Acts 24:21
What does Acts 24:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:21 means
Paul concedes that if there is any issue, it is his declaration about the resurrection of the dead. By narrowing the dispute to this point, he shows the matter is theological, not political. The resurrection sits at the heart of Christian proclamation: Jesus Christ risen, and a coming resurrection for all. This claim divided the council earlier and now explains the animus against Paul. Yet it is a hope grounded in Scripture and God’s power, not a call to civil disorder. Paul stands trial for a truth that ultimately concerns God’s judgment and salvation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000except 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901except 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But only this one thing which I said among them in a loud voice, I am this day being judged on the question of the coming back from the dead.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862except concerning this one voice, in which I cried, standing among them--Concerning a rising again of the dead I am judged to-day by you.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Except it be for this one voice only that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead am I judged this day by you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[other] than concerning this one voice which I cried standing amongst them: I am judged this day by you touching [the] resurrection of [the] dead.
Context
This verse caps Paul’s defense by identifying the real fault line: resurrection. Earlier, he had established his peaceful conduct, the lack of proof, and continuity with Scripture. Now he clarifies that the controversy is doctrinal. With this, the defense concludes. Verse 22 will show Felix postponing judgment while claiming he will consult Lysias. Verses 23–27 will describe Paul’s custody, Felix’s private hearings with Paul, and the long delay driven by political and personal motives.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 4:2
being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
- Acts 26:6
And now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers;
- Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
- 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.
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