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Acts 17:31

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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.

Because {G1360} he hath appointed {G2476} a day {G2250}, in {G1722} the which {G3739} he will {G3195} judge {G2919} the world {G3625} in {G1722} righteousness {G1343} by {G1722} that man {G435} whom {G3739} he hath ordained {G3724}; whereof he hath given {G3930} assurance {G4102} unto all {G3956} men, in that he hath raised {G450} him {G846} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

For he has set a Day when he will judge the inhabited world, and do it justly, by means of a man whom he has designated. And he has given public proof of it by resurrecting this man from the dead.”

For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”

inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Commentary

Context

Acts 17:31 is the powerful climax of Paul's sermon delivered to the Athenian philosophers on the Areopagus, or Mars Hill. Having observed their many altars, including one "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD," Paul seized the opportunity to declare the true God—the Creator of the universe who does not dwell in temples made by hands (Acts 17:24). He challenged their philosophical and religious worldview, moving from common ground (God as Creator and sustainer) to the radical concept of divine accountability and a call to repentance (Acts 17:30). This verse, Acts 17:31, presents the ultimate reason for that repentance: a coming day of judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse proclaims God's absolute sovereignty and justice, affirming that a specific "day" has been appointed for the world to be judged. This judgment is not arbitrary but conducted "in righteousness," meaning it will be perfectly just and fair, reflecting God's holy character.
  • Christ as the Ordained Judge: Central to this judgment is "that man whom he hath ordained"—Jesus Christ. God has entrusted the authority of final judgment to His Son, a theme echoed elsewhere in Scripture (John 5:22). This highlights Jesus' unique position and authority, not only as Savior but also as the ultimate arbiter of humanity's destiny.
  • The Resurrection as Assurance: The most compelling proof and "assurance" given for Christ's role as judge and the certainty of this coming judgment is His resurrection from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating His claims, His divine nature, and the truth of the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:20). It serves as God's public declaration that Jesus is indeed the one ordained for this supreme task.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "hath appointed a day" emphasizes God's sovereign decree and meticulous planning. It's not a vague concept but a definite, predetermined event in time.
  • "Righteousness" (Greek: dikaiosynē) signifies a judgment that is perfectly just, impartial, and aligned with God's perfect standards. It stands in stark contrast to human biases or flawed legal systems.
  • "Assurance" (Greek: pistis) here means 'proof,' 'pledge,' or 'convincing evidence.' The resurrection is not merely a sign but the undeniable, irrefutable evidence God has given to all humanity concerning Christ's authority and the reality of the coming judgment.

Practical Application

Acts 17:31 carries profound implications for all people. It underscores the urgency of responding to God's call for repentance, as no one will escape accountability. Knowing that judgment will be conducted by Jesus Christ, who perfectly understands human nature and perfectly embodies divine justice and mercy, provides both solemnity and hope. For believers, it reinforces the foundation of their faith—the resurrection—and motivates them to live in light of Christ's eventual return and righteous reign. For those who have not yet repented, it serves as a stark warning and a compelling reason to seek God's grace through faith in Jesus before that appointed day.

Reflection

This verse is a powerful summary of the gospel's demands and assurances. It proclaims God's ultimate authority, Christ's pivotal role in salvation and judgment, and the undeniable truth of the resurrection. It calls every individual to consider their standing before a holy God and to embrace the salvation offered through the very one who will one day judge the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Matthew 25:31 (10 votes)

    When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

  • Matthew 25:46 (10 votes)

    And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

  • Romans 2:16 (9 votes)

    In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

  • 2 Peter 3:7 (9 votes)

    But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10 (7 votes)

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

  • Psalms 98:9 (7 votes)

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

  • Psalms 9:8 (7 votes)

    And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.