Acts 24 15

Acts 24:15 kjv

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Acts 24:15 nkjv

I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.

Acts 24:15 niv

and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Acts 24:15 esv

having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

Acts 24:15 nlt

I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Acts 24 verses

Acts 24 15 Meaning

This verse expresses Paul's unwavering hope and belief in the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. It signifies his confidence that God's justice will ultimately prevail, bringing about a future judgment where all will stand accountable.

Acts 24 15 Context

In Acts chapter 24, Paul is on trial before Felix the governor, accused by Jewish leaders of sacrilege and being a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes. This verse is part of Paul's defense where he clearly states his core belief in the resurrection of the dead, a central tenet of both Judaism and Christianity. This belief was a major point of contention with the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection. Paul frames his defense around his adherence to "the Law" and "the Prophets," demonstrating that his faith is a continuation, not a rejection, of the Jewish heritage. The verse itself follows Paul's declaration of having a clear conscience and his commitment to serving God.

Acts 24 15 Word Analysis

• "but": (Greek: ἀλλά - alla) - A conjunction indicating a strong contrast or correction, setting Paul's belief apart from potential misinterpretations or accusations against him.
• "I have": (Greek: ἔχω - echo) - Denotes possession or holding something as a firm belief or conviction.
• "hope": (Greek: ἐλπίδα - elpida) - Refers to confident expectation, assurance, or anticipation, particularly concerning future good, especially the resurrection.
• "in God": (Greek: ἐν τῷ Θεῷ - en tō Theō) - Expresses being situated within God's realm of power and plan.
• "which": (Greek: ἥν - hēn) - Refers back to "hope."
• "they themselves": (Greek: αὐτοὶ - autoi) - Refers to the Jewish accusers, emphasizing that they also share this expectation, even if their interpretation differs or if they deny its implication for Paul's case.
• "also": (Greek: καί - kai) - Links the expectation of his accusers to his own, suggesting a shared, albeit disputed, fundamental belief.
• "await": (Greek: προσδέχομαι - prosdexomai) - To receive, expect, look for, or welcome with anticipation.
• "that": (Greek: ὅτι - hoti) - Introduces the content of the awaited event.
• "there will be": (Greek: ἔσται - estai) - Future tense of "to be," indicating a definite occurrence.
• "a resurrection": (Greek: ἀνάστασιν - anastasin) - The act of standing up again, specifically resurrection from the dead.
• "of the righteous": (Greek: δικαίων - dikaiōn) - Refers to those declared righteous, typically by faith and in alignment with God's will.
• "and": (Greek: καί - kai) - Connects two parallel aspects of the resurrection.
• "of the unrighteous": (Greek: ἀδίκων - adikōn) - Refers to those who are unjust or unrighteous, who will also be resurrected.

Group Analysis:

• "hope in God, which they themselves also await": This phrase highlights a common ground between Paul and his accusers. While the Sadducees rejected the resurrection, the Pharisees (representing the majority of the Sanhedrin and the likely source of accusation) held to it. Paul is drawing on this shared belief in a future resurrection as the basis for his hope, effectively nullifying their argument that he is subverting the established faith.
• "a resurrection of the righteous and of the unrighteous": This is a crucial theological statement. Paul affirms a comprehensive resurrection, which includes a resurrection for judgment for all, not just believers. This concept of a universal resurrection, with a subsequent judgment for both groups, is taught in other New Testament passages (e.g., John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:13). It underscores the totality of God's plan and justice.

Acts 24 15 Bonus Section

This statement by Paul directly challenges the Sadducees' denial of resurrection (as seen in Acts 23:8). It also subtly appeals to the understanding of the Pharisees, who believed in resurrection. The distinction between the resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous foreshadows the separate outcomes in the final judgment, a concept consistent with the Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation 20. Paul’s confident declaration of this hope, even in his dire circumstances, highlights the steadfastness of his faith in God's ultimate victory and redemptive plan. His argument implies that if he holds to such a future expectation, then his present actions (accused of blasphemy against the Law) are grounded in his devotion to God's full revelation, including its future promises.

Acts 24 15 Commentary

Paul asserts his firm hope in a future resurrection, a truth shared by many Jews of his day, even his accusers. He emphasizes that this belief is a core aspect of his faith and a foundational doctrine concerning the ultimate justice of God. By pointing out that his accusers also await this event, he strategically aligns himself with a commonly held eschatological hope. His statement includes the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous, indicating a comprehensive resurrection event before a final judgment. This understanding underscores the universality of God's sovereign plan and the eventual accountability of all people.