But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
Parallel translations
- WEB But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
- KJV But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
- 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 23:26Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
- Titus 1:9He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
- Titus 2:7–8In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
- John 8:49“I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
- 1 Pet 3:15But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
- Luke 1:3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
- 1 Pet 3:9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- 1 Pet 2:21–23For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
- Acts 24:3In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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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.