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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 26:24 At this stage of Paul's defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/26-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/44_Act_26_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 26:24 - Festus Interrupts Paul's Defense" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="At this stage of Paul's defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, You are insane, Paul! 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Too much study has made you crazy!” <a href="/esv/acts/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” <a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now of him saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "You are insane, Paul! The great learning turns you to insanity!" <a href="/kjv/acts/26.htm">King James Bible</a> And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. <a href="/nkjv/acts/26.htm">New King James Version</a> Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” <a href="/nasb_/acts/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> While Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane.” <a href="/nasb/acts/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, &#8220Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And while Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” <a href="/lsb/acts/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now while Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Great learning is driving you out of your mind.” <a href="/amp/acts/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> While Paul was making this defense, Festus said loudly, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great education is turning you toward madness.” <a href="/csb/acts/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As he was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> As he was making his defense this way, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, &#8220You&#8217re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad!&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad. <a href="/cev/acts/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Before Paul finished defending himself, Festus shouted, "Paul, you're crazy! Too much learning has driven you out of your mind." <a href="/erv/acts/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning doth turn thee to madness. <a href="/gwt/acts/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As Paul was defending himself in this way, Festus shouted, "Paul, you're crazy! Too much education is driving you crazy!" <a href="/gnt/acts/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> As Paul defended himself in this way, Festus shouted at him, "You are mad, Paul! Your great learning is driving you mad!" <a href="/isv/acts/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> As he continued his defense, Festus shouted, "You're out of your mind, Paul! Too much education is driving you crazy!" <a href="/msb/acts/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> At this stage of Paul?s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, ?You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!? <a href="/net/acts/26.htm">NET Bible</a> As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, "You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!" <a href="/nheb/acts/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are crazy. Your great learning is driving you insane." <a href="/wbt/acts/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And as he was thus speaking for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee insane. <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You are raving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad." <a href="/web/acts/26.htm">World English Bible</a> As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he thus making a defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul; much learning turns you mad!” <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now of him saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "You are insane, Paul! The great learning turns you to insanity!" <a href="/ylt/acts/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And, he thus making a defence, Festus with a loud voice said, 'Thou art mad, Paul; much learning doth turn thee mad;' <a href="/slt/acts/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he defending himself by these, Festus said with a great voice, Thou art frenzied, Paul; many letters turn thee to madness.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> As he spoke these things, and made his answer, Festus said with a loud voice: Paul, thou art beside thyself: much learning doth make thee mad. <a href="/cpdv/acts/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> While he was speaking these things and presenting his defense, Festus said with a loud voice: “Paul, you are insane! Too much studying has turned you to insanity.” <a href="/nabre/acts/26.htm">New American Bible</a> While Paul was so speaking in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul; much learning is driving you mad.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While he was making this defense, Festus exclaimed, “You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And while Paul was pleading in this manner, Festus cried with a loud voice: Paul, you are overwrought. Much study has made you mad. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “When Paulus had thus rendered a defense, Festus cried out with a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Much study has made you insane!”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And as he spoke these things in his defense, Festus said, with a loud voice; Paul, you are mad; much learning drives you to madness. <a href="/godbey/acts/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And he making his defence to these things, Festus says with a loud voice, O Paul, thou art beside thyself; many writings turned thee into insanity. <a href="/haweis/acts/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> As thus he was proceeding in his defence, Festus with a loud voice said, Paul, thou art raving; much reading hath driven thee to madness.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As he was thus making his defence, Festus broke out into this exclamation, "Paul, you are mad: much study has turn'd your brain." <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You are raving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad." <a href="/worrell/acts/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, as he was saying these things in defense, Festus says with a loud voice, "Paul, you are mad! your much learning is turning you mad!" <a href="/worsley/acts/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And as he was saying these things in his defence, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself: much learning turns thy brain. <a href="/parallel/acts/26-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=8777" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Festus Interrupts Paul's Defense</a> 23that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24<a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">At this stage</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">of Paul’s</a> <a href="/greek/626.htm" title="626: apologoumenou (V-PPM/P-GMS) -- To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense. ">defense,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5347.htm" title="5347: Phēstos (N-NMS) -- Festus. Of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus, a Roman.">Festus</a> <a href="/greek/5346.htm" title="5346: phēsin (V-PIA-3S) -- 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.">exclaimed</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megalē (Adj-DFS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">in a loud</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnē (N-DFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">voice,</a> <a href="/greek/3105.htm" title="3105: Mainē (V-PIM/P-2S) -- To be raving mad, speak as a madman. Middle voice from a primary mao; to rave as a maniac.">“You are insane,</a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paule (N-VMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul!</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Your</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polla (Adj-NNP) -- Much, many; often. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/1121.htm" title="1121: grammata (N-NNP) -- From grapho; a writing, i.e. A letter, note, epistle, book, etc. plural learning.">learning</a> <a href="/greek/4062.htm" title="4062: peritrepei (V-PIA-3S) -- To turn round, turn, change. From peri and the base of trope; to turn around, i.e. to craze.">is driving</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3130.htm" title="3130: manian (N-AFS) -- Raving madness, frenzy, insanity. From mainomai; craziness.">madness!”</a> 25But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1-3</a> “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” / When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared, / “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1-6</a> Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. / As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ... <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Acts 22:6-10</a> About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. / I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. ... <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Acts 9:19-22</a> and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. / Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.” / All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ... <a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17-21</a> Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. ... <a href="/acts/9-26.htm">Acts 9:26-30</a> When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. / Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. / So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ... <a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6-12</a> They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, / an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. / But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. ... <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Acts 17:16-18</a> While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols. / So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day. / Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. <a href="/acts/18-4.htm">Acts 18:4-6</a> Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. / And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. / But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” <a href="/acts/21-27.htm">Acts 21:27-31</a> When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, / crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. ... <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6-10</a> Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” / As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. / For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ... <a href="/acts/24-24.htm">Acts 24:24-27</a> After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. / As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” / At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. ... <a href="/acts/25-7.htm">Acts 25:7-12</a> When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove. / Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” / But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?” ... <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Acts 26:1-3</a> Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, / especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. <a href="/acts/26-19.htm">Acts 26:19-23</a> So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. / First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. / For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad.spake.<a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1</a> Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.Festus.<a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Acts 17:32</a> And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.<a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Acts 24:25</a> And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.<a href="/acts/25-19.htm">Acts 25:19,20</a> But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive… Paul.<a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Acts 26:11</a> And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.<a href="/2_kings/9-11.htm">2 Kings 9:11</a> Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and one said unto him, Is all well? wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication.<a href="/jeremiah/29-26.htm">Jeremiah 29:26</a> The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Crazy</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Defence</a> <a href="/acts/26-2.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/acts/23-3.htm">Exclaimed</a> <a href="/acts/25-24.htm">Festus</a> <a href="/acts/26-22.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Head</a> <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Insane</a> <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/acts/16-28.htm">Loud</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Mad</a> <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Mad</a> <a href="/luke/6-12.htm">Madness</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Making</a> <a href="/acts/25-18.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/25-14.htm">Paul's</a> <a href="/acts/24-22.htm">Point</a> <a href="/john/10-20.htm">Raving</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/luke/17-4.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-15.htm">Unbalanced</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/acts/24-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Crazy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm">Defence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/revelation/19-10.htm">Exclaimed</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Festus</a> <a href="/acts/26-29.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/27-15.htm">Head</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Insane</a> <a href="/romans/1-14.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Loud</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Mad</a> <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Mad</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Madness</a> <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Making</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/27-11.htm">Paul's</a> <a href="/acts/27-7.htm">Point</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-29.htm">Raving</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/acts/27-38.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-16.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-15.htm">Unbalanced</a> <a href="/romans/10-14.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 26</div>1. <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;</a> 12. <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.</a> 28. <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/26-31.htm">The whole company pronounces him innocent.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>At this stage of Paul’s defense Paul is presenting his defense before King Agrippa, Bernice, and the Roman governor Festus. This is part of a series of trials Paul faces after being arrested in Jerusalem. The setting is significant as it highlights the tension between Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities. Paul’s defense is not just legal but also a testimony of his faith and mission.Festus exclaimed in a loud voice Festus, the Roman governor, interrupts Paul, indicating his disbelief and frustration. His loud exclamation suggests a mix of confusion and authority. This reflects the Roman perspective on the new Christian movement, often seen as irrational or subversive. Festus represents the secular power that struggles to understand spiritual truths.“You are insane, Paul! Festus accuses Paul of madness, a common reaction to the radical claims of the Gospel. This echoes the broader cultural view of Christianity as foolishness, as noted in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18</a>. The accusation of insanity underscores the clash between worldly wisdom and divine revelation.Your great learning is driving you to madness!” Festus attributes Paul’s perceived madness to his extensive education. Paul was well-versed in Jewish law and Greek philosophy, having studied under Gamaliel. This comment reflects a misunderstanding of the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends human wisdom. It also highlights the tension between intellectual knowledge and spiritual enlightenment, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is giving his defense before King Agrippa and Festus. Paul is known for his extensive missionary journeys and his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2. <a href="/topical/f/festus.htm">Festus</a> The Roman governor who succeeded Felix. He is presiding over Paul's trial and is perplexed by Paul's testimony and defense. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_agrippa.htm">King Agrippa</a> Herod Agrippa II, the Jewish king who is present at Paul's defense. He is familiar with Jewish customs and the prophets. 4. <a href="/topical/c/caesarea.htm">Caesarea</a> The location where Paul is being held and where this trial is taking place. It was an important city in Roman Judea. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_defense.htm">Paul’s Defense</a> The event where Paul is defending himself against accusations and sharing his testimony of conversion and mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_perception_of_the_gospel.htm">The Perception of the Gospel</a> The Gospel message can appear as foolishness or madness to those who do not believe. This should not deter believers from sharing their faith boldly. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following Christ may lead to misunderstandings and accusations from the world. Believers should be prepared to face such challenges with grace and truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a> Personal testimonies, like Paul's, are powerful tools in witnessing. Sharing how Christ has transformed our lives can impact others, even if they initially react with skepticism. <a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_witnessing.htm">Boldness in Witnessing</a> Paul’s courage in speaking the truth, even when accused of madness, is an example for believers to stand firm in their faith regardless of opposition. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_and_wisdom.htm">Understanding and Wisdom</a> True wisdom and understanding come from God. Believers should seek to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, even if the world does not understand.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 26</a> <a href="/q/is_festus_dismissing_paul's_claims.htm">Does Festus’s accusation in Acts 26:24 suggest that Paul’s claims are too extraordinary to be taken seriously? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_porcius_festus_biblically.htm">Who was Porcius Festus in biblical history?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_charges_against_paul_in_acts_25_7_vague.htm">Why do the charges against Paul in Acts 25:7 remain vague, and how does this ambiguity align or conflict with other New Testament accounts of similar trials?</a> <a href="/q/does_evidence_confirm_felix's_act.htm">Acts 24:27 notes Felix left Paul imprisoned to appease the Jews; does archeological or historical data confirm this reported political concession?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) Festus said with a loud voice.--The description may be noted as one of the touches of vividness indicating that the writer relates what he had actually heard. The Roman governor forgot the usual dignity of his office, and burst, apparently, into a loud laugh of scorn.Much learning doth make thee mad.--The Greek gives a neuter plural: Thy many writings are turning thee to madness. The word was one which was used by the Jews for the collected body of their sacred writings and traditions, as in the "letters" of <a href="/john/7-15.htm" title="And the Jews marveled, saying, How knows this man letters, having never learned?">John 7:15</a> and the "holy Scriptures" of <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm" title="And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.">2Timothy 3:15</a>. Festus had probably heard the Law and the Prophets of Israel so described, and knew that St. Paul had with him "books and parchments" (<a href="/2_timothy/4-13.htm" title="The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments.">2Timothy 4:13</a>), which he was continually studying. That one who had been crucified should rise from the dead and give light to the Gentiles seemed to him the very hallucination of insanity. So have men at all times thought of those who lived after a higher law than their own, whether their faith rested, as in St. Paul's case, on an outward objective fact, or, as in <a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/5-4.htm" title="We fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour:">Wisdom Of Solomon 5:4</a>, on a true faith in the Unseen.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 24. - Made his defense for spake for himself, A.V. (ἀπολογουμένου, as ver. 2); saith for said, A.V.; mad for beside thyself, A.V.; thy much for much, A.V.; turn thee to madness for make thee mad, A.V. With a loud voice. Another detail, betraying the eyewitness of the scene described. Thou art mad (μαίνῃ); <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Acts 12:15</a>; <a href="/john/10-20.htm">John 10:20</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">1 Corinthians 14:23</a>. Much learning (τὰ πολλά γράμματα). So <a href="/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15</a>, "How knoweth this man letters (γράμματα)?" is equivalent to Whence hath this man this wisdom? (<a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Matthew 13:54</a>). And ἀγράμματος ιν <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a> is "unlearned." The excited interruption by Festus shows that he was unable to accept the truths enunciated by the apostle. The ideas of fulfilled prophecy, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of a crucified Jew giving light to the great Roman world, were" foolishness unto him," because he lacked spiritual discernment. He thought the apostle's glowing words must be the outcome of a disordered mind. Turn thee to madness (εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει). The word μανία (mania) occurs only here in the New Testament. But it is the technical name in medical writers for the disease of μανία, mania, and is also common in classical writers. The verb for "doth turn" (περιτρέπει) is also peculiar to St. Luke, being found only in this place. It is used by Plato, but specially by medical writers, as is also the substantive formed from it, περιτροπή, spoken of the "turn" taken by a disease, and the simple verb τρέπει and τρέπεται: e.g. ἔτρεψε γνώμην ἐς μανίην: ἐς σκυθρωππὸν ἡ μανίη τρέπεται: τοῖς μαινομένοισι ἄλλοτε μὲν ἐς ὀῤγὴν ἄλλοτε δὲ ἐς θυμηδίαν (mirth) ἡγνώμη τρέπεται, etc. (Hobart, p. 468). <a href="/commentaries/acts/26-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>At this stage Ταῦτα (Tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. of [Paul’s] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. defense, ἀπολογουμένου (apologoumenou) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_626.htm">Strong's 626: </a> To give a defense, defend myself (especially in a law court): it can take an object of what is said in defense. Festus Φῆστος (Phēstos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5347.htm">Strong's 5347: </a> Festus. Of Latin derivation; festal; Phestus, a Roman. exclaimed φησιν (phēsin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5346.htm">Strong's 5346: </a> 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. in a loud μεγάλῃ (megalē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. voice, φωνῇ (phōnē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. “You are insane, Μαίνῃ (Mainē) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3105.htm">Strong's 3105: </a> To be raving mad, speak as a madman. Middle voice from a primary mao; to rave as a 'maniac'. Paul! Παῦλε (Paule) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. [Your] τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. great πολλά (polla) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. learning γράμματα (grammata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> From grapho; a writing, i.e. A letter, note, epistle, book, etc. plural learning. is driving περιτρέπει (peritrepei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4062.htm">Strong's 4062: </a> To turn round, turn, change. From peri and the base of trope; to turn around, i.e. to craze. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. madness!” μανίαν (manian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Raving madness, frenzy, insanity. From mainomai; craziness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/26-24.htm">Acts 26:24 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 26:24 As he thus made his defense Festus (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/26-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 26:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 26:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/26-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 26:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 26:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>