Crazy?
I find Festus’ outburst to be quite interesting, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind!” My first thought is that Paul had just simply detailed not what he had studied, but what he had personally experienced. He did not discuss deep philosophy but rather firsthand accounts. Paul respectfully responded to Festus, and then redirected his comments to King Agrippa. He noted that surely King Agrippa should be aware of these things that had “not been done in a corner.”
Secondly, Paul not only considers himself sane, but in a far better position than even the king, “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am…”
Agrippa may not have been persuaded to be a Christian. Festus may have still thought Paul to be a bit crazy. But they both agreed that he was not guilty and that he was a man of truth.
Shouldn’t our experience with Christ sound a little radical? Do we really expect unbelievers to understand our love and devotion as children of God? When one operates with the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), how much out of his own mind will he be?
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