What Does Paul Mean When He Says "I Would To God That You Were Such As I Am"?

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on Acts 26:29, where Paul tells King Agrippa, "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." This passage reveals profound truths about Christianity and the Christian life.

What is the proper translation of Acts 26:29?

According to Lloyd-Jones, a better translation would be: "I would pray to God that both by little and by much, not you alone, but all who are now listening to me today might be in my condition, apart from these chains." This clarifies that Paul's statement was in response to Agrippa's sarcastic remark, which should be understood as "By very little argumentation and demonstration, you'd make me a Christian, would you?"

What does this passage tell us about the nature of Christianity?

The passage reveals that Christianity is:

1. Essentially practical - It's not merely theoretical but helps a person in the most difficult circumstances, even prison
2. Definite and clear - Paul doesn't say "I hope to be a Christian someday" but confidently states "I am" a Christian
3. Transformative - Paul knows he is different from what he once was as Saul of Tarsus
4. Compassionate - It makes a person feel sorry for those who don't share this faith

What is the condition of the non-Christian according to Paul?

Lloyd-Jones describes the non-Christian's condition as:

1. A state of ignorance and darkness - They're ignorant about:
2. Themselves as human beings
3. The meaning of life and history
4. Their own souls and spiritual nature

5. God and their relationship to Him

6. Under the power of Satan - They are:

7. Controlled by evil influences
8. Victims of the world, flesh, and devil

9. Not truly free, despite thinking they are

10. In a sinful, guilty condition - They:

11. Are guilty before God
12. Need forgiveness of sins

13. Face judgment without hope

14. Living a restless, aimless existence - This leads to:

15. Pleasure-seeking to fill the emptiness
16. Bewilderment in life's crises
17. No comfort in suffering
18. Fear of death

What is the condition of the Christian according to Paul?

The Christian's condition is characterized by:

1. Understanding and enlightenment - They:
2. Understand the true nature of humanity
3. Know God and their relationship to Him
4. Comprehend life's purpose

5. Know their sins are forgiven

6. Peace, rest, and joy - They experience:

7. Peace with God
8. Intellectual satisfaction
9. Heart satisfaction

10. Joy that transcends circumstances

11. Independence from circumstances - They are:

12. Free even in chains
13. Masters of their conditions, not mastered by them
14. Unafraid of death
15. Secure in their eternal inheritance

How does one become a Christian?

Lloyd-Jones explains that one cannot become a Christian through: - Nationality or birth in a "Christian country" - Religious practices and rituals - Mere sincerity of belief

Rather, becoming a Christian requires: 1. Believing the truth about yourself as outlined in the Bible 2. Repenting and acknowledging your sin before God 3. Believing the gospel - that Christ died for your sins and rose again 4. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

As Lloyd-Jones concludes: "O believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be ye saved."