Festus reacted to Paul's powerful testimony by speaking in a loud voice, declaring that Paul was out of his mind and accusing him of being mad.
Festus's Response to Paul's Defense
During Paul's defense before Governor Festus and King Agrippa, Paul recounted his conversion experience and his mission to preach about Jesus Christ and the resurrection. As Paul spoke with great conviction, Festus interrupted him.
Festus's specific reaction was characterized by:
- Loud Interruption: He spoke out in a loud voice, indicating a strong, possibly agitated, reaction to Paul's words.
- Accusation of Madness: Festus directly accused Paul of being "beside himself" or "mad," suggesting he believed Paul's extensive learning had driven him insane. This was Festus's interpretation of Paul's fervent declaration of resurrection and divine encounters.
This reaction stood in stark contrast to King Agrippa's response, who was almost persuaded by Paul's arguments.
Comparison of Reactions to Paul's Teachings
| Aspect | Festus's Reaction | King Agrippa's Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Response | Spoke in a loud voice, stating Paul was "beside himself" and accusing him of being mad. | Almost persuaded to become a Christian. |
| Implication | Dismissed Paul's testimony as the rantings of someone mentally unstable, not understanding the spiritual depth. | Showed a degree of understanding and consideration for Paul's message, despite not fully committing. |
Festus's dismissal stemmed from a lack of understanding regarding Paul's spiritual experience and the tenets of Christian faith, which likely seemed irrational from his Roman perspective.
