Acts 26:25

Acts 26:25-29 . But he said — Calmly, and with a perfect command of himself, not in the least provoked by such an invidious imputation; I am not mad, most noble Festus — A title properly belonging to a Roman propretor. How inexpressibly beautiful is this reply! How strong! yet, how decent and respectful! Madmen seldom call men by their names and titles of honour. Thus, also, Paul refutes the charge. But utter the words of truth — Confirmed in the next verse; and soberness — The very reverse of madness. And both these remain, even when the men of God act with the utmost vehemence. For the king knoweth of these things — Is not an entire stranger to them. Paul, having refuted Festus, pursues his purpose, returning naturally, and as it were step by step, from him to Agrippa. Before whom also I speak freely — Imboldened by his permission, and assured of his candour. For I am persuaded that none of these things — Of which I have been speaking; are entirely hidden from him — No, not what I have related concerning my conversion to Christianity. Agrippa could not but have heard of it, having been so long conversant among the Jews.

For this thing was not done in a corner — He seems to refer not merely to one particular fact, such as his conversion and commission to preach the gospel, but to include the other great facts of Christianity; and particularly the death and resurrection of Christ, and the miraculous powers conferred on his disciples, which were all matters open and notorious, of the truth of which thousands had opportunity of being certainly and thoroughly informed. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? — He that believes these, believes Paul, yea, and Christ. The apostle now comes close to his heart. What did Agrippa feel when he heard this? I know that thou believest — Them to be written by divine inspiration, and art aware of the weight of those arguments which are derived from the authority of their testimony. Paul, it seems, knew Agrippa to be of the sect of the Pharisees: for his father, being a zealous Jew, had educated him in the Jewish religion, according to the strictest form. Here Paul lays so fast hold on the king, that he can scarcely make any resistance.

St. Paul with all meekness makes his reply to the governer, and not taking notice of his sharp censuring of him, returns an answer in most respectful terms unto him; as his blessed Master, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, 1 Peter 2:23 . Soberness, in contradiction to madness; modestly waiving the reflection, and denying the charge Festus had laid upon him.

Acts 26:25 . Κράτιστε φῆστε , most noble Festus ) Madmen do not use names and terms of respect. Thus also Paul refutes Festus.— ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσὐνης , of truth and soberness ) “Soberness” is opposed to madness: “truth” is confirmed in the following verse. Both remain still, even when men of GOD act with the greatest vehemence.— ἀποφθέγγομαι , I speak forth ) A suitable word.

Verse 25. - Paul saith for he said , A.V. and T.R.; excellent for noble , A.V.; words for the words , A.V. Most excellent ( κράτιστε ). It appears to be the proper title to give the procurator (see Acts 23:26 ; Acts 24:3 ). St. Luke also applies it to Theophilus ( Luke 1:3 ). In classical Greek οἱ κράτιστοι are the aristocracy. Soberness ( σωφροσύνη ); sound or sober mindedness ; just the opposite of the μανία of which he was accused. See the use of σωφρονεῖν ( Mark 5:15 ; Luke 8:35 ; 2 Corinthians 5:13 , etc.), and of σωφρονίζειν σωφρωνισμός σώφρων , etc. So also in Plato, σωφρωσύνη is opposed to μανία . Acts 26:25

Acts 26:25 . Ὁ δέ ] μετὰ ἐπιεικείας ἀποκρινόμενος , Chrysostom. ἀληθείας κ . σωφροσ . ῥήματα ] words, to which truth and intelligence (sound discretion) belong . ἀλήθεια may doubtless accompany enthusiastic utterance, but it is a characteristic opposed to madness . For passages in the classics where σωφροσύνη is opposed to μανία , see Elsner and Raphel. Plat. Prot . p. 323 B: ὃ ἐκεῖ σωφροσύνην ἡγοῦντο εἶναι τἀληθῆ λέγειν , ἐνταῦθα μανίαν . Comp. also Luke 8:35 ; 2 Corinthians 5:13 . ἀποφθέγγομαι ] “aptum verbum,” Bengel. See on Acts 2:4 .

25 . most noble [ R. V. excellent] Festus ] The same title of respect which is given to Felix ( Acts 23:26 , Acts 24:3 ). As St Chrysostom remarks the Apostle now answers with gentleness, not as to the high priest ( Acts 23:3 ). soberness ] The word, in classical Greek, is the opposite to that “madness” unto which Festus had said Paul was turned.