In the middle of Paul’s defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” (Acts 26:24). He thought Paul had studied so much that he had lost his mind.
A calm answer. Paul did not shout back. He said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason” (26:25). Reason means clear, careful thinking.
Why Festus said it. Paul had just said that Jesus rose from the dead (26:23). To Festus that sounded crazy. Most likely he had never heard anything like it.
Paul knew this would happen. In another letter Paul wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Beside ourselves? Paul once wrote, “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you” (2 Corinthians 5:13). Most likely some people thought Paul was too excited about God. Paul answered that his zeal was for God, and his clear thinking was for them.
Sound mind. A sound mind is a clear, healthy mind that thinks straight. Paul’s faith was full of joy, and it also made good sense.
Not about himself. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). A bondservant is a servant who belongs to his master.
Why that matters. Paul’s message was not about Paul. He talked about Jesus, and his words were true.
Polite and true. Paul called Festus “most noble Festus” even after Festus said he was mad. You can answer an unkind word with kindness.
When people laugh. Some people may think it is silly to believe in Jesus. Do not be surprised. Stay kind, and keep telling the truth.
Truth you can trust. The good news about Jesus is not a fairy tale. It is true, and it makes sense of the world and of your heart.
Joy and good sense. Following Jesus is not turning off your brain. God gave you a mind, and the more you learn about Jesus, the more His truth makes sense.
The gospel. We have all sinned. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and “rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:4). Everyone who trusts Him is forgiven.
What to do. If someone laughs at your faith, answer calmly and kindly, and point them to Jesus.
Paul said the king knew about these things, “since this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). A corner is a hidden place where no one can see.
Out in the open. Jesus taught in public and died on a cross outside Jerusalem at a feast. Then His resurrection was told openly in that same city. It was not a secret.
Jesus said so too. When the high priest questioned Him, Jesus answered, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing” (John 18:20).
No tricks. Paul wrote, “But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully” (2 Corinthians 4:2). Craftiness means sneaky tricks.
Plain truth. Instead, Paul told the truth plainly, “by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (4:2). Manifestation means showing something clearly.
Nothing shameful to hide. Paul turned away from “the hidden things of shame” (4:2). God’s people do not need to hide what is wrong. If anyone ever asks you to keep a secret that feels wrong, tell a parent or a trusted grown-up. Telling is the right thing to do.
We believe, so we speak. “We also believe and therefore speak” (4:13). Paul was taking these words from a psalm (Psalm 116:10). When you truly believe something wonderful, you want to tell it.
Raised with Jesus. Paul knew “that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus” (4:14). Even prison could not take that hope away.
Speaking freely. Paul said, “before whom I also speak freely” (Acts 26:26). He spoke to a king without hiding anything.
For you. You do not need to hide that you love Jesus. You can tell your friends about Him kindly and honestly.
No pressure. Paul did not use tricks or pressure to make people believe. He told the truth and trusted God to work in their hearts. You can do the same.
The gospel. Everyone has sinned. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, in a public place, and God raised Him from the dead. Everyone who trusts Him is forgiven.
What to do. This week, tell one person something true about Jesus.
Complete all sections to finish!
Read each section and answer the questions correctly.