Acts 2:24

KJV

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whom {G3739} God {G2316} hath raised up {G450}, having loosed {G3089} the pains {G5604} of death {G2288}: because {G2530} it was {G2258} not {G3756} possible {G1415} that he {G846} should be holden {G2902} of {G5259} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“But God has raised him up and freed him from the suffering of death; it was impossible that death could keep its hold on him.

Berean Standard Bible

But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.

American Standard Version

whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:24 stands as a powerful declaration within Peter's Pentecost sermon, asserting the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ by God. This pivotal verse proclaims that God raised Jesus, effectively severing the binding power of death, because it was divinely impossible for death to retain its hold on Him. It underscores both God's sovereign power and Christ's unique, sinless nature, which rendered Him immune to death's ultimate dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:24 is embedded within Peter's inaugural sermon on the Day of Pentecost, delivered to a diverse Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. This sermon immediately follows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, an event that had caused a stir and led some to mock the disciples. Peter, empowered by the Spirit, rises to explain these miraculous events, framing them as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and directly connecting them to the recent crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The verse serves as a climactic theological statement, affirming Jesus' triumph over death, which is foundational to Peter's subsequent call to repentance and faith. It builds upon the earlier declaration of the Spirit's arrival and sets the stage for the rapid growth of the early church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sermon takes place during the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, which meant Jerusalem was teeming with Jews from across the Roman Empire. This provided a unique opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed to a wide, religiously devout audience. The audience would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, and many would have been eyewitnesses or heard accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, which occurred just weeks prior. Peter's message directly confronts their understanding of the Messiah, asserting that the crucified Jesus was indeed the promised Christ, whose resurrection was not an unexpected turn of events but a divinely orchestrated necessity, fulfilling prophecies like those found in [Psalm 16](/psalm/16 "Psalm 16 - A Messianic Psalm"). The cultural understanding of death as a finality, and the Roman Empire's power, make God's act of raising Jesus even more astounding.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is **The Resurrection of Jesus Christ**, presented not merely as an event but as the definitive act of God that validates Jesus' messianic claims and His victory over sin and death. This truth is the bedrock of Christian faith, as Paul later emphasizes in [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection"). Another key theme is **God's Sovereign Power**, highlighted by the declaration that "God hath raised up" Jesus and that death could not possibly hold Him. This demonstrates God's ultimate authority over all creation, including the forces of death. Furthermore, the verse underscores **The Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Peter directly links Jesus' resurrection to Old Testament scriptures, particularly [Psalm 16:10](/psalm/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of Resurrection"), proving that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were part of God's predetermined plan. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Christ's Unique Nature and Sinlessness**, implying that death, the consequence of sin, had no legitimate claim on the perfectly righteous Son of God, a concept further explored in [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Death's Dominion Over Christ is Broken").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** from ἀνά and ἵστημι; to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive):--arise, lift up, raise up (again), rise (again), stand up(-right). This word emphasizes the active, divine agency in Jesus' resurrection. It was not a natural reanimation or resuscitation, but a powerful, supernatural act of God lifting Jesus from the realm of the dead. The passive voice ("hath raised up") further underscores that God was the subject, the one performing the action.
* **loosed (Greek, _lýō'_):** a primary verb; to "loosen" (literally or figuratively):--break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off. This term vividly portrays the breaking of death's power. It suggests that death had a binding, imprisoning grip, and God actively "unbound" or "unfastened" Jesus from its hold. It implies a complete nullification of death's authority over Him.
* **pains (Greek, _ōdín'_):** akin to ὀδύνη; a pang or throe, especially of childbirth:--pain, sorrow, travail. While "pains" might suggest suffering, in this context, _ōdín_ often refers to the "cords" or "bands" that bind, or even the intense "birth pangs" that precede new life. Peter, quoting from the Septuagint version of Psalm 16:10, uses this word to convey the idea of death's inescapable grip or binding power. God "loosed" these binding cords, effectively dismantling death's prison.
* **holden (Greek, _kratéō'_):** from κράτος; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):--hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by). This word reinforces the idea of death's attempt to maintain its grip. The declaration that it was "not possible" for Jesus to be _kratéō_ by death highlights the absolute impotence of death's power when confronted with God's divine purpose and Christ's sinless nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whom God hath raised up":** This opening clause immediately attributes the resurrection of Jesus directly to God the Father. It emphasizes divine agency, making it clear that Jesus' return to life was not a natural occurrence, a human effort, or a mere resuscitation, but a miraculous, supernatural act of God's omnipotent power. This divine action validates Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.
* **"having loosed the pains of death":** This phrase describes the manner in which God raised Jesus. The "pains of death" (Greek _ōdinas tou thanatou_) refers to the binding cords or grip of death. God "loosed" or "unbound" these restraints, signifying that He broke death's power and dominion over Jesus. It's a powerful image of liberation, where death's chains are shattered, and its prison doors are thrown open by divine intervention.
* **"because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.":** This concluding clause provides the theological rationale for Jesus' resurrection. It was an absolute impossibility for death to retain its hold on Jesus. This impossibility stems from several factors: Jesus' unique divine-human nature, His perfect sinlessness (death's wages are sin, and He had none), and God's predetermined plan for salvation. Death, which is the consequence of sin, had no legitimate claim over the sinless Son of God, and therefore, its power was ultimately broken by His resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:24 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological truth. The phrase "having loosed the pains of death" uses **Metaphor**, portraying death not as an abstract state but as a tangible entity with "pains" or "cords" that bind. This vivid imagery helps the audience grasp the idea of death's oppressive power being actively broken by God. The entire statement "Whom God hath raised up" is an example of the **Divine Passive**, where the action is performed by God, even if not explicitly stated as the grammatical subject of the verb "raised up" in some translations. This device subtly but powerfully attributes the resurrection solely to God's initiative and power. Furthermore, the emphatic declaration "it was not possible that he should be holden of it" utilizes **Hyperbole** (or strong assertion) to underscore the absolute certainty and divine necessity of Christ's resurrection. It highlights the inherent weakness of death when confronted by the unique nature and divine purpose of Jesus, making His resurrection not just an event, but an inevitable triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The resurrection of Jesus Christ, as proclaimed in Acts 2:24, is the cornerstone of Christian theology, transforming the meaning of His crucifixion from a tragic end into a triumphant victory. It validates Jesus' claims to divinity, His identity as the Messiah, and the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. The resurrection demonstrates God's ultimate power over sin and death, offering humanity the hope of new life and eternal salvation. It signifies that Christ's work on the cross was fully accepted by the Father, and that He now reigns as Lord, interceding for His people and preparing a place for them. This event is not merely a historical fact but a living reality that empowers believers, assures them of their own future resurrection, and calls them to live lives transformed by the power of the risen Christ.

* [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power in Christ's Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:24 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical implications for believers today. The truth that God raised Jesus from the dead, and that death could not hold Him, provides an unshakeable foundation for our faith and hope. In a world often defined by suffering, loss, and the inevitability of death, this verse reminds us that death is not the final word. Christ's resurrection assures us of God's ultimate victory over all evil, including our greatest enemy, death itself. This should inspire a confident trust in God's power to overcome any obstacle in our lives, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within us ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power in Christ's Resurrection")). It calls us to live with a resurrection mindset, embracing new life in Christ, pursuing holiness, and living with the hope of eternal life, knowing that our future is secure in the hands of the resurrected Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty that "it was not possible that he should be holden of it" impact your understanding of Christ's victory over death and sin?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience the "loosing" power of God, breaking the "pains" or binding grips of sin, fear, or despair?**
* **How does the resurrection of Jesus empower your daily walk and give you hope for the future, even in the face of life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "having loosed the pains of death" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, "having loosed the pains of death," translates the Greek _ōdinas tou thanatou_. While "pains" might suggest suffering, the Greek word _ōdín_ (G5604) more broadly refers to the "cords," "bands," or "birth pangs." In this context, drawing from the Septuagint translation of [Psalm 18:4](/psalm/18-4 "Psalm 18:4 - The Cords of Death"), it vividly describes death as a powerful entity that binds or holds its captives. Therefore, "loosed the pains of death" means God actively broke or unbound the powerful, inescapable grip that death had. It signifies that death's power to hold Jesus captive was completely nullified, much like chains being broken or a prison door being unlocked. It emphasizes God's absolute power to free Jesus from death's dominion.

**Why was "it not possible that he should be holden of it"?**

Answer: The impossibility of death holding Jesus captive stems from several profound theological truths. Firstly, Jesus was the sinless Son of God. Death is the wage of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), and since Jesus committed no sin, death had no legitimate claim or lasting power over Him. Secondly, it was part of God's sovereign, eternal plan for salvation. God had predetermined that His Messiah would conquer death, as prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 16:10](/psalm/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - David's Prophecy of Resurrection")). God's purpose for Jesus was not to remain in the grave but to be resurrected, exalted, and to reign. Therefore, death's inability to hold Him was a divine necessity, demonstrating both Christ's unique nature and God's unwavering faithfulness to His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:24 stands as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very essence of God's redemptive plan centered on Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event; it is the definitive act that validates His identity as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the triumphant Lord over sin and death. His resurrection is the ultimate proof that His atoning sacrifice on the cross was fully accepted by the Father, providing complete justification for all who believe ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")). Because it was "not possible that he should be holden" by death, Christ is now alive forevermore, seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")) and reigning as King of kings ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One")). His resurrection is the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing our own future resurrection and eternal life with Him. Through His victory over death, Christ has disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), offering new life and spiritual freedom to all who trust in Him, enabling them to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")).

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

1 Corinthians 6:14

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

1 Peter 1:21

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Colossians 2:12

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

John 10:18

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Ephesians 1:20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

Romans 6:4

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.