Have you ever been so confident in your calling because someone is calling you “crazy”? I know I have! I was 14 when God said I would be the author, and everyone around me told me that it was impossible. I was called Jewish, mainly because of my confidence. Still, I am not alone in this calling.
When Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, was called to share the gospel with the edge of the earth, he faced similar rebellion and dismissal. While Paul’s journey of faith has many highs and lows, Acts 26 highlights only one of the many challenges he faced to share his testimony boldly.
In Acts 26, Paul is brought to trial to share the gospel. His accusers know he is innocent, but they are furious. He claims that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and provided salvation to all. At the turn of events over the years, Paul, from Saul to Paul, is not afraid to share his stories. He boldly declares that biblical truth and is laughed at for it. He even labels him as a madman from the governor of Rome! Talk about being ridiculed for your calling.
However, Paul did not retreat. He continued to speak to the crowd, using “I” statements to select some of his stories related to his audience, and invite them to believe for themselves. Just as Paul stands before Festus and King Agrippa, Festus interrupts Paul’s testimony with these words: “Paul, you are out of your heart! Your great learning is driving you insanity” (Acts 26:24, NIV).
Paul was a seeker of knowledge, but he was also a seeker of the Kingdom. To the world, Paul’s unwavering confidence in Christ seemed crazy. He was crazy! But this insanity was just part of his calling to declare God’s truth no matter what. The courage of the kingdom always appears to be crazy for the world.
The definition of world madness and kingdom boldness
Before Paul became Paul, it is important to remember that he is Saul, known for persecuting Christians. Paul was very intelligent, yet he learned the truth until Jesus blinded him on the road to Damascus.
For many, it makes sense to believe in Jesus. They may not understand all the details, but something in their minds forces them to profess their faith. That faith is part of the reason, but so far the only reason is to take us. At some point, we must make choices and give ourselves to serve the Lord, even if we do not have all the answers. Faith is part of logic and reason, but at the end of the day it’s not all logical. Some questions have not been answered yet, and we must be fine with that. For Festus, this reasoning was meaningless.
The rational mind often rejects supernatural reality. Because they don’t fully understand. This is why Festus, King Agrippa, and the crowd struggled to agree with Paul’s message. What does it mean that Jesus is alive? We crucified him. What does salvation mean to all people and by grace through faith? How can you explain that Jesus is raised from the dead and raising us to meet him later? It’s meaningless!
To believe in God, sharing his message and following his calling seems truly crazy in this world. It is foreign and even offensive to secular logic. But what may seem irrational to culture is often radical submission of the kingdom. The question is, are you willing to follow regardless of cost?
Paul’s unwavering confidence in Christ
Therefore, Paul was willing to comply with it regardless of cost. He not only faced persecution and hardships, but later survived three shipwrecks, numerous imprisonments and be-stripped. This is why in verse 25 he states, “I am not insane, but the best festus.” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and rational” (Acts 26:25). Paul was not rude, but he said, “I believe in God and His truth for all reasons, even things that I cannot physically see or understand.” He was committed before, during and after he faced a trial that he was so hard to bear.
How did Paul do this? What’s more, 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 instead chose what life would turn out with him. Acts 20:24 states that his life is this motto.
No matter what came in Paul’s way, Paul knew that accounting, be-striking, imprisonment, ock lol, rid lol, shipwreck, chain, etc., Paul was far greater than the situation he had before, so he spoke with authority and joy. Not only that, Paul laughed at the people around him, and prayed to understand and accept this truth for himself. I didn’t care if they didn’t believe him now. He cared that they would eventually choose to come to Jesus.
“The king is well versed in these things, and I can speak to him freely. I am sure this has not escaped his notice. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian?” Paul said to him, “A short time or long, I pray to God that not only you, but all who hear me today, may become what I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:26-29, NIV).
Living with sacred boldness: Kingdom-oriented “madness”
Like Paul, each of us is given a mission. It is to share good news about the gospel through our calling. For some, this comes from talking with education. For others, it comes through writing, sermoning, or more traditional roles. Sharing the gospel is not limited to traditional roles. It is for all those who have chosen to believe.
In the face of rejection and misunderstanding, Paul chose to prioritize his eternal mission over temporary pain. And it brings the question to each of us: are we willing to be considered “crazy” for our faith? To live and speak boldly for Christ?
When Faith Looks Foolish: The Cost of Kingdom Living
Friend, you are not crazy – you are called, ordained and prepared for missions higher than this world. It’s a mission that not only changes this world, but goes beyond its understanding, and that’s fine.
The message of the cross will look foolish to those who are perishing. No matter how hard he strives, a man without the Lord’s spirit, cannot understand this message. They strengthened their hearts at the message of his life.
“The message of the cross is foolish for those who are perished, but for those who are saved it is the power of God” (Corinthians 1:18, NIV).
Jesus knew this very well. He was laughed at, misunderstood and crucified. why? For his love for us. For his victory over the cross.
Madness to save
Today I stand firm in bold beliefs. It can lead to isolation, criticism and even suffering, but it also has joy, peace and eternal impact. Our insanity is the insanity that will be saved. Like Paul with King Agrippa, you will never know that your words can change not only someone’s life, but their eternity (Acts 26:28).
Every opportunity was Paul’s chance to witness, even if he was arrested. We may not have been arrested, but we will face difficulties. Do you choose to be cultural recognition or kingdom submission?
May we all be counted among “mad” when it means being “sane” and unshakable faith, fearless love, and Christlike purposes.
That’s fine for me.
OK?
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©istock/getty images plus/bluejayphoto
Amber Ginter is the author who turned to teachers who love Jesus, her husband Ben and granola. Amber’s growth was searching for faith and mental health resources, but found nothing. Today, she not only read your Bible and prays more, but also offers hope to young Christians suffering from mental illness. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. Download her best faith and mental health resources for free and help you navigate books, podcasts, videos and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
