American Standard Version
Acts 26:25
25But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
Acts 26:25 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
- New International Version (NIV)“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.
- English Standard Version (ESV)But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
- New King James Version (NKJV)But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
Context of Acts 26:25
23how that the Christ must suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles. 24And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad. But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness. 26For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Read all of Acts 26Acts 26:25 word by word
ὁ δὲ Παῦλος· οὐ μαίνομαί φησιν κράτιστε Φῆστε, ἀλλ᾽ ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ῥήματα ἀποφθέγγομαι.Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Acts 26:25
- John 8:49Jesus answered, I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and ye dishonor me.
- 1 Peter 2:21For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:
- 1 Peter 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
- Acts 23:26Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.
- Acts 24:3we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
- Luke 1:3it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;
Commentaries on Acts 26:25
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 25I 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, Ϛ, most noble, or most excellent, which he gives to Festus, shows at once that he was far above indulging any sentiment of anger or displeasure at Festus, though he had called him a madman; and it shows farther that, with the strictest conscientiousness, even an apostle may give titles of…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 25I 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 importance of the subject, and continued to reason; but he makes an appeal at once to Agrippa, and brings him in for a witness that he was not deranged. This would be far more likely to make an impression on the mind of Festus than anything that Paul could say…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 24-32Verses 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 have been despised as dreamers or madmen, for believing such doctrines and such wonderful facts; and for attesting that the same faith and diligence, and an experience like their own, are necessary to all men, whatever their rank, in order to their…Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 25-2625-26. I am not mad, most noble Festus, but, &c.--Can anything surpass this reply, for readiness, self-possession, calm dignity? Every word of it refuted the rude charge, though Festus, probably, did not intend to hurt the prisoner's feelings.Read the comment
Topics related to Acts 26:25
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Acts 26
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
American Standard Version — 1901 — Public Domain
Commentaries