^18 [a]Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this ^[b]babbler want to say?”

Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them ^(A)Jesus and the resurrection.

Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge

²⁴ Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, ^(A)you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God^(A)

¹⁸ For the ^[a]message of the cross is ^(B)foolishness to ^(C)those who are perishing, but to us ^(D)who are being saved it is the ^(E)power of God.