Paul saith for he said, A.V. and T.R.; excellent for noble, A.V.; words for the words, A.V. Most excellent ( κράτιστε ). It appears to be the proper title to give the procurator (see Acts 23:1-35 . 26; Acts 24:3 ). St. Luke also applies it to Theophilus ( Luke 1:3 ). In classical Greek οἱ κράτιστοι are the aristocracy. Soberness ( σωφροσύνη ) ; sound or sober mindedness; just the opposite of the μανία of which he was accused. See the use of ... read more
I am not mad - I am not deranged. There are few more happy turns than what Paul gives to this accusation of Festus. He might have appealed to the course of his argument; he might have dwelt on the importance of the subject, and continued to reason; but he makes an appeal at once to Agrippa, and brings him in for a witness that he was not deranged. This would be far more likely to make an impression on the mind of Festus than anything that Paul could say in self-defense. The same reply, “I am... read more
Acts 26:25-29. But he said Calmly, and with a perfect command of himself, not in the least provoked by such an invidious imputation; I am not mad, most noble Festus A title properly belonging to a Roman propretor. How inexpressibly beautiful is this reply! How strong! yet, how decent and respectful! Madmen seldom call men by their names and titles of honour. Thus, also, Paul refutes the charge. But utter the words of truth Confirmed in the next verse; and soberness The very reverse of... read more
Paul again declared innocent (25:13-26:32)Among those who came to Caesarea to pay their respects to the new governor was Herod Agrippa II. This man was the son of Herod Agrippa I (the governor mentioned in 12:1-4,20-23) and the brother of Bernice and Drusilla (13; cf. 24:24; see ‘The New Testament World’). He was Rome’s appointed ruler over certain areas in the far north of Palestine, but he had no power in the region governed by Festus. He was, however, an expert on Jewish affairs (see... read more
I am . . . mad . Greek. mainomai, as in Acts 26:24 . most noble. See Acts 24:3 .Luke 1:3 . speak forth . Greek. apophthengomai. See Acts 2:4 . words . Greek. rhema. See Mark 9:32 . soberness . Greek. sophrosune. Here and 1 Timothy 2:9 , 1 Timothy 2:15 . read more
But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.I am not mad ... Paul was the sanest man in the hall where he spoke, with the exception of Luke; and his quiet, firm denial bore the stamp of truth. Wesley exclaimed:How inexpressibly beautiful is this reply! how strong! yet how decent and respectful. Madmen do not call men by their names and titles of honor. Thus, Paul refuted the charge.[36] read more
Acts 26:25. But he said, I am not mad, &c.— This answer, in this connection, appears inexpressiblybeautiful; when great and good men, who meet with rude and insolent treatment in the defence of the gospel, (which is often the case,) behave with such moderation, it proves a great accession of strength to the Christian cause. The word σωφροσυνη, soberness, is with the strictest exactness opposed to μανια, madness. read more
25, 26. I am not mad, most noble Festus, but, &c.—Can anything surpass this reply, for readiness, self-possession, calm dignity? Every word of it refuted the rude charge, though Festus, probably, did not intend to hurt the prisoner's feelings. read more
Paul’s defense before Agrippa 25:23-26:32This is the longest of Paul’s five defenses. It centers on the gospel with an evangelistic appeal rather than on the charges against Paul. This emphasis harmonizes with Luke’s evangelistic purpose in Luke and Acts and is a fitting climax to that purpose. It also documents God’s faithfulness in allowing Paul to witness before kings (cf. Acts 9:15)."Inherent in Luke’s account are at least three apologetic themes: (1) Paul’s relations with the Roman... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 26:24-32
A threefold illustration of the irrepressible energy of the truth. This paragraph has its value, and that a great value, in the grouping of its contents. And the three members that make the group are worthy each of individual consideration as well. But here we notice only certain great though general facts. I. THE ENERGY OF TRUTH . It will not let Festus remain silent in the court. Immediately afterwards it shows that Agrippa cannot persuade himself to hold his peace before... read more