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Acts 26:23

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 26:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Acts 26:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20but declared both to them of Damascus first and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judaea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
21For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me.
22Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;
23how 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.
24And as he thus made his defense, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.
25But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
26For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.
← Acts 26:22Acts 26:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That Christ should suffer, etc.] Great afflictions in soul and body, and death itself; this is recorded by Moses, (<010315>Genesis 3:15) and is the sense of many of the types, as of the passover, brazen serpent, etc. and of all the sacrifices which from God were appointed by him, and is the constant account of all the prophets from the beginning to the end; (see <192201> Psalm 22:1,2,6,7,11-21, <235302>Isaiah 53:2-12) (<270926>Daniel 9:26, <380909> Zechariah 9:9, 12:10, 13:6,7). The sufferer is Christ, or the Messiah, not the Father, nor the Spirit, but the Word, or Son of God, and not in his divine nature, which was incapable of suffering, but in his human nature; though sufferings may be…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That Christ should suffer, &c.--The construction of this sentence implies that in regard to the question "whether the Messiah is a suffering one, and whether, rising first from the dead, he should show light to the (Jewish) people and to the Gentiles," he had only said what the prophets and Moses said should come.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That Christ - That the Messiah expected by the Jews should be a suffering Messiah. Should suffer - Should lead a painful life, and be put to death. See the notes on Acts 17:3; compare Daniel 9:27; Isaiah 53:1-12. And that he should be the first ... - This declaration contains two points: (1) That it was taught in the prophets that the Messiah Would rise from the dead. On this, see the proof alleged in Acts 2:24-32; Acts 13:32-37. (2) That he would be the first that should rise. This cannot mean that the Messiah would be the first dead person who should be restored to life, for Elijah had raised the son of the Shunammite, and Jesus himself had raised Lazarus, and the widow’s son at Nain. It…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Christ: Gen 3:15; Psa. 22:1-69:36; Isa 53:1-12; Dan 9:24-26; Zac 12:10, Zac 13:7; Luk 18:31-33, Luk 24:26, Luk 24:46; Co1 15:3 the first: Act 26:8, Act 2:23-32, Act 13:34; Psa 16:8-11; Isa 53:10-12; Mat 27:53; Joh 10:18; Joh 11:25; Co1 15:20-23; Col 1:18; Rev 1:5 and should: Act 26:18; Luk 2:32 Acts 26:24”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification