Acts 26:25

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 be the first to rise from the dead, to proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!” But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words. 26For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely to him, because I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. 27Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.”

Acts 26:25 word by word

ὁ δὲ Παῦλος· οὐ μαίνομαί φησιν κράτιστε Φῆστε, ἀλλ᾽ ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ῥήματα ἀποφθέγγομαι.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Butδέde · thenG1161
• he saidφημίphēmi · to assertG5346
• I amμαίνομαιmainomai · to raveG3105
• notοὐou · noG3756
• most nobleκράτιστοςkratistos · excellentG2903
• FestusΦῆστοςPhēstos · FestusG5347
• butἀλλάalla · butG235
• speak forthἀποφθέγγομαιapophtheggomai · to declareG669
• the wordsῥῆμαrhēma · declarationG4487
• of truthἀλήθειαalētheia · truthG225
• andκαίkai · andG2532
• sobernessσωφροσύνηsōphrosunē · mental soundnessG4997

Cross-references for Acts 26:25

• John 8:49Jesus answered, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father – and yet you dishonor me.
• 1 Peter 2:21For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps.
• 1 Peter 3:9Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.
• Acts 23:26Claudius Lysias to His Excellency Governor Felix, greetings.
• Acts 24:3Most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way with all gratitude.
• Luke 1:3So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, 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

• Court
• Insanity
• Zeal, Religious

In the dictionaries

• Above
• Agrippa II.
• Beside
• Corner
• Disobedient
• Incredible
• Instantly
• James
• Mad
• Persuade

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