Acts 26:24-25 And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad.… I. THE CHARGE. "Thou art beside thyself." 1. It is urged by the avowed infidel against the professor of Christianity. The idea of regenerating society by means of the gospel is looked upon as being an insane dream. 2. It is urged by the nominal Christian against the earnest practiser and propagator of Christianity. Religion is quite right in its place, but let it keep there, else it will become a bore. Do not bring it into social life. Be religious quietly and respectably. II. THE VINDICATION. "I am not mad, most noble Festus." The vindication is polite. 1. The earnest Christian proves his superior wisdom by the end at which he aims — the regeneration of the heart, and the perfect development of the whole man. 2. The earnest Christian proves his superior wisdom by the means which he employs. These means are two fold. (1) Faith in Christianity as a system. (2) Devotion to Christ as a person. (a) Personal surrender. "Ye are Christ's." (b) Enthusiastic service - advocacy, giving, and working.Admitting, then, the aim to be flight and wise, art not the means exclusively suitable? What but Christianity can regenerate and perfect man? Cold consent to a creed cannot do it. Enthusiasm has done every good thing that has been done in this world. Formalism hinders. 3. The earnest Christian proves his superior wisdom by the success which he achieves.Conclusion: Who is the madman, the accused or the accuser? The accuser assuredly. 1. The avowed infidel is a fool. He is not sure that Christianity is a delusion or an imposition. He is resting upon a most improbable supposition. 2. The nominal Christian is a greater fool. He says he believes in the existence of God, in the Divinity of the Bible, in the claims of Christ, in the realities of eternity; yet he lives as though he believed them not. His practice belies his profession. (Thomas Baron.) Parallel Verses KJV: And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. |
    |