Acts 24:15
What does Acts 24:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:15 means
Paul declares his hope in God for a resurrection of both the just and the unjust, a hope his accusers themselves profess. This places him within the mainstream expectation of many Jews. The resurrection implies accountability and final judgment. In the New Testament, this hope is secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the firstfruits of those who sleep. Thus Paul’s belief is both scriptural and Christ-centered. By emphasizing shared hope, he shows he is not leading a deviant sect but standing on a core biblical doctrine that anticipates God’s righteous verdict on all people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Hoping in God for that which they themselves are looking for, that there will be a coming back from the dead for upright men and wrongdoers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, <FI>that<Fi> there is about to be a rising again of the dead, both of righteous and unrighteous;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Having hope in God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and unjust.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890having hope towardsGod, which they themselves also receive, that there is to be a resurrection both of just and unjust.
Context
Flowing from verse 14’s affirmation of Scripture, verse 15 names the central hope that unites Paul with many of his hearers: resurrection. This sets up verse 16, where he explains the ethical fruit of that hope—a clear conscience before God and people. It also anticipates verse 21, where he will pinpoint the resurrection as the real issue behind his prosecution. The focus shifts from political charges to theological convictions that are testable by Scripture.
v.14But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
v.15This passage
v.16Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which isthe bookof life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
- Acts 24:21
except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day.
- Matthew 22:31
But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
- Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
- Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
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