Acts 17:31

KJV

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G1360} he hath appointed {G2476} a day {G2250}, in {G1722} the which {G3739} he will {G3195} judge {G2919} the world {G3625} in {G1722} righteousness {G1343} by {G1722} that man {G435} whom {G3739} he hath ordained {G3724}; whereof he hath given {G3930} assurance {G4102} unto all {G3956} men, in that he hath raised {G450} him {G846} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he has set a Day when he will judge the inhabited world, and do it justly, by means of a man whom he has designated. And he has given public proof of it by resurrecting this man from the dead.”

Berean Standard Bible

For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”

American Standard Version

inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:31 serves as the powerful climax of Paul's sermon on Mars Hill, declaring God's sovereign decree to judge the entire world on a specific, appointed day. This judgment will be conducted with perfect righteousness through Jesus Christ, the Man uniquely ordained by God for this supreme task. The irrefutable proof and divine assurance of this coming judgment and Christ's authority are unequivocally demonstrated by God's act of raising Jesus from the dead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 17:31 is the concluding statement of Paul's profound address to the Athenian philosophers on the Areopagus, an intellectual and religious hub. Paul began by observing their altar "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD" ([Acts 17:23](/acts/17-23 "Acts 17:23 - The Altar to the Unknown God")), using it as a springboard to introduce the true God—the Creator of all things, who is not confined to human-made temples ([Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - God as Creator")). He then systematically dismantled their polytheistic and philosophical assumptions, asserting God's immanence, humanity's common origin, and the universal call to repentance in light of divine ignorance now being overlooked ([Acts 17:26-30](/acts/17-26-30 "Acts 17:26-30 - God's Sovereignty and Call to Repentance")). Verse 31 provides the ultimate, compelling reason for this repentance: a future, certain judgment administered by the resurrected Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Athens in the first century AD was a city steeped in philosophy, idolatry, and intellectual pride. The Areopagus was the traditional meeting place of the city's highest court and a forum for philosophical debate. Paul was addressing Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, whose worldviews often denied divine intervention, a personal God, or a bodily resurrection. The Epicureans believed in a detached deity and sought pleasure as the highest good, while the Stoics emphasized fate and living in harmony with nature's impersonal forces. Both found the concept of a personal God judging the world, and especially a bodily resurrection, utterly foreign and often ridiculous. Paul's declaration of a coming judgment and the resurrection of a specific man (Jesus) was a direct challenge to their ingrained philosophical assumptions, which valued human reason above divine revelation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes present in the book of Acts and throughout the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, emphasizing His ultimate authority over human history and His commitment to righteous judgment, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously") and [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment"). It underscores **Christ's Unique Authority**, portraying Jesus not merely as a prophet or teacher but as the divinely appointed Judge of all humanity, a truth also found in [John 5:22-27](/john/5-22-27 "John 5:22-27 - The Son as Judge"). Finally, it spotlights the **Centrality of the Resurrection**, presenting Christ's resurrection as the irrefutable evidence and divine guarantee of His identity, His claims, and the certainty of the coming judgment, a cornerstone of apostolic preaching as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **appointed (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** From G2476, meaning "to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up)." Here, it signifies a fixed, established, and divinely decreed event. God has not merely suggested a day, but has "set up" or "established" it with absolute certainty and authority.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, meaning "equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness." This term assures that the judgment will be perfectly just, impartial, and aligned with God's holy and equitable character. It is a judgment free from error, bias, or corruption, reflecting divine perfection.
* **assurance (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, meaning "persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity." In this context, "assurance" functions as 'proof,' 'pledge,' or 'convincing evidence.' The resurrection is presented as God's undeniable, public validation of Christ's authority and the reality of the coming judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because he hath appointed a day":** This clause establishes the divine origin and certainty of the future judgment. God, as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer, has not left the timing of judgment to chance or human whim, but has precisely "appointed" or fixed a specific "day" for it. This emphasizes His meticulous plan and ultimate control over history.
* **"in the which he will judge the world in righteousness":** This specifies the nature and scope of the appointed day. The "world" (Greek, _oikouménē'_, referring to the inhabited earth, often the Roman Empire in this context, but here implying all humanity) will face judgment. Crucially, this judgment will be conducted "in righteousness," meaning it will be perfectly just, fair, and aligned with God's holy and equitable character, leaving no room for accusation of divine partiality or error.
* **"by that man whom he hath ordained":** This reveals the identity of the Judge: "that man," explicitly referring to Jesus Christ. God has "ordained" (Greek, _horízō'_, meaning to mark out, determine, or specify) Him for this singular role. This highlights Jesus' unique authority and position, not only as Savior but also as the ultimate arbiter of human destiny, entrusted with the divine prerogative of judgment.
* **"whereof he hath given assurance unto all men":** This clause introduces the undeniable proof for the preceding declarations. God has provided "assurance" or irrefutable evidence to "all men" concerning the certainty of this judgment and the identity of the Judge. This assurance is not hidden but openly presented to humanity.
* **"in that he hath raised him from the dead":** This final clause identifies the specific, concrete act that serves as God's ultimate assurance. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is presented as the definitive, public, and undeniable proof of His divine identity, His authority to judge, and the absolute certainty of the coming judgment. It is the cornerstone of the gospel message and the ultimate validation of all Christ's claims.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 17:31 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse functions as a **Climax** to Paul's Areopagus sermon, bringing his argument to an inescapable conclusion after logically progressing from God as Creator to God as Judge. There is a strong element of **Assertion**, as Paul declares divine truths with unshakeable conviction, particularly regarding the appointed day of judgment and the identity of the Judge. The phrase "in that he hath raised him from the dead" serves as a powerful **Evidence** or **Proof Statement**, presenting the resurrection as the irrefutable, divinely provided validation for all that precedes it. This act of God is presented as the ultimate **Sign** or **Validation** of Christ's authority and the certainty of future accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:31 is a cornerstone text for understanding the biblical doctrine of eschatology and Christology. It firmly establishes the reality of a future, universal divine judgment, emphasizing that all humanity will be held accountable. This judgment is not arbitrary but righteous, reflecting God's perfect character. Crucially, it identifies Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed Judge, thereby elevating His status and authority to the highest possible level. The resurrection of Christ is presented not merely as a historical event but as the ultimate divine seal of approval, guaranteeing the truth of the gospel and the certainty of the coming judgment. This verse connects the historical reality of Christ's life, death, and resurrection directly to the future destiny of all humanity, underscoring the urgency of repentance and faith.

* [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "The Son of Man Given Authority to Judge")
* [Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "God Will Judge Secrets Through Christ")
* [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "Christ Jesus, Who Will Judge the Living and the Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:31 presents a truth that is both sobering and profoundly hopeful. The certainty of a coming judgment, administered by Jesus Christ Himself, underscores the seriousness of life and the ultimate accountability of every individual before a holy God. This reality should compel us to examine our lives, repent of sin, and embrace the grace offered through Christ. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, this verse brings immense comfort and assurance, for the Judge is also our Savior, one who perfectly understands human weakness and has already paid the penalty for sin. The resurrection, as the divine assurance, strengthens our faith and provides an unshakeable foundation for our hope, knowing that our future is secured in the resurrected Lord. This truth should motivate believers to live lives of holiness, share the gospel with urgency, and anticipate Christ's return with joy, while also serving as a compelling warning and invitation to those who have not yet responded to God's call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of a future, righteous judgment by Christ impact your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus provide "assurance" for your faith and hope?**
* **If Christ is the ordained Judge, how does this understanding shape your view of His authority and character?**
* **What is your personal response to God's call for repentance in light of this coming judgment?**

### FAQ
**What does "judge the world in righteousness" mean?**

Answer: To "judge the world in righteousness" means that God's judgment will be perfectly just, impartial, and aligned with His holy and equitable character. It implies that every decision made on that day will be absolutely fair, without bias or error, reflecting God's perfect standards of truth and justice. This stands in stark contrast to human legal systems, which are often flawed or influenced by corruption. The judgment will be based on divine truth, and no one will be able to accuse God of unfairness.

**Why is Jesus Christ the one appointed to judge the world?**

Answer: The Bible consistently teaches that God the Father has entrusted all judgment to His Son, Jesus Christ. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son") states, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." This is fitting because Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, fully understands humanity, having lived a sinless human life. He is both fully God and fully man, uniquely qualified to administer divine justice with perfect knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. His role as Judge is intrinsically linked to His role as Savior, highlighting His ultimate authority over all creation and humanity's destiny.

**How is the resurrection of Jesus an "assurance" of the coming judgment?**

Answer: The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is God's ultimate and irrefutable proof, or "assurance," for the certainty of the coming judgment and Christ's authority to execute it. In the ancient world, to be raised from the dead was an unparalleled event, signifying divine approval and power. By raising Jesus, God publicly validated all of Christ's claims—including His divine identity, His authority, and the truth of His teachings about a future judgment. It demonstrates God's power over death and His commitment to His word, making the future judgment an absolute certainty. As [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits") emphasizes, Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" of a new creation and the guarantee of future resurrection and judgment for all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:31 powerfully culminates Paul's gospel presentation, centering the entire message on Christ's ultimate authority and role. The "appointed day" of judgment finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus, who is not only the object of faith but also the final arbiter of all humanity. This verse directly foreshadows the New Testament revelation that all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Christ's resurrection is presented as the irrefutable evidence of His divine ordination and the certainty of this future judgment. It is the very event that validates His claims to be the Son of God with power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Christ Declared Son of God by Resurrection")) and the one who will return to judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "Christ Jesus, Who Will Judge the Living and the Dead")). Thus, the call to repentance in Acts 17:30 is given urgency precisely because the resurrected Christ is the one appointed to judge the world in perfect righteousness. For those who believe, the Judge is their Savior, who has already borne the judgment for their sins on the cross, offering them eternal life instead of condemnation ([John 3:17-18](/john/3-17-18 "God Sent Not His Son to Condemn the World")). The resurrection of Christ is therefore not just a historical fact, but the living assurance of both coming judgment and the glorious hope of salvation found in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 25:31

¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Romans 2:16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

2 Peter 3:7

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Psalms 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.