithful to open hearts in His time.