Acts 26:24-29 24And as he was defending himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Crazy man, Paul; your great learning has turned you crazy.” 25But Paul said, “I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27Do you believe, King Agrippa, in the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28But Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time you persuade me to be a Christian.” 29But Paul said, “I pray to God, whether short or long, that not only you but also all who hear me today might become such as I am, except for these chains.”
Festus, the new Roman governor, who seemed unaware of both Jewish Scripture and prophecy, as well as the growing Christian movement, interrupted Paul’s defense. In his rationalistic thinking, Festus could not fathom someone rising from the dead. He represents a modern agnostic who views the world through humanistic thinking. He repeated his lack of understanding and belief stated earlier to Agrippa in 25:19. Festus showed a hint of respect for Paul with his “great learning.” It was obvious Paul was highly knowledgeable and spoke well. His letters evidence his grasp of theology, argumentation, and use of rhetoric. Festus, however, could not come to the point of faith and believed Paul’s learning had made him go crazy.
Paul would not back down and apologize for what he said because it was the truth. His claim about Jesus was an objective truth that was verified by Paul’s own experience, and it could be corroborated by over five hundred eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Paul’s message was also rational and clear. The message of the gospel is logical and makes sense once the core premise of resurrection is accepted. The problem for Paul’s listeners, such as Festus, is that they could not accept this. Paul essentially told Festus that he was not crazy but clearly thinking and explaining a real-life encounter.
Paul turned his focus to Agrippa because, as a Jew, he had the foundation upon which faith in Jesus could be built. Paul slipped a praise in for Agrippa’s attention to detail, and that as king, he was aware of Christians and should have had at least some understanding of what Christians believed. Paul’s speech was highly Jewish and directed especially to Agrippa, but with the Gentiles also part of his audience and the goal of sharing the gospel. As a good evangelist, Paul asked the crucial question: Do you believe? It is one thing to explain the gospel, and it is another to ask if someone believes it. Paul gave Agrippa the opportunity to accept Jesus as his Savior. The phrase in a corner implies that the growing Christian movement was well enough known in the province of Judea. Paul built his invitation on knowledge that Agrippa already had, including knowledge of Scripture (the prophets) and of current affairs (Christians).
When Paul became bold and asked the king directly for a decision, Agrippa’s response indicates that he understood enough about what Paul said but would not believe it. He saw what Paul was doing but would not take the step of faith. If he believed the prophets, as any good Jew should and would, then why did he not accept Jesus as the fulfillment of it? Paul’s response shows that his goal for everyone to come to repentance and faith, even the highest leaders. Verse 29 is a powerful testimony and bold statement. Paul had planted the seed of the gospel. He did not care whether Agrippa made a decision at that moment or much later, as long as he made the right decision at some point. His hope was for all people to have the life-transforming relationship with Jesus that he had. He wanted all his listeners to receive the gospel. This verse also hints at Paul’s present situation of being in chains. Whether or not he was literally in chains during his speech is not clear or if he was speaking idiomatically for his imprisonment. It is highly unlikely that he wore chains 24 hours a day for two years, but the Romans may have put chains on him as a security measure when he came before the king. He was still a prisoner, but he was spiritually free because of his faith in Jesus. Agrippa would soon bring the discussion to a close, as many people do when a decision about Jesus is invited.