What do you think of these comments about the Roman Festus calling the Apostle Paul "mad" for...?

Question

What do you think of these comments about the Roman Festus calling the Apostle Paul "mad" for believing the gospel that he preached to Festus and King Agrippa at his trial?

Acts 26:24  Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!"  25  But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.

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Here's what Albert Barnes wrote about the above, Do you think that Barnes has hit on some unchanging truths or not?

Barnes: "Festus regarded, probably, the whole story of the vision that Paul said had appeared to him as the effect of an inflamed and excited imagination, and as a proof of delirium.

 This is not an uncommon charge against those who are Christians, and especially when they evince unusual zeal. Sinners regard them as under the influence of delirium and fanaticism; as terrified by imaginary and superstitious fears; or as misguided by fanatical leaders.

 Husbands often thus think their wives to be deranged, and parents perceive their children that, and wicked people assume the ministers of the gospel to be crazy.

 The frivolous think it proof of derangement that others are serious, anxious, and prayerful; the rich, that others are willing to part with their property to do good; the ambitious and worldly, that others are willing to leave their country and home to go among the Gentiles to spend their lives in making known the unsearchable riches of Christ.

 The really sober and rational part of the world they who fear God and keep his commandments; they who believe that eternity is before them, and who strive to live for it - are thus charged with insanity by those who are really deluded, and who are thus living lives of madness and folly.

 The tenants of a madhouse often think all others deranged but themselves; but there is no madness so great, no delirium so awful, as to neglect the eternal interest of the soul for the sake of the pleasures and honors which this life can give.

wyliesmom · Accepted Answer

Some things never seem to change, and today some things appear even worse.  Years ago, we would consider the Bible-thumping , red faced, shouting judgmental preacher as some kind of fanatic.  Now if one even so much as mentions Jesus or the simplest tenets of the Bible, one is labeled  a fanatic fundamentalist.  I do believe though, it is for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Ms Maven · Answer

Please consider the very beginning of you extra information. 'Barnes: "Festus regarded, probably, the whole story of the vision that Paul said had appeared to him as the effect of an inflamed and excited imagination, and as a proof of delirium." '

In using this term "regarded, probably" we must disregard this train of thought altogether since there is no way to truly know exactly what reasoning Fesus was using when making this comment. Since we have no verification of the "facts" used in making his statement there are unlimited lies or distortions that may be present in his rationale. In light of these things we must (as always) rely only on what scripture provides us with.

If you continue on a bit further you will see Paul's response.   Acts 26:25 But Paul replied, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I am uttering the straight, sound truth.

26For the king understands about these things well enough, and [therefore] to him I speak with bold frankness and confidence. I am convinced that not one of these things has escaped his notice, for all this did not take place in a corner [in secret]. (Amplified Bible)

With great respect and dignity to Festus he replied that these things could not be understood by him, but the king would understand. Therefore Fesus' remark is the reply of one whom a question was neither asked nor understood.

For whatever reason Festus deemed Paul to be mad the facts are that those who see not the true and living power of our perfect and Holy God will always consider Christians to be mad.

Teller Of Truths · Answer

Anyone who had or has zeal for what is truth is often called mad. . To put it simple the truth hurts. Jesus family also though he was crazy.The apostle Paul’s authority and apostleship were challenged by some in Corinth whom he sarcastically termed “superfine apostles.” (2Co 11:5) In order to bring the Corinthian congregation to their senses, Paul “boasted” about his credentials, his blessings and the things he had experienced in Jehovah’s service, proving his claim. This boasting was contrary to the usual speech of a Christian, but Paul had to do it in this case. Hence he spoke of himself as though being ‘out of his mind’ and said of the so-called superfine apostles: “Are they ministers of Christ? I reply like a madman, I am more outstandingly one.”—2Co 11:21-27.
Those people who have much wisom are also deemed mad( crazy)In the book of Ecclesiastes, the congregator reveals that he gave his heart “to knowing wisdom and to knowing madness.” (Ec 1:17) His investigation did not restrict itself to considering wisdom but also took into account its opposite as manifested by men. (Ec 7:25) At Ecclesiastes 2:12, Solomon again reveals that he weighed wisdom, madness, and folly. In this way he could determine their contrast in value. He recognized inordinate frivolity as madness, saying, “I said to laughter: ‘Insanity!’” for, as compared with wisdom, it was senseless, not producing real happiness.—Ec 2:2.
Commenting on the stupid one’s condition of mind, Solomon said: “The start of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end afterward of his mouth is calamitous madness.” (Ec 10:13) Foolishness may take the form of a trick, which can sometimes be so harmful to its victim that the player of the trick is likened to a madman armed with deadly weapons.—Pr 26:18, 19.
Some have no hope in the resurrection of the dead, thinking that death ends all for everyone. Giving evidence of their unbalanced outlook, they seek only to satisfy their fleshly inclinations and show no concern about doing God’s will. Solomon also took note of them, saying: “Because there is one eventuality to all, the heart of the sons of men is also full of bad; and there is madness in their heart during their lifetime, and after it—to the dead ones!”—Ec 9:3.

Anonymous · Answer

Very Accurate, as 1st Cor. 2:14 say's as well, The world has not the ability to Comprehend the things of God,

Anonymous · Answer

We get the same kind of reactions from the foolish here in R&S don't we?  They say we are delusional, nuts, idiots, etc.  They are spiritually blind as the Bible says they are.  That fact is obvious.

What do you think of these comments about the Roman Festus calling the Apostle Paul "mad" for...?

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