King James Version

What Does Acts 26:23 Mean?

Acts 26:23 in the King James Version says “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto th...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 26:23 · KJV

Context

21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23

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.

24

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad .

25

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Read Acts 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That Christ should suffer (παθητὸς ὁ Χριστός, pathētos ho Christos)—Paul's defense centers on this scandalous truth: the Messiah must suffer. The adjective pathētos (capable of suffering) was theologically offensive to Jewish expectations of a conquering Messiah. Yet Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and Daniel 9:26 all prophesy Messiah's suffering and death. Paul's entire gospel hangs on this: Christ's suffering wasn't defeat but divine plan.

The first that should rise from the dead (πρῶτος ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν, prōtos ex anastaseōs nekrōn)—Jesus is the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23), not the first chronologically (Lazarus, Jairus's daughter preceded Him), but the first to rise to immortal, glorified life. His resurrection inaugurates the new creation, guarantees believers' future resurrection, and validates His messianic claims. The Greek prōtos implies both priority and preeminence—Christ's resurrection is the prototype and power source for all others.

Should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles (φῶς μέλλειν καταγγέλλειν τῷ τε λαῷ καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, phōs mellein katangellein tō te laō kai tois ethnesin)—The risen Christ brings light (revelation, salvation, truth) to both Israel (laō, the covenant people) and Gentiles (ethnesin, the nations). This fulfills Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6: the Servant will be 'a light to the Gentiles.' Paul's own mission as apostle to the Gentiles flows directly from Messiah's universal saving work. The order—'people and Gentiles'—affirms 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul spoke before King Agrippa II around 59-60 AD, defending himself against Jewish accusations. His defense became gospel proclamation: he summarized Christianity's core claims (suffering Messiah, resurrection, universal salvation) and rooted them in 'Moses and the prophets' (v. 22). First-century Jewish messianism expected a political liberator who would crush Rome and restore Israel's kingdom. A crucified Messiah was σκάνδαλον (skandalon, stumbling block, 1 Corinthians 1:23). Paul's argument: the Hebrew Scriptures themselves prophesy this suffering-then-glory pattern. The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), the smitten Shepherd (Zechariah 13:7), and the pierced one (Zechariah 12:10) all pointed to Jesus. Paul insisted his gospel was no innovation but fulfillment of Israel's own prophetic hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the suffering of Christ challenge modern prosperity gospel or triumphalist versions of Christianity?
  2. What does Christ being 'the first to rise from the dead' reveal about the nature and purpose of His resurrection versus other biblical resuscitations?
  3. How should the truth that Messiah brings light to 'both the people and the Gentiles' shape the church's mission and self-understanding today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἰ1 of 17

“That”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

παθητὸς2 of 17

“should suffer”

G3805

liable (i.e., doomed) to experience pain

ὁ3 of 17
G3588

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

Χριστός4 of 17

“Christ”

G5547

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

εἰ5 of 17

“That”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

πρῶτος6 of 17

“he should be the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐξ7 of 17

“that”

G1537

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

ἀναστάσεως8 of 17

“rise”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

νεκρῶν9 of 17

“from the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

φῶς10 of 17

“light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

μέλλει11 of 17

“should”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

καταγγέλλειν12 of 17

“and should shew”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

τῷ13 of 17
G3588

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

λαῷ14 of 17

“unto the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ15 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

τοῖς16 of 17
G3588

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

ἔθνεσιν17 of 17

“to the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

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 26:23 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 26:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:1-12Luke 24:26Revelation 1:5Colossians 1:18Zechariah 12:10Hebrews 2:10

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