Felix, crooked governor of Judea, asked the
visiting King Herod Agrippa II to hear Paul’s defense regarding the charges the
Sanhedrin had brought against him (Acts 25:24-27). That defense consumes nearly
the entire 26th chapter of Acts; it includes Paul’s account of his
own conversion and his commission to proclaim the gospel of the resurrected
Christ.
Upon hearing these things, Governor Felix
rudely interrupted Paul, loudly exclaiming, “Paul, you are beside yourself!
Much learning is driving you mad!” (26:24). Both expressions (“beside yourself”
and “mad”) come from the same root, “mainomia,” which gives us our words
“mania” and “maniac.” In essence Felix said, “Paul, you’re a maniac! Much
learning has driven you crazy!”
Paul’s response to the governor used the
same term: “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and
reason” (16:25). Far from being a raving kook, Paul’s words were true, sound,
and sensible.
We’re not surprised at the governor’s
insult. Some of Jesus’ own enemies said the same of Him: “He has a demon and is
mad! Why do you listen to Him? (John 10:20). They couldn’t win by arguing
against His teaching, so what else could they do but slander Him personally?
Why should our world view us any more
favorably than it viewed Jesus or our ancient brethren? They were not
intimidated by insults, nor should we be.
Unfortunately, there is some real craziness
going on in the name of religion, and we wisely distance ourselves from that.
But if the world thinks we’re crazy, it just might be because we’re doing
something right!
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