November 22
Bible Reading: Acts 25:19-31
Act 26:14, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”
Have you ever been called crazy for the beliefs you hold as a follower of Jesus? If so, you are in good company, for they said the same about Jesus and about the Apostle Paul (Mark 3:21, Acts 26:24).
Festus’ reaction to Paul’s defense before King Agrippa is a sentiment that still echoes today. The message of the cross is, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, “folly to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Many mock it, laugh at it, or ignore it altogether—but for those who believe, it represents “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). There can be no salvation apart from the gospel. By its power, sinners are delivered from darkness to light, from the dominion of Satan to the power of God. Paul himself experienced such a deliverance through the gospel, which he described as the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
These are sober, weighty truths. Insanity, as the saying goes, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sin, in this sense, is the ultimate form of insanity. It is madness to live in rebellion against God and expect no judgment from the Creator. The hedonistic mindset of “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32) is insanity in action. This is the very mindset Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice had embraced. Blinded to the truth, enslaved to sin, and under the power of Satan, they could not see the folly of their ways.
But Paul’s defense before King Agrippa was not merely a legal argument; it was an invitation to salvation. Paul turned the tables on their investigation. Addressing King Agrippa directly, he asked, “Do you believe the prophets? I know you do” (Acts 26:27). What began as an interrogation of Paul’s faith became an evangelistic opportunity. Paul didn’t just defend his innocence—he sought to persuade Agrippa, Festus, and all who were listening of the truth of the gospel. Agrippa, perhaps feeling the weight of Paul’s words, responded: “In a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28).
Paul’s reply was profound: “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains” (Acts 26:29). Paul was living proof of the power of the gospel to transform lives. Festus thought Paul was mad, but Paul, in his chains, was the clearest demonstration of what the gospel can do—freeing a soul from sin and death.
Sin is the true insanity. The gospel alone offers the cure. While the world may scoff, mock, and misunderstand the gospel, it is the one true way of salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). It is through the cross of Christ that the power of sin is broken, the veil of blindness is lifted, and eternal life is offered to all who believe. The world might deem you crazy for your Christian beliefs, but true sanity is gifted by God to those who have come to their senses unto faith in Christ (Luke 15:17).
“But when he came to his senses, he said…’I will set out and go to my father’.”—Luke 15:17-18a
HEAVEN CAME DOWN
O what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I’d wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Saviour I met
O what a tender, compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart
Refrain:
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole (made me whole)
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God’s fam’ly divine
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer
He saved me, O praise His dear name [Refrain]
Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time
I have a future in heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it’s because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received [Refrain]
Text and Music: John W. Peterson; Copyright 1961 John W. Peterson Music Company
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