What can we learn from Paul's response to Festus in Acts 26:24? Setting the Scene Acts 26 records Paul’s formal defense before King Agrippa, Bernice, and the Roman governor Festus. After Paul recounts his conversion and proclaims Christ’s resurrection, Festus bursts out: “Suddenly Festus shouted, ‘You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane.’ ” (Acts 26:24) Paul’s response follows immediately (v. 25), but the confrontation itself—Festus’ accusation and Paul’s reply—teaches rich lessons. What Festus’ Accusation Reveals • Personal dismissal rather than engagement with truth • A loud, public attempt to discredit Paul’s testimony • The common charge that serious faith equals irrationality (cf. Acts 17:32) Paul’s Measured Reply (v. 25) “ ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus,’ Paul replied. ‘I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.’ ” Notice Paul’s approach: 1. Respectful address—“most excellent Festus” (compare Acts 24:3) 2. Calm denial—“I am not insane” 3. Assertion of reality—“words of truth” 4. Appeal to reason—“and sobriety” (sound judgment) Lessons for Us • Stay respectful under fire – Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” – 1 Peter 2:17 “Honor the emperor.” • Stand on objective truth – John 17:17 “Your word is truth.” – 2 Corinthians 4:2 “By the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves.” • Keep composure through the Spirit – 2 Timothy 1:7 “God gave us … power, love, and self-control.” • Appeal to the hearer’s reason – Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together.” – Acts 17:17 Paul “reasoned … in the marketplace.” • Expect misunderstanding – 1 Corinthians 1:18 “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” • Use every platform to witness – Acts 26:26 Paul points to evidence: “These things were not done in a corner.” – Philippians 1:12 “What has happened to me has served to advance the gospel.” Supporting Examples • Jesus before Pilate—John 18:36-37: calm, truthful, respectful. • Stephen before the Sanhedrin—Acts 7: bold proclamation coupled with respect until martyrdom. • Peter and John before the council—Acts 4:19-20: unwavering commitment to speak what they “have seen and heard.” Key Takeaways • Respect does not equal compromise; it decorates truth. • Sound doctrine is reasonable; accusations of madness often signal conviction in the hearer. • Spirit-filled composure under attack validates the gospel’s power. • Every challenge can become a pulpit when we answer with “truth and sobriety.” |
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