But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
Parallel translations
- KJV But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
- BSB But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
- NKJV But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
- NASB But Paul *said, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with truthful and rational words.
- NLT But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul calmly denies madness, declaring that he speaks words of truth and sound reason to 'most excellent Festus.'
Overview
With courteous respect Paul rebuts the charge, insisting his testimony is both true and reasonable. The gospel, though offensive to unbelief, is not irrational raving but coherent truth grounded in real events. Paul's composure under accusation models how believers may answer scoffing with gentleness and confidence in the reasonableness of their faith.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Acts 23:26“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
- Titus 1:9holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
- Titus 2:7–8in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
- John 8:49Jesus answered, “I don’t have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.
- 1 Pet 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:
- Luke 1:3it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
- 1 Pet 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
- 1 Pet 2:21–23For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,
- Acts 24:3we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 26:25 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.