Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

Festus concludes that Paul’s enthusiasm is insanity

²⁴ While he was thus defending himself Festus burst out, “You are raving, Paul! All your learning has driven you mad!”

^25-27 But Paul replied, “I am not mad, your excellency. I speak nothing but sober truth. The king knows of these matters, and I can speak freely before him. I cannot believe that any of these matters has escaped his notice, for it has been no hole-and-corner business. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? But I know that you believe them.”

²⁸ “Much more of this, Paul,” returned Agrippa, “and you will be making me a Christian!”

²⁹ “Ah,” returned Paul, “whether it means ‘much more’ or ‘only a little’, I would to God that both you and all who can hear me this day might stand where I stand—but without these chains.