Acts 26 25

Acts 26:25 kjv

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Acts 26:25 nkjv

But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.

Acts 26:25 niv

"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.

Acts 26:25 esv

But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.

Acts 26:25 nlt

But Paul replied, "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth.

Acts 26 verses

Acts 26 25 Meaning

In Acts 26:25, Paul directly refutes Governor Festus's accusation of madness, affirming that his words are not born of insanity but are instead the sober declaration of truth. He asserts the rationality and factual basis of the Christian message, particularly concerning the resurrection of Jesus, even though it was perceived as foolish or nonsensical by those without spiritual understanding.

Acts 26 25 Context

This verse is part of Paul’s defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Porcius Festus in Caesarea. Paul recounts his conversion on the road to Damascus and his subsequent mission to preach the Gospel to Gentiles, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus as the core of his message and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Acts 26:19-23). His discourse is so compelling and deeply theological, especially with its focus on the literal resurrection of the dead, that Festus, a pragmatic Roman administrator, interrupts him in Acts 26:24, declaring, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you insane." Festus, from a pagan worldview, found the concept of a crucified man rising from the dead, advocated by someone with Paul's extensive knowledge, to be sheer lunacy. Acts 26:25 is Paul's dignified and measured response to this specific accusation, seeking to bring Festus back to the rationality and truth of his testimony.

Acts 26 25 Word analysis

• But he said: Signifies Paul's direct, calm, and resolute counter-statement to Festus's emotional accusation. It marks a moment of steadfast resolve in his witness.
• I am not insane:
  • Greek: Manomai (μαίνομαι). This word means "to be mad, to rave, to be out of one's mind, to be insane."
  • Significance: Paul explicitly denies the accusation of mental derangement. This refutes the idea that his passionate conviction about the resurrection stems from a diseased mind, distinguishing it from ecstatic or prophetic frenzies that might have been culturally understood as a form of "madness" by pagans. It asserts the clarity of his intellect.
• most noble Festus:
  • Greek: Kratiste (κράτιστε). A formal title of respect meaning "most excellent" or "most distinguished," used for high-ranking officials (e.g., Acts 23:26, Acts 24:3).
  • Significance: Paul maintains decorum and respect despite being unjustly slandered and interrupted by the governor. This shows Christian submission to authority where due and exemplifies a wise approach to hostile questioning, keeping communication channels open for the Gospel's sake.
• but speak words of truth:
  • Greek: Alētheias (ἀληθείας). Means "truth," "reality," "veracity," "that which is true."
  • Significance: Paul juxtaposes his words of truth with Festus's perception of madness. His message is not delusion but fact, especially the historical reality of Jesus's resurrection. It underscores that the Gospel is grounded in divine revelation and verifiable events, aligning with the nature of God's revealed word as absolute truth.
• and soberness:
  • Greek: Sōphrosynēs (σωφροσύνης). This word denotes "sound mind," "prudence," "self-control," "moderation," "sanity," "clear thinking," or "good judgment."
  • Significance: Paul affirms that his message and demeanor are characterized by clear-headedness and good judgment. This is a claim to intellectual and spiritual integrity, contrasting with chaotic or fanatical behavior. It highlights that true Christian faith, though supernatural in content, is rational and coherent, demonstrating sound reasoning within God's revealed reality.
• Words-group: "words of truth and soberness": This phrase functions as a direct contrast to Festus's accusation of "much learning...driving you insane." It asserts that Paul's deeply informed biblical knowledge leads not to delusion but to an accurate understanding of reality and a well-reasoned proclamation of it. The combination emphasizes that the Gospel is neither an irrational outburst nor a clever fabrication, but a divinely revealed reality communicated with clarity and sanity.

Acts 26 25 Bonus Section

• Festus's Limited Horizon: Festus's Roman mindset was entirely focused on legal order and earthly power. He had no frame of reference for divine intervention, prophecies, or a resurrected Savior. His reaction underscores how often spiritual truth is deemed irrational by those bound to purely secular or materialistic worldviews, as their "wisdom" cannot discern the things of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:14).
• The Power of Truth in Dialogue: Paul’s persistence in correcting Festus even after interruption demonstrates the Christian's unwavering commitment to the veracity of the Gospel. He did not become defensive or retort disrespectfully but gently aimed to bring the conversation back to a place of reason and fact.
• Paul as an Example of "Sound Mind": This verse implicitly fulfills the concept Paul himself articulates elsewhere regarding a "sound mind" or "self-control" (sōphrosynēs) as a key Christian virtue (e.g., 2 Tim 1:7, Tit 2:2). His actions demonstrate the internal control and clarity granted by the Holy Spirit, even under duress.
• A Precursor to Conversion?: While Festus does not convert, Paul's calm and rational reply to the accusation of madness serves as a powerful testimony. He aimed not just to clear his name but to clear the path for the Gospel message itself, portraying it as anything but wild fantasy.

Acts 26 25 Commentary

Acts 26:25 presents a pivotal moment in Paul's defense, where the profound disconnect between divine truth and human perception becomes evident. Festus's outburst of "insanity" reflects the natural man's inability to comprehend spiritual realities, especially the radical claim of bodily resurrection, which appeared utterly absurd within Roman pragmatic thought. Paul's calm and dignified reply is a masterclass in Christian apologetics: he doesn't retreat or grow agitated but respectfully refutes the charge by appealing to objective truth and mental soundness. His declaration of "words of truth and soberness" asserts that the Gospel, though supernatural, is logical, grounded in prophecy, history, and the very nature of God. This response implicitly critiques the world's standard of rationality, which often dismisses divine revelation as irrational, and highlights the Gospel's inherent consistency, despite its offensive nature to those who perish. It underscores that Christian witnessing, even when passionately delivered, should be characterized by clear-mindedness and veracity, offering light in the face of perceived darkness and confusion.

Examples for practical usage:

• When facing accusations of fanaticism for holding biblical convictions, respond with gentleness and respect, presenting the Gospel as coherent and true (1 Pet 3:15).
• Maintain clear thinking and integrity in conversations about faith, ensuring that passion for Christ does not devolve into illogical or offensive arguments.