Christianity Sounds Like Madness to the Unbeliever - Acts 25-26

 Acts 26:24-29 (ESV)

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “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.”

Christianity Sounds Like Madness to the Unbeliever

Paul is in prison.  He is there because the Jews are falsely accusing him of breaking “their” law.   What they are really frustrated with is that Paul is presenting Jesus and Jews are leaving the synagogue and joining the church.   In his journey through the Roman court system, Paul gets another opportunity to make his defense. But, more importantly, Paul gets another opportunity to present the message of the gospel.   The good news was the Christ rose from the dead and brings life to the Jews and Gentiles.   Paul took every opportunity to present the gospel.  While in prison he wrote several letters (in fact, prison gave him the opportunity and necessity to write ... he was not allowed to travel to preach).   He would agree with Peter’s word written while he was in prison:

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Notice, however, the response of the King he was standing before to make his defense!   Festus was the sitting authority.  He had invited a visiting leader, King Agrippa, to listen to Paul’s case.  Paul gives them both a lesson in the gospel.   Festus believes Paul has gone made.   Logic, man’s logic, has no room for the resurrection of the dead.   The world thinks we are “mad” for believing what we believe.  Notice what Paul, earlier, told the Corinthian believers:

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (ESV)

13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

The natural man does not understand the wisdom of God.  God has to reveal it to him.