King James Version

What Does Acts 17:3 Mean?

Acts 17:3 in the King James Version says “Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I p...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. whom: or, whom, said he, I preach”

Acts 17:3 · KJV

Context

1

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

2

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. whom: or, whom, said he, I preach

4

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Read Acts 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's method - 'opening and alleging' that Christ must suffer and rise, then proving 'that this Jesus... is Christ' - shows systematic theological argumentation. He first established Messiah's necessity to suffer (contrary to popular expectation), then proved Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. This logical progression from Scripture to Jesus models apologetic methodology.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish messianic expectation emphasized the Messiah's glory, making His suffering a 'stumbling block' (1 Corinthians 1:23). Paul's demonstration that Scripture predicted Messiah's suffering prepared hearers to accept Jesus's crucifixion as messianic fulfillment rather than disqualification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you help others see that Jesus fulfills all Scripture, including parts that seem contradictory to expectations?
  2. What does this teach about addressing objections by showing biblical foundations before applying them to Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
διανοίγων1 of 23

“Opening”

G1272

to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound)

καὶ2 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρατιθέμενος3 of 23

“alleging”

G3908

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

ὅτι4 of 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸν5 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός6 of 23

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἔδει7 of 23

“must needs”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

παθεῖν8 of 23

“have suffered”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

καὶ9 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναστῆναι10 of 23

“risen again”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐκ11 of 23

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν12 of 23

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ13 of 23

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτι14 of 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὗτός15 of 23

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν16 of 23

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός18 of 23

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦς19 of 23

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὃν20 of 23

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ21 of 23

“I”

G1473

i, me

καταγγέλλω22 of 23

“preach”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

ὑμῖν23 of 23

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 17:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 18:28Acts 9:22Luke 24:32Galatians 3:1Luke 24:46Acts 3:18

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