But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
Paul does not grow angry at Festus' blasphemy, but addresses him with honor and submission; he might have defended his own wit, yet he rests his case on this alone: that he teaches nothing but truth and sobriety. Truth opposes all fraud and fallacy; sobriety cuts off vain speculation, frivolous subtlety, and intemperate curiosity, the seeds of contention.
AI summary
Paul had scarcely touched the power of Christ's death and resurrection, the very heartbeat of his cause, when Festus cuts him off, calling him mad. But this is the expedient of a coward: by declaring Paul insane, Festus avoids both condemning him as a criminal and believing him as a preacher. A convenient escape, but a contemptible one.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 26:24-32
This thing was not done in a corner: the ministry of Jesus, His miracles, His death under Pontius Pilate, His resurrection, all were public and notorious. Agrippa had heard the full account by one means or another, which is why Paul speaks freely before him.
AI summary