Acts 24:21

KJV

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Except {G2228} it be for {G4012} this {G5026} one {G3391} voice {G5456}, that {G3739} I cried {G2896} standing {G2476} among {G1722} them {G846}, Touching {G3754}{G4012} the resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498} I {G1473} am called in question {G2919} by {G5259} you {G5216} this day {G4594}.

Complete Jewish Bible

other than this one thing which I shouted out when I was standing among them: ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’”

Berean Standard Bible

unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

American Standard Version

except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 24:21, during his trial before Governor Felix, the Apostle Paul strategically redirects the focus of the accusations against him. He asserts that the true basis for his persecution is not any criminal offense or sedition against Rome, but rather his unwavering belief in and proclamation of the resurrection of the dead. This declaration shrewdly exposes the underlying theological dispute between Jewish factions as the real motive for the charges, highlighting the centrality of this doctrine to his message and the intense opposition it provoked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 24:21 is a pivotal moment in Paul's defense before Governor Felix in Caesarea, following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent transfer. The preceding verses detail the accusations brought against him by the high priest Ananias and the lawyer Tertullus: being a "pestilent fellow," a "stirrer up of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes," who also attempted to profane the temple ([Acts 24:5-6](/acts/24-5-6 "Acts 24:5-6 - Accusations Against Paul")). Paul's defense, which begins in [Acts 24:10](/acts/24-10 "Acts 24:10 - Paul's Defense Before Felix"), systematically refutes these charges. This specific verse serves as a climactic rhetorical maneuver, where Paul, having denied the criminal charges, isolates the one point of contention that truly incites his Jewish accusers: the resurrection. This echoes his earlier, similarly strategic declaration before the Sanhedrin in [Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration to the Sanhedrin"), where he explicitly stated, "I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first-century Jewish world was characterized by significant theological diversity, particularly concerning the doctrine of the resurrection. The two dominant sects, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, held opposing views. The Pharisees, to whom Paul once belonged, believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and spirits ([Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Pharisees and Sadducees on Resurrection")). In contrast, the Sadducees denied the resurrection, seeing it as an innovation not explicitly taught in the Torah, and were typically the wealthy, aristocratic priestly class who held significant power in the Sanhedrin. Paul's accusers, including the high priest Ananias, were likely Sadducees or heavily influenced by their theology. By bringing up the resurrection, Paul was not only highlighting a core tenet of his faith but also shrewdly exploiting the deep-seated theological rift within Judaism itself, effectively dividing his accusers and demonstrating that his "crime" was theological rather than political.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the **Centrality of the Resurrection** in the early Christian message. For Paul, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was not merely an event but the foundational truth upon which the entire gospel rested, validating Jesus's claims and offering hope for all believers ([1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - If Christ Has Not Been Raised")). Secondly, Paul's statement serves to **Expose the True Motive of Opposition**. He reveals that the opposition he faces is not primarily due to sedition or profaning the temple, but because his message, rooted in the resurrection, challenges the established religious order and specific theological beliefs of his accusers, especially the Sadducees who were "grieved that they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead" ([Acts 4:2](/acts/4-2 "Acts 4:2 - Sadducees Grieved by Resurrection Preaching")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Bold Witness Under Pressure**. Despite being on trial for his life, Paul does not shy away from proclaiming the controversial truth of the resurrection. He uses the legal platform as an opportunity for evangelism and apologetics, demonstrating unwavering conviction in the face of adversity, a consistent characteristic of the apostles throughout Acts, as seen in Peter and John's defiance before the Sanhedrin ([Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Boldness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** From G386, meaning "a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth)." In this context, Paul refers to the literal raising of the dead, a central tenet of his Pharisaic background and, more profoundly, of the Christian faith which hinges on Christ's bodily resurrection and the promise of a future resurrection for believers.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** From G3498, meaning "dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)." Here, it refers to those who have physically died. The phrase "resurrection of the dead" thus signifies the restoration to life of those who have experienced physical death, a concept that was highly contentious among Jewish sects, particularly between the Pharisees and Sadducees.
* **called in question (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, meaning "properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." Paul uses this term to highlight that the essence of his legal predicament is not a matter of criminal wrongdoing, but a theological "judgment" or "dispute" over the doctrine of resurrection. He is being tried not for breaking Roman law, but for holding a belief that offends his Jewish accusers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them":** Paul begins by dismissing all other accusations as unfounded, isolating the singular point of contention. The "one voice" refers to a specific declaration he made previously. The phrase "standing among them" recalls his appearance before the Sanhedrin, where he deliberately created a division among his accusers by appealing to the Pharisees' belief in the resurrection. This opening sets the stage for Paul to define the true nature of the charges against him.
* **"Touching the resurrection of the dead":** This is the core of Paul's assertion. He identifies the doctrine of the resurrection as the actual subject of the dispute. By stating "touching the resurrection of the dead," Paul is not admitting to a crime, but rather asserting that his belief in this fundamental theological truth is the real reason for his current predicament. It highlights that his "offense" is theological, not criminal or political.
* **"I am called in question by you this day":** Paul directly addresses his accusers, emphasizing that their true grievance and the basis for his trial is his stance on the resurrection. He is not being judged for sedition or profaning the temple, but for a theological conviction. This statement serves to expose the underlying religious animosity and to shift the burden of proof from a legal transgression to a doctrinal disagreement.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in Acts 24:21 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Strategy**, where Paul, a master orator and debater, skillfully narrows the scope of the charges against him. He dismisses the broad accusations of sedition and profaning the temple, focusing instead on the singular point of contention: the resurrection. This move is an act of **Redirection**, shifting the argument from a legal one (where he is innocent) to a theological one (where his accusers are divided). There is also an element of **Irony**, as Paul, accused of being a "pestilent fellow" and a threat to public order, reveals that his "crime" is a belief in God's power over death, a doctrine central to many of his Jewish accusers' own heritage (the Pharisees). This highlights the **Hypocrisy** of his accusers, who are more concerned with theological disagreement than with justice. Finally, Paul's declaration is an act of **Apostolic Boldness**, as he uses his trial as a platform to proclaim a core truth of the gospel, even when it puts him at greater risk.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The resurrection of the dead, which Paul so boldly declares as the true reason for his trial, is not merely a theological concept but the very bedrock of Christian faith and hope. It speaks to God's ultimate power over sin and death, validating Jesus's identity as the Messiah and providing the assurance of future glorification for all believers. Paul's willingness to stake his defense on this doctrine underscores its non-negotiable importance, revealing that the gospel is fundamentally a message of life triumphing over death through Christ. This truth transforms human existence, offering a living hope that transcends earthly trials and persecution, and it is precisely this radical hope that often provokes opposition from those who cling to earthly power or deny divine intervention.

* [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - If Christ Has Not Been Raised")
* [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Christ's Resurrection")
* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering commitment to the truth of the resurrection, even when facing imprisonment and potential death, offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world that often dismisses or mocks spiritual truths, we are called to emulate Paul's courage in articulating the core tenets of our faith. His example reminds us that genuine faith is not merely a private conviction but a public testimony, especially concerning the resurrection—the very cornerstone of Christian hope. We should reflect on whether we are willing to stand firm on essential doctrines, even when it is unpopular or challenging. Furthermore, Paul's experience helps us understand the nature of opposition to the gospel; often, it stems not from rational disagreement but from a spiritual resistance to God's power and truth. This understanding can equip us to respond with grace and clarity, recognizing that the battle is often spiritual. Ultimately, Paul's focus on the resurrection invites us to embrace the living hope it offers, empowering us to live with courage, knowing that death is not the final word for those who are in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What core Christian beliefs am I willing to stand firm on, even when facing social or personal opposition?**
* **How does my understanding of the resurrection of the dead impact my daily life, my hope for the future, and my response to suffering?**
* **In what ways might current opposition to Christian faith be rooted in a rejection of fundamental spiritual truths, rather than logical or moral grounds?**
* **How can I, like Paul, use opportunities of challenge or scrutiny to clearly articulate the hope that is within me?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the resurrection of the dead in first-century Judaism?**

Answer: The resurrection of the dead was a highly debated and divisive theological doctrine in first-century Judaism. The Pharisees, a popular and influential sect, firmly believed in a future resurrection, often linking it to messianic expectations and divine judgment. They found support for this belief in various Old Testament passages, such as [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life or Contempt"). In stark contrast, the Sadducees, who were primarily the aristocratic priestly class, rejected the concept of resurrection, as well as the existence of angels and spirits. They held strictly to the written Torah (the first five books of Moses) and argued that the resurrection was not explicitly taught there. This fundamental disagreement often led to heated disputes, as seen in the confrontation between Jesus and the Sadducees in [Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Matthew 22:23-33 - Sadducees Question Jesus About the Resurrection"). Paul, a former Pharisee, shrewdly leveraged this theological divide in his defense.

**How did Paul's declaration about the resurrection serve his defense strategy?**

Answer: Paul's declaration in Acts 24:21 was a brilliant rhetorical and strategic move. By stating that the true reason for his trial was "touching the resurrection of the dead," Paul achieved several objectives. First, he exposed the religious animosity behind the seemingly legal charges, demonstrating that his accusers' real grievance was theological, not criminal. Second, he appealed to the beliefs of the Pharisees, who were present in the Sanhedrin and likely among those listening to his trial before Felix. This tactic had worked before, causing a division among his accusers in [Acts 23:6-10](/acts/23-6-10 "Acts 23:6-10 - Paul Divides the Sanhedrin"). By framing the issue as a dispute over the resurrection, Paul shifted the focus from his alleged crimes against Rome or the temple to an internal Jewish theological debate, which would have been less concerning to a Roman governor like Felix. This allowed him to present himself not as a seditious revolutionary, but as a devout Jew whose beliefs were consistent with a respected Jewish tradition (Pharisaism).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's bold declaration concerning the resurrection of the dead in Acts 24:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For Paul, the general resurrection of the dead was not an abstract theological concept but a living reality made certain by the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" of all who will rise ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. It is the divine vindication of Jesus's claims to be the Son of God and the Messiah ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")), and it serves as the ultimate proof of His victory over sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Furthermore, Christ's resurrection is intrinsically linked to our justification and new life; as Paul teaches, He "was delivered up for our transgressions and was raised for our justification" ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")). Thus, Paul's willingness to be "called in question" for the resurrection is a testament to the fact that the entire Christian message—the gospel of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life—is inextricably bound to the risen Christ, who is Himself "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the 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

Acts 23:6

¶ But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Acts 4:2

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Acts 28:20

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see [you], and to speak with [you]: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

Acts 26:6

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Acts 26:8

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?