Acts 26:25
Acts 26:25 in Multiple Translations
But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
Then Paul said, I am not off my head, most noble Festus, but my words are true and wise.
“I'm not mad, Festus your Excellency,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and makes sense.
But he said, I am not mad, O noble Festus, but I speake the wordes of trueth and sobernes.
and he saith, 'I am not mad, most noble Festus, but of truth and soberness the sayings I speak forth;
But he said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.
But he said, I am not insane, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
And Paul said: I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I speak words of truth and soberness.
But Paul answered, “Your Excellency, Festus, I am not raving insanely. On the contrary, what I am saying is true and sensible!
But Paul said, “No, Festus, sir, I’m not crazy. I’m talking in a true and sensible way.
Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 26:25
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Acts 26:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Acts 26:25
Study Notes — Acts 26:25
- Context
- Cross References
- Acts 26:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Acts 26:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 26:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 26:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Acts 26:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 26:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 26:25
- Cambridge Bible on Acts 26:25
- Barnes' Notes on Acts 26:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Acts 26:25
- Sermons on Acts 26:25
Context — Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense
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. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 23:26 | Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. |
| 2 | Titus 1:9 | He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it. |
| 3 | Titus 2:7–8 | In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us. |
| 4 | 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, |
| 5 | 1 Peter 2:21–23 | For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 6 | Acts 24:3 | In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 3:9 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 8 | John 8:49 | “I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. |
| 9 | Luke 1:3 | Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, |
Acts 26:25 Summary
In this verse, Paul is telling Festus that he is not crazy, but rather, he is speaking the truth about Jesus and the gospel. Paul is saying that his words are based on reality and are spoken in a clear and sober manner, similar to how Jesus spoke the truth in love as seen in John 1:14. This means that Paul is being honest and sincere in what he is saying, and he is not speaking out of madness or confusion, but rather out of a deep conviction and faith, as seen in Acts 4:20. We can learn from Paul's example by speaking the truth in love and standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition, and trusting in God's sovereignty as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Festus accusing Paul of in this context?
Festus was accusing Paul of being insane, implying that his great learning had driven him to madness, as seen in Acts 26:24. However, Paul responds by stating that he is speaking words of truth and sobriety, as seen in Acts 26:25.
What does Paul mean by 'words of truth and sobriety'?
Paul means that he is speaking words that are grounded in reality and are free from exaggeration or fanaticism, similar to the idea of speaking the truth in love as seen in Ephesians 4:15.
How does Paul's response reflect his character and faith?
Paul's response reflects his confidence in the truth of the gospel and his commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Acts 4:20 where Peter and John said 'we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard'.
What can we learn from Paul's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of standing firm in our faith and speaking the truth, even when faced with criticism or opposition, and trusting in God's sovereignty as seen in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when people accuse me of being 'crazy' for my faith, and what can I learn from Paul's example in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can speak 'words of truth and sobriety' in my own life, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships with others?
- How can I, like Paul, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with difficult circumstances, and what role does faith play in this?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a similar confidence and conviction in my own faith, and what steps can I take to grow in this area?
Gill's Exposition on Acts 26:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 26:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 26:25
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 26:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 26:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 26:25
Cambridge Bible on Acts 26:25
Barnes' Notes on Acts 26:25
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 26:25
Sermons on Acts 26:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Bridge That Was Too Short by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses two illustrations to convey a powerful message. The first illustration is about a man driving his family across a bridge that was not long enough, |
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Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif |
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(Titus - Part 9): Qualifications for Church Leadership Iii by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the absolute nature of the word of God. He describes it as a divine revelation that tells us what we need to know about God, although it doe |
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Titus, Philemon by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and his word rather than getting caught up in trivial arguments and controversies. He shares a personal e |
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Part 2, Wed (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1993) by Eric J. Alexander | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the proclamation of the gospel in evangelism. He refers to the example of Paul in Corinth, who faced difficulties but was e |
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The Call and Qualifications for the Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the importance of a divine call and necessary qualifications for the Gospel ministry. He emphasizes that a true call to the ministry involves a deep inward |
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Sermons for Saints' Days and Holidays. No. 2, the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of upholding the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the foundational belief in the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior as essential f |





