Acts 26:24

Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, " Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad! "

1. Festus tells Paul that he is mad, crazy, beside himself, and unbalanced.

2. Why would Festus say this? I believe there are a couple of reasons.

1. Paul's fervor - Paul spoke with passion. His earnestness and passion might be interpreted by some as someone who has lost their mind and become a ranting lunatic.

2. Vision of a madman - Festus probably thought that Paul's vision and belief in a man who died and was raised from the dead, was just a figment of his overactive imagination.

3. Emphasis on Resurrection - Festus was a typical Roman who believed in this life. They had no particular hope eternal life. They lived for today. Their philosophy was "Eat, Drink, and be Merry. Tomorrow we die."