Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαίνομαι
I am
G3105
μαίνομαι
I am
Strong's:
G3105
Word #:
4 of 13
through the idea of insensate craving); to rave as a "maniac"
φησίν
he said
G5346
φησίν
he said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
5 of 13
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σωφροσύνης
soberness
G4997
σωφροσύνης
soberness
Strong's:
G4997
Word #:
11 of 13
soundness of mind, i.e., (literally) sanity or (figuratively) self-control
Historical Context
Paul spoke these words circa AD 59-60 while imprisoned in Caesarea, defending himself before Governor Festus and King Agrippa II. Festus had interrupted Paul's account of his Damascus road conversion with a loud exclamation that 'much learning' had made Paul mad (v. 24). Roman officials often viewed Jewish messianic claims and resurrection belief as fanatical superstition unworthy of educated minds.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you respond to accusations that Christian faith is irrational without compromising passion for the gospel?
- What does Paul's respectful yet firm response teach about engaging hostile audiences in witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I am not mad, most noble Festus (Οὐ μαίνομαι, κράτιστε Φῆστε)—Paul's dignified response to Festus's outburst models Christian apologetics: calm, respectful (using the honorific 'kratiste'), yet unyielding. The Greek 'mainomai' (to rave, be insane) was Festus's diagnosis for Paul's resurrection preaching and prophetic fulfillment claims. Words of truth and soberness (ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ῥήματα)—Paul contrasts divine revelation with madness. 'Aletheia' (truth) emphasizes objective reality, while 'sophrosyne' (soundness of mind, self-control) was a prized Greco-Roman virtue. Paul claims the gospel is both factually true and rationally coherent, challenging the Roman intellectual's assumption that religious fervor equals irrationality. This defense before power demonstrates that Christian witness need not choose between passion and reason—resurrection truth produces both zeal and mental clarity.