Acts 2:24

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

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}.

“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.

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.

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

Commentary

Acts 2:24 is a pivotal verse from Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, succinctly declaring the miraculous and essential truth of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's powerful sermon to the crowd gathered in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost, shortly after the Holy Spirit had descended upon the apostles (Acts 2:1-4). Peter, filled with the Spirit, proclaims the gospel message, connecting the recent crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus to Old Testament prophecies. He asserts that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a direct result of Jesus' exaltation and that God's plan for salvation culminated in Christ's triumph over death. This sermon is a foundational declaration of Christian theology to a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Key Themes

  • The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: The primary message is that God intervened directly to raise Jesus from the dead. This act validates Jesus' claims and His identity as the Son of God. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, proving Christ's victory over sin and death.
  • God's Sovereign Power: The phrase "Whom God hath raised up" highlights God's ultimate authority and power over life and death. It was not a human effort or a natural occurrence, but a divine act.
  • Death's Inability to Hold Christ: The verse emphatically states, "it was not possible that he should be holden of it." This speaks to Jesus' unique nature as both fully God and fully man, and His sinless perfection. Death, which is the consequence of sin, had no lasting claim on Him. This concept is echoed in Romans 6:9.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter's sermon directly references Old Testament prophecies, particularly from Psalm 16, to demonstrate that Jesus' resurrection was foretold and part of God's eternal plan. He links this verse directly to David's prophecy in Psalm 16:10.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "having loosed the pains of death" translates the Greek word ōdinas (ὠδῖνας). While "pains" can imply agony, ōdinas more broadly refers to the "cords" or "bands" that bind, or even "birth pangs." In this context, it suggests the powerful, binding grip of death. God "loosed" or "unbound" these restraints, demonstrating His absolute power to free Jesus from death's hold. The idea is that death's power was broken, its chains shattered, making it impossible for Christ to remain captive.

Practical Application

Acts 2:24 offers profound hope and assurance to believers today. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a living reality that underpins our faith. It signifies:

  • The Reality of Victory: Just as Jesus conquered death, believers can have confidence in His ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil. This gives us hope for our own resurrection and eternal life (John 11:25).
  • The Foundation of Faith: The resurrection validates Jesus' identity and teachings. Our faith is not in vain, but rests on the undeniable power of God demonstrated through Christ's triumph (1 Corinthians 15:14).
  • Divine Purpose: The fact that it "was not possible" for Jesus to be held by death underscores God's unwavering purpose and plan for humanity's redemption.

This verse calls us to marvel at God's power and to place our trust in the resurrected Christ, who offers new life to all who believe.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 6:14 (16 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:21 (15 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

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

  • John 10:18 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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.