Acts 26:24
What does Acts 26:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:24 means
Festus bursts out, accusing Paul of madness and blaming excessive learning. From a Roman viewpoint, claims about resurrection and prophetic fulfillment can seem irrational. The interruption highlights the clash between worldly skepticism and apostolic testimony. Festus recognizes Paul’s intellect but misreads his conviction as delusion. This moment serves the narrative by drawing out Paul’s insistence that the gospel is both true and reasonable. The cross and resurrection offend natural assumptions, yet they are grounded in history and promise. Festus gives voice to many who recoil at supernatural claims; Paul will answer calmly, appealing to truth, sobriety, and public facts.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when he made his answer in these words, Festus said in a loud voice, Paul, you are off your head; your great learning has made you unbalanced.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And, he thus making a defence, Festus with a loud voice said, `Thou art mad, Paul; much learning doth turn thee mad;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as he answered for his defence with these things, Festus says with a loud voice, Thou art mad, Paul; much learning turns thee to madness.
Context
This interjection follows Paul’s proclamation of Christ’s suffering and resurrection (v.23). Festus’s outburst provides contrast and tension. In the verses that follow, Paul addresses Festus with respect (v.25), then turns to Agrippa’s awareness of these events (v.26) and challenges him regarding the prophets (v.27). The shift from proclamation to confrontation presses for a verdict from the hearers, especially Agrippa, who is versed in Jewish matters.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 8:48
The Jews answered and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?
- Acts 26:11
And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
- Acts 25:19
but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
- John 10:20
And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?
- Hosea 9:7
The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the man that hath the spirit is mad, for the abundance of thine iniquity, and because the enmity is great.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.
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