Acts 17:3
What does Acts 17:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 17:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 17:3 means
Here Luke summarizes Paul’s message. He explains and demonstrates that the Messiah had to suffer and rise again, and then identifies Jesus as that promised Christ. The emphasis on “must” shows this was not an accident but God’s planned path revealed in Scripture. Paul connects prophetic patterns—suffering servant, atoning death, vindicating resurrection—to the historical Jesus. The claim is both theological and historical: the Christ’s necessary suffering and rising have happened, and Jesus fulfills them. This centers the gospel on cross and resurrection, inviting hearers to re-read their Scriptures with Jesus as the key. Faith rests on God’s promises fulfilled in the crucified and risen Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I proclaim unto you, is the Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I proclaim unto you, is the Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Saying to them clearly and openly that Christ had to be put to death and come back to life again; and that this Jesus, whom, he said, I am preaching to you, is the Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862opening and alleging, `That the Christ it behoved to suffer, and to rise again out of the dead, and that this is the Christ--Jesus whom I proclaim to you.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Declaring and insinuating that the Christ was to suffer and to rise again from the dead; and that this is Jesus Christ, whom I preach to you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890opening and laying down that the Christ must have suffered and risen up from among the dead, and that this is the Christ, Jesus whom I announce to you.
Context
Verse 3 unfolds the content of Paul’s synagogue reasoning described in verse 2. It clarifies that his argument is biblical and Christ-centered: the Messiah’s necessary suffering and resurrection, fulfilled in Jesus. The immediate result appears in verse 4—significant persuasion across ethnic and social lines. That success then sparks jealous opposition (verses 5–7), bringing civic authorities into the conflict (verses 8–9). The pattern contrasts with the Berean response (verses 10–12) and prepares readers for the unique intellectual challenge Paul will face in Athens (verses 16–34).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 24:26
Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?
- Acts 3:22
Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you.
- Acts 2:16
but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:
- Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?
- Acts 13:26
Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5
how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
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