But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
Parallel translations
- WEB But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
- 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 23:26Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
- Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
- Titus 2:7–8In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
- John 8:49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
- 1 Pet 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
- Luke 1:3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
- 1 Pet 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
- 1 Pet 2:21–23For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
- Acts 24:3We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
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
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