But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul isn't just defending himself against an insult; he's reframing the accusation by calling his message "words of truth and soberness." This highlights that his deep conviction isn't madness, but rather a rational, well-founded understanding of reality that contrasts sharply with the world's view.
But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Festus, the Roman governor, has just interrupted Paul's defense by loudly accusing him of being driven mad by his extensive learning. Paul, remarkably calm and respectful despite the insult, directly refutes this charge to Festus while subtly including King Agrippa as a witness to his rational speech. He asserts that he is speaking words of truth and sound judgment, not the ravings of a madman.
Festus shouted, 'Paul, you're crazy!' How does Paul respond, and what does his reply tell us about the nature of faith?
When Festus, overwhelmed by Paul's testimony, declared him mad, Paul didn't lash out. Instead, he calmly stated, 'I am not out of my mind... but I am speaking true and rational words.'
Sanity vs. Worldly Views
The world often labels faith as irrational or delusional. Paul's response highlights that true faith isn't a flight from reality but a clear-eyed engagement with it. The 'madness' Festus perceived was simply the radical difference between Paul's worldview, centered on the resurrection of Jesus, and Festus's Roman pragmatism.
The Power of Appeal
Paul’s defense is remarkably strategic. He appeals to Agrippa, a king familiar with Jewish Scriptures, suggesting that the narrative Paul shares has a rational basis rooted in prophecy. This shows that believers can, and should, offer sensible explanations for their faith, even when accused of irrationality.
Paul claims his message is not 'madness' but 'words of truth and soberness.' What makes his message so distinctive?
Paul uses two powerful words to describe his message: 'truth' and 'soberness.' These aren't just random adjectives; they point to the core of the Gospel itself.
Grounded in Truth
'Truth' here signifies words that are factual, accurate, and aligned with God's reality. Paul's message about Jesus's life, death, and resurrection is presented as objective historical fact, rooted in the Old Testament prophecies. It stands in direct contrast to the 'fables' and 'deceptions' of the world.
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Characterized by Soberness
'Soberness' (or soundness of mind) is the opposite of delusion or emotional frenzy. It implies clear thinking, self-control, and a steady grip on reality. The Gospel, far from being a wild, emotional outburst, is presented as the most rational and sensible framework for understanding life, death, and eternity. It calls people to their 'right mind,' away from the chaos of sin.
Understand the original words
alētheia · Greek Adjective/Noun
The quality of being in accordance with objective reality, divine revelation, and the nature of God. It is the core content of the gospel and the standard by which all spiritual claims are measured.
sōphrōn · Greek Adjective
Relating to logic, reason, or sound judgment. In a theological context, it refers to messages that are intellectually coherent, truthful, and consistent with the nature of God's revelation.
Festus, the Roman governor, interrupts Paul's defense, accusing him of being mad due to his intense focus on the resurrection. Paul's calm, rational response, appealing to King Agrippa's knowledge of the events and Jewish scriptures, highlights the stark contrast between worldly perception and the profound, transformative truth of the Gospel.
c. AD 58
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
The Apostle Paul is arrested in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers after a riot stirred up by his preaching. He is imprisoned and later transferred to Caesarea.
c. AD 58 - 60
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul remains imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima for about two years, facing various hearings and appeals before governors Felix and Festus.
c. AD 60— this verse
Paul's Defense Before Festus and Agrippa
Paul stands trial before the Roman governor Festus in Caesarea. King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice are present, and Paul delivers his famous defense speech.
c. AD 60
Appeal to Caesar
After Festus suggests transferring Paul to Jerusalem for further trial, Paul invokes his right as a Roman citizen and appeals to Caesar, leading to his voyage to Rome.
This passage speaks about the inability of the 'natural person' to understand spiritual truths, contrasting it with the 'spiritual person' who discerns all things. It parallels Paul's situation where his 'rational words' are perceived as madness by those without spiritual understanding.
2 Corinthians 5:13Paul directly addresses the perception of him being 'out of his mind.' This verse shows him stating that if he acted with 'self-control' (a concept related to soberness) it was for God, and if he seemed beside himself, it was for the listeners' benefit.
Proverbs 12:18This verse contrasts reckless words that wound with wise words that heal. It highlights the 'truth and soberness' Paul claims to speak, which are the opposite of the impulsive or irrational speech Festus seemed to attribute to him.
John 18:36-37Jesus tells Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world and that He came to testify to the truth. Paul, echoing Jesus, insists that his words are of truth and are rational, not a product of earthly madness, aligning with Jesus' own claims about His mission and message.
ellicottActs 26:25: "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness."
(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…
barnesActs 26:25: "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness."
I am not mad - I am not deranged. There are few more happy turns than what Paul gives to this accusation of Festus. He might have appealed to the course of his argument; he might have dwelt on the importance of the subject, and continued to reason; but he makes an appeal at once to Agrippa, and brings him in for a witness that he was not deranged. This would be far more likely to make a…
Paul isn't just defending himself against an insult; he's reframing the accusation by calling his message "words of truth and soberness." This highlights that his deep conviction isn't madness, but rather a rational, well-founded understanding of reality that contrasts sharply with the world's view.
Festus, the Roman governor, has just interrupted Paul's defense by loudly accusing him of being driven mad by his extensive learning. Paul, remarkably calm and respectful despite the insult, directly refutes this charge to Festus while subtly including King Agrippa as a witness to his rational speech. He asserts that he is speaking words of truth and sound judgment, not the ravings of a madman.
Festus, the Roman governor, has just interrupted Paul's defense by loudly accusing him of being driven mad by his extensive learning. Paul, remarkably calm and respectful despite the insult, directly refutes this charge to Festus while subtly including King Agrippa as a witness to his rational speech. He asserts that he is speaking words of truth and sound judgment, not the ravings of a madman.
"But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words." — Paul isn't just defending himself against an insult; he's reframing the accusation by calling his message "words of truth and soberness." This highlights that his deep conviction isn't madness, but r…
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Last reviewed October 2026