Have you ever been so confident in your calling that someone calls you "insane"? I know I have! I was fourteen when God told me I was going to be an author, and everyone around me told me it was impossible. I was even called a Jew for being confident in the Lord. And yet, I'm not alone in this calling.
When Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, was called to share the gospel to the ends of the earth, he faced similar backlash and dismissal. While there are many highs and lows in Paul's journey of faith, Acts 26 highlights just one of many trials he faced for boldly sharing his testimony.
In Acts 26, Paul is on trial for sharing the gospel. Though his accusers know he's innocent, they are furious. He claims that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and offers salvation to all people. In a long-winded turn of events, Paul isn't afraid to share his story—from Saul to Paul. He boldly proclaims that Scriptural truth and is mocked for it. He even gets labeled as a madman by the Roman governor! Talk about being ridiculed for your calling.
But Paul didn’t back down. He continued to address the crowd, using "I" statements to select parts of his story that could relate to his audience, and inviting them to believe for themselves. As Paul stands before Festus and King Agrippa, Festus interrupts Paul's testimony with these words: "Paul, you're out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane" (Acts 26:24, NIV).
Paul was a knowledge seeker, but he was also a kingdom seeker. To the world, Paul's unshakable confidence in Christ seemed crazy—he was insane! But this madness was just part of his calling to proclaim the divine truth no matter what. Kingdom courage will always look crazy to the world.
Before Paul became Paul, we have to remember that he was Saul, a man known for persecuting Christians. Paul was very intellectual, and yet it wasn't until Jesus blinded him on the road to Damascus that he learned the truth.
For many, believing in Jesus just makes sense. They might not understand every detail, but something within their spirit compels them to profess their faith. That faith is part reason, but reason will only take us so far. At some point, we have to make a choice and dedicate ourselves to serve the Lord, even if we don't have all the answers. Faith is part logic and reason, but at the end of the day, it's not all logical. Some questions are still unanswered, and we have to be okay with that. For Festus, this reasoning didn't make sense.
Rational minds often reject supernatural realities because they can't fully comprehend them. This is why Festus, King Agrippa, and the crowds struggled to agree with Paul's message: What do you mean Jesus is alive? We crucified him. What do you mean salvation is for all people and by grace through faith? How can you explain Jesus being raised from the dead and later raising us to meet with Him? It doesn't make sense!
To believe in God, share His message, and obey His calling does indeed seem crazy to this world. It's foreign and even offensive to worldly logic. But what may appear irrational to culture is often radical obedience in the Kingdom. The question is, are you willing to obey no matter the cost?
Accordingly, Paul was willing to obey no matter the cost. He doesn't just face persecution and hardship, but later goes on to survive three shipwrecks, numerous imprisonments, and beatings. This is why in verse 25 he states, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable" (Acts 26:25). Paul wasn't being disrespectful, but he was saying, "I believe God and His truth over all reason—even things I can't physically see or understand." He was committed before, during, and after he faced hard and unbearable trials.
How did Paul do this? Furthermore, why? Paul's confidence came from a personal, undeniable, and authentic encounter with Jesus (Acts 26:12-18). He knew what life was like before Jesus, and He chose what life would be like with Him instead. Acts 20:24 says his life motto this way: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace" (NIV).
No matter what came Paul's way—accusations, beatings, imprisonment, mockery, ridicule, shipwrecks, chains—Paul spoke with authority and joy because he knew that what was before him was far greater than his present circumstances. Not only that, but Paul prayed for those around him, even those mocking him, to understand and accept this truth for themselves. He didn't care if they presently didn't believe him; he cared that they would eventually choose to come to Jesus on their own:
"'The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.' Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul replied, 'Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains'" (Acts 26:26-29, NIV).
Like Paul, each of us is given a mission: To share the good news of the gospel through our calling. For some, this comes through teaching and speaking; for others, it comes through writing, preaching, or more traditional roles. Sharing the gospel isn't limited to traditional roles; it's for all people who choose to believe.
Even in the face of rejection and misunderstanding, Paul chose to prioritize his eternal mission over his temporary pain. And that brings up a question for each of us: Are we willing to be seen as “crazy” for our faith? To live and speak boldly for Christ?
Friends, you're not crazy—you're called, ordained, and prepared for a mission higher than this world. A mission that will not only transform this world, but go beyond its understanding—and that's okay.
The message of the cross is going to appear foolish to those who are perishing. Those who are without the Lord's spirit cannot comprehend this message, no matter how hard they try. They have hardened their hearts to His life-living message.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV).
Jesus knew this well. He was mocked, misunderstood, and crucified—yet remained silent and steadfast in His calling. Why? Because of His love for us. Because of His victory beyond the cross.
Today, stand firm in bold belief. It may lead to isolation, criticism, even suffering—but also to joy, peace, and eternal impact. Our insanity is an insanity that saves. Like Paul with King Agrippa, you never know when your words could change not just someone's life, but their eternity (Acts 26:28).
Every opportunity, even while under arrest, was a chance for Paul to witness. We might not be under arrest, but we're going to face hard things. Will we choose cultural approval or Kingdom obedience?
If being “insane” means unwavering faith, fearless love, and Christlike purpose, then may we all be counted among the “mad.”
That's okay with me.
Is it okay with you?
Agape, Amber
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