26:24 As Paul 1 was saying these things in his defense, Festus 2 exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, 3 Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!” 26:25 But Paul replied, 4 “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, 5 but am speaking 6 true and rational 7 words.
1 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
2 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
3 tn On the term translated “lost your mind” see BDAG 610 s.v. μαίνομαι, which has “you’re out of your mind, you’re raving, said to one whose enthusiasm seems to have outrun better judgment 26:24.”
sn The expression “You have lost your mind” would be said to someone who speaks incredible things, in the opinion of the hearer. Paul’s mention of the resurrection (v. 23) was probably what prompted Festus to say this.
4 tn Grk “said.”
5 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
6 tn Or “declaring.” BDAG 125 s.v. ἀποφθέγγομαι states, “speak out, declare boldly or loudly…τὶ: σωφροσύνης ῥήματα Ac 26:25.”
7 tn BDAG 987 s.v. σωφροσύνη 1 has “gener. soundness of mind, reasonableness, rationality…ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ῥήματα true and rational words (opp. μαίνομαι) Ac 26:25.”
8 sn See the note on King Agrippa in 25:13.
9 sn See the note on Porcius Festus in 24:27.
10 tn Or “set free.”
11 tn Or “to the emperor” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
sn If he had not appealed to Caesar. Ultimately Agrippa and Festus blamed what Paul himself had done in appealing to Caesar for his own continued custody. In terms of Luke’s narrative, this still appears unjust and a denial of responsibility.