Acts 26:24-32 - You are out of your mind!

26:24-27

As in Athens, it is Paul’s preaching of the resurrection that seems to incite Festus’ outburst that Paul is out of his mind. Paul, of course, refutes this, maintaining that what he says is reasonable and true. He then refers to the king, who being familiar with Jewish teaching could confirm this. Paul then challenges king Agrippa directly, asking him if he believes the prophets, expecting the answer yes.

26:28-32

Agrippa, like most politicians, does not want to give a straight answer. Instead he asks Paul if he thinks he can convert Agrippa in such a short time. Paul simply responds that he prays to God that Agrippa will believe, along with all people. Agrippa and Festus then discuss the matter privately, admitting that there is no real charge against Paul, but because Paul had appealed to Caesar they had to send him to Rome. One does think that surely they could have given Paul the option of withdrawing his appeal, and being set free. However, Paul was heading for Rome.