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Mark Dunagan Commentaries

Acts 26:25

"But Paul saith,. am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness"I am not mad" Be impressed with how Paul calmly, respectfully and pointedly handles this rude interruption. Paul is not intimidated nor is he unsettled by this bold accusation. "Most excellent Festus" "Most excellent was the usual title given to the Roman governor (Acts 24:3). "Speak forth words of truth and soberness" "I speak nothing but the sober truth" (Phi). Note that Paul did not have the popular religious attitude, "I may be wrong, so this is just my opinion". People say that we must keep an open-mind and realize that our view of the truth is probably not the only correct view. Well, that type of attitude would have never spread the gospel in the first century (Colossians 1:23). Paul, the other apostles, and the early Christians did not put their lives on the line for. "possibility", or "one view of the truth".

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See also Acts 26:25 in other biblical comments:

  • Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

    Verse Acts 26:25. _I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS_] This most sensible, appropriate, and modest answer, was the fullest proof he could give of his _sound sense_ and _discretion_. The title, κρατιστε...

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    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 imp...

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    CHAPTER 26 __ 1. The Address of the Apostle Paul (Acts 26:2). 2. The Interruption by Festus and the Appeal to the King (Acts 26:24). 3. The Verdict (Acts 26:30). The opening words of the Apostle a...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    CHALLENGES AND REJOINDERS. That Paul was out of his senses was said of him at Corinth (2 Corinthians 5:13); there is nothing in what he is reported to have said on this occasion that would suggest it...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    THE DEFENCE OF A CHANGED MAN (Acts 26:1-11)...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    As Paul was making his defence, Festus cried out, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning has turned you to madness." But Paul said, "I am not mad, Festus, your Excellency, but I am uttering words of truth...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    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....

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    _most noble_[_R. V._excellent] _Festus_ The same title of respect which is given to Felix (Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3). As St Chrysostom remarks the Apostle now answers with gentleness, not as to the high...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    Interruption by Festus. Appeal to Agrippa. Consultation and decision 24 _Festus said with a loud voice_ Probably what had last fallen from Paul seemed to him little better than lunatic ravings. The G...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    INTERRUPTION BY FESTUS. APPEAL TO AGRIPPA. CONSULTATION AND DECISION...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    Ὁ ΔῈ ΠΑΥ͂ΛΟΣ with אABE. _Vulg_. ‘et Paulus.’ 25. ΚΡΆΤΙΣΤΕ, _most excellent_. On this title cf. above, Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3. St Chrysostom remarks here that the Apostle now answers with gentleness, no...

  • Charles Box Commentaries

    _PAUL PROVED HIMSELF TO BE INNOCENT ACTS 26:24-32:_ Festus reacted by saying that Paul was a mad man. Paul said he was not mad and that what he preached was true and in harmony with scripture. Paul th...

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΚΡΆΤΙΣΤΕ _voc. sing. от_ ΚΡΆΤΙΣΤΟΣ (G2903) великолепнейший (_см._ Acts 24:3). ΆΛΗΘΕΊΑΣ _gen. sing. от_ ΆΛΉΘΕΙΑ (G2117) истина. _Gen._ описания, без артикля указывает на особенность, ΣΩΦΡΟΣΎΝΗ (G4997...

  • Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae

    DISCOURSE: 1813 PAUL’S VINDICATION OF HIS OWN MINISTRY Acts 26:24. _And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. B...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    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...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    f. Paul's defense before King Agrippa. Acts 25:13 bActs 26:32. Acts 25:13 Now when certain days were passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and saluted Festus....

  • Combined Bible Commentary

    25. Paul saw at once, from the tone and manner of Festus, as well as from the admission of his great learning, that the charge of insanity was not intended as an insult; but that it was the sudden out...

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words ('speak forth words') of truth...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    22 It is evident that the apostle did disclose secrets which cannot be found in Moses and the prophets. One of these was the secret of the resurrecction, made known to the Corinthians (1Co_15:15). Ano...

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    26:25 soberness; (d-17) As 'discretion.' 1 Timothy 2:9 ,1 Timothy 2:15 ....

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    Observe the good temper and courtesy of St. Paul's retort. MOST NOBLE] see Luke 1:3, 'most excellent Theophilus' (same word)....

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    DEFENCE BEFORE AGRIPPA 1-32. St. Paul before Agrippa. This speech, though in form a defence to the Jews, is really intended by St. Luke to be St. Paul's defence to the world—an apology for his whole...

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE ACTS _MARION ADAMS_ CHAPTER 26 PAUL SPEAKS TO KING AGRIPPA, 26:1-11 V1 Agrippa told Paul, ‘You may now speak for yourself.’ Paul waved his hand. He said, V2 ‘King Agrippa,...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS. — There is something characteristic in the union of a calm protest with the courtesy which gives to rulers the honour which is their due. Comp. the use of the same wor...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    Οὐ μαίνομαι κ. Φ.: whatever may have been the sense in which Festus addressed Paul, there is no doubt as to the courtesy of the Apostle's answer, μετὰ ἐπιεικείας ἀποκρινόμενος, Chrys. κράτιστε : “most...

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    CONVINCING HIS INQUISITORS Acts 26:22 Paul was in his element. He was delivering to kings and governors the testimony which it was the constant object of his life to give, when suddenly he was stoppe...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    Agrippa intimated to Paul that he might speak, and the apostle spent a moment in introductory words, and then uttered his great apologia, in which a twofold purpose is evident, first, his own defense,...

  • Gary Hampton Commentaries

    Agrippa's Response Festus interrupted with a loud declaration that Paul had gone crazy from too much learning. It seems Paul's failure to defend himself, instead focussing on converting his judges, wa...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. (25) But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but I speak forth t...

  • Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly

    The closing Chapter s from 21 to the end of the book are devoted to an episode full of interest and profit Paul's course from Jerusalem to Rome. And here we find ourselves in an atmosphere considerabl...

  • John Calvin's Bible Commentary

    − 25._I am not mad. _Paul is not angry, neither doth he sharply reprehend Festus for his blasphemous speech; yea, he speaketh unto him with great submission. − (626) For it was no place for reprehensi...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    Paul's address to king Agrippa furnishes us with the most complete picture of the entire position of the apostle, as he himself looked at it when his long service and the light of the Holy Ghost illum...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    BUT HE SAID, I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS,.... That is, Paul said, as the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions read: he replied to Festus, to whom...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. Ver. 25. _I am not mad_] Paul rather pitieth his ignorance than blameth his blasphemy, and allegeth his...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _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 propreto...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    BUT HE SAID, I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS, BUT SPEAK FORTH THE WORDS OF TRUTH AND SOBERNESS....

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    Paul's foremost wish:...

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    At Agrippa's invitation to him to speak, Paul is fully prepared. He expresses his happiness at being privileged to answer for himself to the king, especially because he knew Agrippa to be an expert in...

  • Manly Luscombe Commentary on New Testament

    BUT HE SAID, " I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS, BUT SPEAK THE WORDS OF TRUTH AND REASON. 1. Paul is not deranged. 2. Paul's remarks were the truth. Paul spoke freely the words of truth. 3. REASON -...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    24-32 It becomes us, on all occasions, to speak the words of truth and soberness, and then we need not be troubled at the unjust censures of men. Active and laborious followers of the gospel often ha...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    St. Paul with all meekness makes his reply to the governer, and not taking notice of his sharp censuring of him, returns an answer in most respectful terms unto him; as his blessed Master, _who, when...

  • McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries

    25. Paul saw at once, from the tone and manner of Festus, as well as from the admission of his great learning, that the charge of insanity was not intended as an insult; but that it was the sudden out...

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    Acts 26:25 But G1161 said G5346 (G5748) am G3105 not G3756 mad G3105 (G5736) noble G2903 Festus...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    ‘But Paul says, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but speak forth words of truth and soberness.” Paul then replies politely that he is not mad and that his words are both true and within reason....

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    PAUL IS DECLARED TO HAVE DONE NOTHING WORTHY OF DEATH AND THUS TO HAVE CONFORMED TO THE LAW, BUT KING HEROD AGRIPPA II CLOSES HIS HEART AGAINST HIS WORDS (26:24-32)....

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    Acts 26:25. BUT HE SAID, I AM NOT MAD, MOST NOBLE FESTUS; BUT SPEAK FORTH THE WORDS OF TRUTH AND SOBERNESS. But the Roman governor's accusation of madness was effectively refuted by the calm, courteou...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    BUT SPEAK FORTH (αλλα αποφθεγγομα). Verb for dignified and elevated discourse, a word from the literary _Koine_, not the vernacular. In N.T. only here and Acts 2:4; Acts 2:14 which see. It occurs th...

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    Acts 26 St. Paul's Defence before Agrippa. Observe: I. What is the central truth of the Christian system. It is a very suggestive fact that Festus had got hold of the kernel of the whole subject, as...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    Acts 26:1. _Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:_ I do not suppose Agrippa imagined that Paul would take...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    Three times we have in Holy Writ a graphic report of the conversion of Paul. This may be accounted for partly from its being one of the most remarkable events of early sacred history, Paul having had...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: Paul's defense before Agrippa. CHARACTERS: God, Jesus, Paul, Agrippa, Satan, Festus, Bernice, Caesar. CONCLUSION: When God's servant is given a chance to speak for himself, it is well if h...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    Acts 26:1. _Then Paul stretched forth the hand,_ the usual signal to gain attention; it indicates presence of mind in the speaker, and that his auditory is large. Though the notice was short, the cour...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    21-30. REPENT OF THEIR SINS AND TURN TO GOD. Compare Acts 3:19 and note. Paul preached a NEW LIFE!!!...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    YOU ARE MAD, PAUL! Notice it is Festus, a Gentile, who breaks in on Paul and shouts that only a deranged brain could imagine such things, Compare this outburst with the reaction of the Athenians (Acts...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself._ THE EFFECTS OF PAUL’S DEFENCE ON FESTUS I. The charge of Festus. He did not denounce Paul as a hypoc...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself._ PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA Here is all that Christianity ever asked for: an opportunity to speak for itself; and its answer is the one...

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _CRITICAL REMARKS_ Acts 26:24. AS HE THUS SPAKE FOR HIMSELF.—Lit., _he speaking these things in his defence_—ταῦτα, these things, being the words just uttered about the resurrection, rather than the e...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION ACTS 26:1 And for _then, _A.V.; _his _for _the, _A.V.; _made his _defense_ _for _answered for himself, _A.V. AGRIPPA SAID. It was by the courtesy of Festus that Agrippa thus took the chief...

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    Let's open our Bibles to the twenty-sixth chapter of Acts. Paul was rescued by Lysias, the captain of the Roman guard from the mob that was attempting to beat him to death in Jerusalem on the temple m...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 Peter 2:21; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Peter 3:9; Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3;...

  • Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament (4 Volume Set)

    Speak forth [α π ο φ θ ε γ γ ο μ α ι]. See on ch. Acts 2:4....

  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes

    I am not mad, most excellent Festus — The style properly belonging to a Roman propretor. How inexpressibly beautiful is this reply! How strong! yet how decent and respectful! Mad men seldom call men b...

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Old Testament