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.
That {G1487} Christ {G5547} should suffer {G3805}, and that {G1487} he should be the first {G4413} that should rise {G386} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and should {G3195} shew {G2605} light {G5457} unto the people {G2992}, and {G2532} to the Gentiles {G1484}.
that the Messiah would die, and that he, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to both the People and the Goyim.”
that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”
how that the Christ must suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.
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Luke 24:26
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? -
Isaiah 53:1
¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? -
Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. -
Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, -
Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. -
Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. -
Daniel 9:26
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Acts 26:23 is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense before King Agrippa II and Governor Festus, where he succinctly summarizes the core tenets of his gospel message, demonstrating its continuity with Jewish prophecy rather than being a radical departure.
Context of Acts 26:23
This verse comes from Paul's eloquent defense speech (Acts 26:1-29) before Roman officials and Jewish leaders. Having been arrested and accused of various offenses, Paul seizes the opportunity to share his personal testimony of conversion on the Damascus road and to explain the true nature of his mission. He argues that his preaching about Jesus Christ is not contrary to the Law or the Prophets, but rather fulfills them. This particular verse encapsulates the essence of the message he proclaims, which he states is precisely what Moses and the prophets foretold (Acts 26:22).
Key Themes in Acts 26:23
The Messiah's Suffering
Paul emphasizes that the suffering of Christ was not an unexpected tragedy but a divinely ordained and prophesied event. This aligns with numerous Old Testament passages, particularly the "suffering servant" passages in Isaiah 53, which describe the Messiah's vicarious suffering for humanity's sins. For Jewish listeners, the concept of a suffering Messiah was often difficult to reconcile with expectations of a conquering king, yet Paul asserts it as fundamental to God's plan.
The Priority of Christ's Resurrection
The phrase "the first that should rise from the dead" (Greek: prototokos ek ton nekron, 'firstborn from the dead') is crucial. It does not mean Jesus was the first person ever resurrected (others like Lazarus were), but that He was the first to rise with a glorified, eternal body, never to die again. He is the "firstfruits" of the resurrection, guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. This event validates His identity as the Son of God and the efficacy of His atoning work.
Light for All People
Paul highlights that Christ "should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles." "The people" refers to Israel, while "the Gentiles" refers to all other nations. This universal scope of salvation was a revolutionary concept to many Jews, who believed God's blessings were exclusively for them. Paul consistently preached that the gospel light was intended for everyone, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 49:6, which foretold the Messiah would be "a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." This aspect of Paul's mission was often the primary source of opposition against him, as seen throughout the book of Acts.
Linguistic Insights
The Greek phrase for "first that should rise from the dead" is prototokos ek ton nekron. Prototokos implies not just chronological priority but also preeminence and authority. Christ's resurrection is therefore foundational, establishing Him as sovereign over death and the beginning of a new spiritual creation. The word "light" (Greek: phos) signifies spiritual understanding, truth, and salvation, contrasting with the darkness of sin and ignorance.
Practical Application
Acts 26:23 reminds believers of the unchanging core message of the gospel: Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection are central to God's plan of salvation. It also emphasizes the universal reach of God's grace—that the good news is for "the people" (anyone, regardless of background) and "the Gentiles" (all nations). This verse encourages us to boldly share the light of Christ with everyone, just as Paul did, understanding that the gospel message is rooted in ancient prophecy and offers hope to all humanity. It underscores the importance of proclaiming Christ's suffering and resurrection as the foundation of our faith and the basis for our hope.