Acts 26:23
What does Acts 26:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:23 means
Paul specifies the prophetic message: the Christ must suffer, and, by being the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles. This centers everything on Jesus—His necessary suffering, His triumphant resurrection, and His universal mission. “Light” evokes revelation, salvation, and hope, now shining through the risen Lord. The phrase “first by the resurrection” marks Jesus as the pioneer of the age to come; others will follow in resurrection life. Here is the heart of the gospel and Israel’s hope fulfilled. Paul preaches Christ crucified and risen as the Scriptural plan extending to all nations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000how that the Christ must suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901how that the Christ must suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That the Christ would go through pain, and being the first to come back from the dead, would give light to the people and to the Gentiles.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that the Christ is to suffer, whether first by a rising from the dead, he is about to proclaim light to the people and to the nations.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That Christ should suffer and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead and should shew light to the people and to the Gentiles.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[namely,] whether Christ should suffer; whether he first, through resurrection of [the] dead, should announce light both to the people and to the nations.
Context
This is the doctrinal peak of Paul’s defense, tying his message directly to Moses and the prophets (v.22). Immediately, Festus interrupts, accusing Paul of madness (v.24), to which Paul replies with a claim to truth and sobriety (v.25). Paul then turns to Agrippa’s knowledge and conscience (vv.26–27). Verse 23, therefore, functions as the clear Christological claim that provokes both skepticism and a call for decision.
v.22Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;
v.23This passage
v.24And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
- Acts 3:18
But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
- Luke 24:46
and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day;
- Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.
- Psalms 22:1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou sofar from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
- John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 26
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 26.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…