Except 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.

ACTS 24:21KJV
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Acts 24:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:21 mean?

Acts 24:21 means that Paul is telling his accusers that the only real reason he is on trial is because he spoke about the resurrection of the dead. Paul insists that his statement about resurrection is the main issue for which he is being questioned by the Jewish leaders.

Paul is speaking to the Roman governor Felix, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. The setting is a formal hearing, and Paul points out that his belief in the resurrection—a hope shared by some Jews—has become the main point of controversy. This verse highlights that the core disagreement is theological, not criminal or political.

The Greek behind Acts 24:21

  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, G386) means "resurrection." Paul’s use of this word shows he is focusing on the belief that the dead will be raised, a key point of debate between different Jewish groups.
  • νεκρός (nekros, G3498) means "dead." By pairing this with "resurrection," Paul clarifies he is talking about the physical raising of the dead, not just a metaphorical idea.
  • φωνή (phōnē, G5456) means "voice" or "cry." Paul refers to his own outcry in the council, emphasizing that his public statement about resurrection is the reason for the current trial.

Why Acts 24:21 matters

  • Acts 24:21 makes clear that Paul’s trial is rooted in a theological disagreement, not in any crime against Roman law or public order.
  • This verse highlights how the resurrection was a divisive topic among Jewish groups, especially between the Pharisees (who believed in resurrection) and the Sadducees (who did not).
  • Understanding this verse helps the reader see that early Christian teaching about resurrection was controversial and central to the conflict between Paul and his accusers.

Where else these words appear

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
  • Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

“day” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

“cried” Greek G2896 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
  • Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;