New American Standard Bible 1995
Acts 26:25
25But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, 1most excellent Festus, but I utter words 2of sober truth.
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
23that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” 24While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.”
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
- But PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos · PaulG3972
- saidφημίphēmi · to assertG5346
- I amμαίνομαιmainomai · to raveG3105
- mostκράτιστοςkratistos · excellentG2903
- FestusΦῆστοςPhēstos · FestusG5347
- but I utterἀποφθέγγομαιapophtheggomai · to declareG669
- wordsῥῆμαrhēma · declarationG4487
- of soberσωφροσύνηsōphrosunē · mental soundnessG4997
- truthἀλήθειαalētheia · truthG225
Cross-references for Acts 26:25
- John 8:49Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
- 1 Peter 2:21For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
- 1 Peter 3:9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
- Acts 23:26“Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings.
- Acts 24:3we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
- Luke 1:3it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive 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
Notes
- 1. Acts 26:25 Acts 23:26; 24:3 ↩
- 2. Acts 26:25 Lit of truth and rationality ↩
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
New American Standard Bible 1995 — © 1960–1995 The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Commentaries