That 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.

ACTS 26:23KJV
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Acts 26:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:23 mean?

Acts 26:23 says that the Messiah (Christ) was destined to suffer, to be the first to rise from the dead, and to bring light (understanding or revelation) both to the Jewish people and to non-Jews (Gentiles). This verse sums up the core message about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as a fulfillment of what was promised.

In this scene, Paul is speaking before King Agrippa, defending himself and explaining his faith. Paul emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was not a new or strange idea, but something rooted in the promises given to Israel. Paul’s claim is that Jesus’ suffering, resurrection, and message for all nations were always part of God’s plan, and that this message is for everyone, not just for Jews.

The Greek behind Acts 26:23

  • Χριστός (Christos): This word means "the Anointed One" or "Messiah." Paul is making it clear that he is talking about the promised deliverer from Jewish Scriptures.
  • πάσχω (paschō, "suffer"): The Greek word here means to undergo pain or hardship. Paul stresses that the Messiah’s suffering was expected, not a sign of failure.
  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, "rise"): This word refers to rising from the dead. Paul calls Jesus the "first" (πρῶτος, prōtos) to rise, suggesting that others will follow in resurrection.
  • φῶς (phōs, "light"): This word means light in the sense of understanding or revelation. Paul says Jesus brings this light to both the Jewish people (λαός, laos) and the Gentiles (ἔθνη, ethnē), highlighting the universal scope of Jesus’ mission.

Why Acts 26:23 matters

  • Acts 26:23 clarifies that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection were not unexpected events, but were always part of the promises made in the Jewish Scriptures, which Paul is careful to point out to his Jewish and Gentile audience.
  • The verse highlights the inclusive nature of the message about Jesus: it is meant for both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down barriers and expanding the scope of God’s promise.
  • In the context of Paul’s defense, this verse shows that his teaching is not a betrayal of Jewish hope, but its fulfillment, which is a key point in understanding Paul’s mission and the early Christian movement.

Where else these words appear

“shew” Greek G2605 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
  • Acts 16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

“rise” 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:

“light” Greek G5457 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
  • Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.