26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. "What are you going to do?" he asked. "This man is a Roman citizen."
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen."
26 When the centurion heard that, he went directly to the captain. "Do you realize what you've done? This man is a Roman citizen!"
26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, "Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman."
26 When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!"
3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.
3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.
3 We are much aware that it is because of you and you alone that we enjoy all this peace and gain daily profit from your reforms.
3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
3 For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you.
(Read Acts 24:1-9)
See here the unhappiness of great men, and a great unhappiness it is, to have their services praised beyond measure, and never to be faithfully told of their faults; hereby they are hardened and encouraged in evil, like Felix. God's prophets were charged with being troublers of the land, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that he perverted the nation; the very same charges were brought against Paul. The selfish and evil passions of men urge them forward, and the graces and power of speech, too often have been used to mislead and prejudice men against the truth. How different will the characters of Paul and Felix appear at the day of judgement, from what they are represented in the speech of Tertullus! Let not Christians value the applause, or be troubled at the revilings of ungodly men, who represent the vilest of the human race almost as gods, and the excellent of the earth as pestilences and movers of sedition.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.
25 But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.
25 But Paul stood his ground. "With all respect, Festus, Your Honor, I'm not crazy. I'm both accurate and sane in what I'm saying.
25 But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
25 But Paul replied, "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth.
(Read Acts 26:24-32)
It becomes us, on all occasions, to speak the words of truth and soberness, and then we need not be troubled at the unjust censures of men. Active and laborious followers of the gospel often have been despised as dreamers or madmen, for believing such doctrines and such wonderful facts; and for attesting that the same faith and diligence, and an experience like their own, are necessary to all men, whatever their rank, in order to their salvation. But apostles and prophets, and the Son of God himself, were exposed to this charge; and none need be moved thereby, when Divine grace has made them wise unto salvation. Agrippa saw a great deal of reason for Christianity. His understanding and judgment were for the time convinced, but his heart was not changed. And his conduct and temper were widely different from the humility and spirituality of the gospel. Many are almost persuaded to be religious, who are not quite persuaded; they are under strong convictions of their duty, and of the excellence of the ways of God, yet do not pursue their convictions. Paul urged that it was the concern of every one to become a true Christian; that there is grace enough in Christ for all. He expressed his full conviction of the truth of the gospel, the absolute necessity of faith in Christ in order to salvation. Such salvation from such bondage, the gospel of Christ offers to the Gentiles; to a lost world. Yet it is with much difficulty that any person can be persuaded he needs a work of grace on his heart, like that which was needful for the conversion of the Gentiles. Let us beware of fatal hesitation in our own conduct; and recollect how far the being almost persuaded to be a Christian, is from being altogether such a one as every true believer is.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 22:26
Commentary on Acts 22:22-30
(Read Acts 22:22-30)
The Jews listened to Paul's account of his conversion, but the mention of his being sent to the Gentiles, was so contrary to all their national prejudices, that they would hear no more. Their frantic conduct astonished the Roman officer, who supposed that Paul must have committed some great crime. Paul pleaded his privilege as a Roman citizen, by which he was exempted from all trials and punishments which might force him to confess himself guilty. The manner of his speaking plainly shows what holy security and serenity of mind he enjoyed. As Paul was a Jew, in low circumstances, the Roman officer questioned how he obtained so valuable a distinction; but the apostle told him he was free born. Let us value that freedom to which all the children of God are born; which no sum of money, however large, can purchase for those who remain unregenerate. This at once put a stop to his trouble. Thus many are kept from evil practices by the fear of man, who would not be held back from them by the fear of God. The apostle asks, simply, Is it lawful? He knew that the God whom he served would support him under all sufferings for his name's sake. But if it were not lawful, the apostle's religion directed him, if possible, to avoid it. He never shrunk from a cross which his Divine Master laid upon his onward road; and he never stept aside out of that road to take one up.