Acts 26:8

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

Why {G5101} should it be thought a thing {G2919} incredible {G571} with {G3844} you {G5213}, that {G1487} God {G2316} should raise {G1453} the dead {G3498}?

Why do you people consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?

Context of Acts 26:8

Acts 26:8 is part of the Apostle Paul's powerful defense before King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and other dignitaries in Caesarea. Paul, having been accused by Jewish leaders, is explaining his conversion experience and the essence of his message. Earlier in his speech, he recounts his fervent persecution of Christians (Acts 26:9-11) and then describes his dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-5). This verse directly challenges the skepticism of his audience, particularly regarding the central Christian doctrine of the resurrection, which was a point of contention between Sadducees (who denied it) and Pharisees (who affirmed it).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Resurrection of the Dead: This verse places the resurrection at the heart of Paul's defense and the Christian message. For Paul, the resurrection of Jesus was not merely a theological concept but a historical event that validated his apostleship and the gospel he proclaimed. It was the ultimate proof of God's power over death.
  • Divine Omnipotence: Paul's rhetorical question, "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?" underscores the boundless power of God. It implies that if God is truly God, then raising the dead should not be considered an impossible or unbelievable feat. This theme resonates with other scriptures affirming God's ability to do the impossible.
  • Challenge to Skepticism: The verse directly confronts human incredulity concerning divine works. Paul challenges his listeners to consider the implications of their worldview if it cannot accommodate God's supernatural power, particularly in overcoming death.
  • The Hope of Christianity: The resurrection, both of Christ and of believers, forms the bedrock of Christian hope. Paul's entire ministry was built upon the conviction that Christ had conquered death, offering a future resurrection for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Why should it be thought a thing incredible" translates the Greek rhetorical question "Τί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ’ ὑμῖν" (Ti apiston krinetai par' hymin). The key word here is ἄπιστον (apiston), meaning "unbelievable," "incredible," or "untrustworthy." It is related to ἀπιστία (apistia), meaning "unbelief" or "faithlessness." Paul is essentially asking, "Why do you consider it unbelievable or beyond faith that God could do this?" This highlights the clash between human reason limited by natural experience and divine power that transcends it.

Practical Application

Acts 26:8 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to reaffirm their faith in God's limitless power, especially concerning the resurrection. In a world often dominated by rationalism and skepticism, this verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to accomplish what seems impossible from a human perspective. It reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but the foundation of our hope for eternal life and the ultimate victory over death and sin. It also challenges us to consider our own biases and limitations when contemplating the miraculous works of God, just as Paul challenged Agrippa and Festus.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:12

    ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

  • 1 Corinthians 15:20

    ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.

  • Acts 4:2

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

  • Acts 17:31

    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.

  • Acts 17:32

    ¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].

  • Philippians 3:21

    Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

  • Acts 10:40

    Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

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