Strong’s Greek 4062 appears once in the New Testament (Acts 26:24) and conveys the idea of being forcefully “turned” or “driven” in mind or opinion. The lone usage captures a moment when the gospel’s radical claims confront pagan skepticism, illustrating how divine truth can be misread as irrationality by an unbelieving audience.

Context in Acts 26

Paul stands before Governor Festus and King Agrippa, recounting his Damascus-road encounter and proclaiming the resurrection. Festus interrupts: “You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!” (Acts 26:24). The accusation that Paul’s learning is “turning” him toward insanity shows the Roman official’s inability to reconcile rigorous scholarship with supernatural revelation. To Festus, Paul’s testimony seems a centrifugal force pulling him away from rationality; to Paul, it is the only sane response to the risen Christ.

Historical Setting

Roman elites prized philosophy yet dismissed resurrection as superstition (Acts 17:32). Festus likely spoke from this cultural bias. Philosophers had long debated whether intense study could induce “mania.” By employing the term, Luke records a historically plausible reaction while emphasizing the intellectual respectability of Paul—formerly trained “at the feet of Gamaliel”—and the spiritual blindness of Roman power brokers.

Theological Reflections

1. Perceived Foolishness of the Gospel

 • 1 Corinthians 1:23–24 sets the stage: “we preach Christ crucified… foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called… the power of God.” Festus embodies Gentile incredulity when confronted with resurrection truth.
2. Spiritual Sanity Versus Worldly Wisdom

 • Paul insists, “I am not insane… What I am saying is true and reasonable” (Acts 26:25). Inspired revelation unifies truth and reason; spiritual “sanity” arises from submission to Christ, not from the accolades of human culture.
3. Sovereign Purpose in Opposition

 • The Spirit uses unbelieving resistance to spread testimony before rulers (Matthew 10:18). Festus’ outburst provides Paul an opportunity to clarify the gospel to Agrippa and all present.

Hermeneutical Insights

• Singular Occurrence, Universal Principle: Though the term surfaces once, it crystallizes a recurring biblical motif—God’s wisdom appears inverted to natural minds (Isaiah 55:8–9).
• Literary Irony: Festus claims Paul is “turned” to madness, yet Acts portrays Festus as the one unknowingly “turned” away from truth.
• Verbal Echoes: The idea of turning or twisting parallels John 8:52 (“Now we know You have a demon”) and 2 Peter 3:16 (unstable men “distort” the Scriptures), reinforcing the pattern of dismissing revelation as distortion.

Ministry Applications

1. Expect Misunderstanding

 Believers who engage culture with biblical conviction may be labeled irrational. Anticipating this charge prevents discouragement and fosters courageous witness.
2. Integrate Scholarship and Faith

 Paul’s example validates rigorous study under Christ’s lordship. Christian academics can counter the false dichotomy between learning and faith by demonstrating how sound reasoning undergirds gospel proclamation.
3. Maintain Composure Under Fire

 Paul’s respectful reply models gentleness and clarity (1 Peter 3:15). When accused of extremism, disciples should answer with sober truth, trusting the Spirit to open hearts.
4. Seize Evangelistic Moments

 Opposition often gathers an audience. Paul leverages Festus’ interruption to appeal to Agrippa (Acts 26:26–29). Modern believers can turn skepticism into proclamation opportunities.

Related Biblical Themes

• “Foolishness of God” versus worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18–31).
• Accusations of insanity against prophets or apostles (2 Kings 9:11; Mark 3:21; John 10:20).
• Transformation of the mind as true sanity (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:13).

Conclusion

The solitary New Testament use of Strong’s 4062 encapsulates the tension between Spirit-wrought conviction and worldly perception. Festus’ cry that Paul’s learning “turns” him to madness exposes the gulf separating unregenerate reasoning from gospel truth. For the church, the verse stands as both warning and encouragement: warning that authentic witness may invite charges of irrationality, encouragement that such moments can herald the wisdom and power of God to all who will listen.