Acts 26:25
New International Version
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.

New Living Translation
But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth.

English Standard Version
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.

Berean Standard Bible
But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

Berean Literal Bible
But Paul says, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and sobriety.

King James Bible
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

New King James Version
But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.

New American Standard Bible
But Paul said, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with truthful and rational words.

NASB 1995
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.

NASB 1977
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.

Amplified Bible
But Paul replied, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent and noble Festus, but [with a sound mind] I am uttering rational words of truth and reason.

Christian Standard Bible
But Paul replied, “I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Paul replied, “I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment.

American Standard Version
But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.

Contemporary English Version
But Paul replied, "Honorable Festus, I am not crazy. What I am saying is true, and it makes sense.

English Revised Version
But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul replied, "I'm not crazy, Your Excellency Festus. What I'm saying is true and sane.

Good News Translation
Paul answered, "I am not mad, Your Excellency! I am speaking the sober truth.

International Standard Version
But Paul said, "I'm not out of my mind, Your Excellency Festus. I'm reporting what is absolutely true.

Majority Standard Bible
But he answered, ?I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

NET Bible
But Paul replied, "I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words.

New Heart English Bible
But he said, "I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he said, I am not insane, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Weymouth New Testament
"I am not mad, most noble Festus," replied Paul; "I am speaking words of sober truth.

World English Bible
But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but of truth and soberness I speak forth the sayings;

Berean Literal Bible
But Paul says, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and sobriety.

Young's Literal Translation
and he saith, 'I am not mad, most noble Festus, but of truth and soberness the sayings I speak forth;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he says, I am not frenzied, most excellent Festus; but I speak the words of truth and soundness of mind.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Paul said: I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and soberness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Paul said: “I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but rather I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.

New American Bible
But Paul replied, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and reason.

New Revised Standard Version
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Paul said to him, I am not mad, O most excellent Festus; but I speak the words of truth and soberness.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Paulus said, “I am not insane, excellent Festus, but I am speaking words of truth and integrity.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But he replied: I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Godbey New Testament
But Paul says, I am not a maniac, most noble Festus; but I speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Haweis New Testament
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but utter words of truth and sobriety.

Mace New Testament
I am not mad, said he, most noble Festus, but what I say, is very sound truth.

Weymouth New Testament
"I am not mad, most noble Festus," replied Paul; "I am speaking words of sober truth.

Worrell New Testament
But Paul says, "I am not mad, most noble Festus; but I utter words of truth and soberness.

Worsley New Testament
But he replied, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but I speak the words of truth and of a sound mind.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Festus Interrupts Paul's Defense
24At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” 25But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. 26For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:13
If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:15
The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.

2 Corinthians 4:2
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; / in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ...

1 Corinthians 2:4-5
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, / so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

2 Corinthians 11:6
Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.

Proverbs 8:8-9
All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse. / They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.

Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

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

I am not.

John 8:49
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

1 Peter 2:21-23
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: …

1 Peter 3:9,15
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing…

most.

Acts 23:26
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

Acts 24:3
We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Luke 1:3
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

words.

Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Titus 2:7,8
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, …

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Acts 26
1. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;
12. and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.
24. Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.
28. Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.
31. The whole company pronounces him innocent.














But Paul replied
The phrase "But Paul replied" indicates a response to an accusation or statement. In the context of Acts 26, Paul is addressing Festus, the Roman governor, who has just accused him of being insane due to his passionate defense of the Gospel. The Greek word for "replied" is "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai), which means to answer or respond. This word choice emphasizes Paul's readiness and confidence in defending his faith. It reflects the Christian duty to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).

I am not insane
Paul's declaration, "I am not insane," is a direct rebuttal to Festus's accusation. The Greek word for "insane" is "μαίνομαι" (mainomai), which can mean to rave or be mad. In the historical context, Festus, unfamiliar with Jewish beliefs and the Christian message, might have perceived Paul's fervor as madness. However, Paul asserts his sanity, emphasizing that his message is grounded in truth and logic, not irrationality.

most excellent Festus
The title "most excellent" is a term of respect and honor. The Greek word "κράτιστος" (kratistos) is used, which denotes someone of high rank or status. By addressing Festus with this title, Paul shows respect for his position, adhering to the Christian principle of honoring those in authority (Romans 13:1-7). This respectful address also serves to maintain a level of decorum and civility in the discourse, which is crucial in witnessing to those in power.

What I am saying
This phrase underscores the importance of Paul's message. The Greek word "λέγω" (lego) for "saying" implies a deliberate and thoughtful communication. Paul is not merely speaking off the cuff; he is conveying a message of great significance. This highlights the responsibility of Christians to communicate the Gospel clearly and thoughtfully, ensuring that the message is understood as intended.

is true
The assertion "is true" is foundational to Paul's defense. The Greek word "ἀληθής" (alethes) means true, real, or genuine. Paul is affirming the veracity of his message, which is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This truth is not subjective but is an objective reality that Paul has experienced and is compelled to share. It reflects the Christian belief in the absolute truth of the Gospel.

and reasonable
The word "reasonable" is translated from the Greek "σωφροσύνη" (sophrosyne), which implies soundness of mind, self-control, or rationality. Paul is asserting that his message is not only true but also logical and coherent. This counters the notion that faith is irrational or blind. Christianity, as Paul presents it, is a faith that engages both the heart and the mind, inviting believers to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

(25) 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 word by Tertullus (Acts 24:3). The painful experience of Acts 23:3 had, we may well believe, taught the Apostle to control his natural impulses, and to keep watch over his lips, so that no unguarded utterance might escape from them.

The words of truth and soberness.--The latter word was one of the favourite terms of Greek ethical writers, as having a higher meaning than the "temperance" of Acts 24:25, to express the perfect harmony of impulses and reason (Aristot. Eth. Nicom. iii. 10). Here it is contrasted with the "madness" of which Festus had spoken, looking, as he did, on the Apostle as an enthusiastic dreamer. There was doubtless a deep-lying enthusiasm in his character, but it was an enthusiasm which had its root not in madness, but in truth.

Verse 25. - Paul saith for he said, A.V. and T.R.; excellent for noble, A.V.; words for the words, A.V. Most excellent (κράτιστε). It appears to be the proper title to give the procurator (see Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3). St. Luke also applies it to Theophilus (Luke 1:3). In classical Greek οἱ κράτιστοι are the aristocracy. Soberness (σωφροσύνη); sound or sober mindedness; just the opposite of the μανία of which he was accused. See the use of σωφρονεῖν (Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; 2 Corinthians 5:13, etc.), and of σωφρονίζειν σωφρωνισμός σώφρων, etc. So also in Plato, σωφρωσύνη is opposed to μανία.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

answered
φησίν (phēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

vvv,
Οὐ (Ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

“I am not insane,
μαίνομαι (mainomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3105: To be raving mad, speak as a madman. Middle voice from a primary mao; to rave as a 'maniac'.

most excellent
Κράτιστε (Kratiste)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular - Superlative
Strong's 2903: Superlative of a derivative of kratos; strongest, i.e. very honorable.

Festus;
Φῆστε (Phēste)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5347: Festus. Of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus, a Roman.

I am speaking
ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophthengomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 669: To speak out, declare. From apo and phtheggomai; to enunciate plainly, i.e. Declare.

words
ῥήματα (rhēmata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4487: From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.

of truth
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sobriety.
σωφροσύνης (sōphrosynēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4997: Soundness of mind, sanity; self-control, sobriety. From sophron; soundness of mind, i.e. sanity or self-control.


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Acts 26:24
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