Acts 24:15
having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul strategically aligns his core belief in the resurrection of both the just and unjust with the common understanding of the Pharisees. This isn't just about Paul's hope; it's a clever move to highlight shared ground and expose the illogicality of his accusers' case.
Paul is defending himself before Felix, the Roman governor, against accusations brought by Jewish leaders. He's explaining his faith, stating he believes everything written in their Law and Prophets, and particularly emphasizes his hope in God for a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. This doctrine of resurrection was a key point of belief for the Pharisees and many Jews, which Paul highlights to show common ground with his accusers on fundamental theological matters.
Paul stands accused, facing hostility from those who reject his message. Yet, in his defense, he points to a common ground he shares with many of his accusers.
Paul's defense before Felix in Acts 24 is brilliant in its strategic approach. When confronted with accusations, he doesn't just deny them; he identifies a core belief he shares with his opponents, particularly the Pharisees, who represented a significant portion of the Jewish people.
Common Ground:
He highlights the hope in God concerning the resurrection of the dead. This wasn't just his hope; he states, "which these men themselves accept." This includes the Pharisees, who firmly believed in a future resurrection, as opposed to the Sadducees who denied it.
Strategic Defense:
By affirming this shared hope, Paul does a few things:
The resurrection isn't just about the 'good guys' getting their reward. Paul's declaration has a broader, more inclusive scope that touches on universal accountability.
Paul's statement about the resurrection of 'both the just and the unjust' is significant. It moves beyond a simple affirmation of a future hope to include the concept of final judgment and accountability for everyone.
A Universal Outcome:
This means the resurrection isn't exclusively for believers or the righteous. It is a future certainty for humanity. The distinction made – 'just' and 'unjust' – points to the inevitable outcome of divine judgment based on one's life and relationship with God.
Understand the original words
elpis · Greek Noun
A prophetic expectation or confident trust in God's future promises and faithfulness, anchored in His character rather than human certainty.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The climactic future event in which the dead are brought back to life, body and soul, to face divine judgment or enter into eternal life; a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith.
Paul strategically emphasizes the shared belief in the resurrection with the Pharisees. This highlights how, despite religious and political divisions, a common hope in God’s ultimate justice could bridge divides, even in a Roman court.
c. 63 BC
Roman Annexation of Judea
Rome conquers Judea, ending the Hasmonean dynasty and establishing Roman governorship over the region. This sets the stage for Roman legal and political influence in the province.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate's Governorship
Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect of Judea. His tenure is marked by numerous clashes with the Jewish populace, highlighting the tension between Roman rule and Jewish religious sensibilities.
c. AD 50s
Paul's Ministry in Asia Minor and Greece
Paul actively spreads Christianity throughout regions like Asia Minor and Greece, establishing churches and facing opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 58
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after being accused of defiling the temple. This event initiates a series of trials and imprisonments that span several years.
This Old Testament passage directly prophesies the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, providing the foundational teaching that Paul appeals to in Acts 24:15.
John 5:28-29Jesus himself speaks of a future resurrection for all, distinguishing between those who will come out to life and those who will come out to judgment, echoing Paul's statement about the just and the unjust.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44The Apostle Paul elaborates on the nature of the resurrection body, emphasizing its spiritual and transformed quality, which builds upon the certainty of the resurrection Paul affirms in Acts.
Romans 8:11This passage highlights that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies, connecting the hope of resurrection to the indwelling power of God's Spirit.
ellicottActs 24:15: "And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."
(15) Which they themselves also allow . . . —We have the same tact, perhaps also the same sympathy, as in Acts 23:6 . He identifies himself, on this point, not only with the Pharisees but with the great bulk of the Jewish people.
cambridgeActs 24:15: "And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."
15 . and have ( R. V. having) hope … which they themselves also allow ] ( R. V. look for). Here the Apostle is of course alluding only to the Pharisees among his own people, but he puts them as representatives of the larger part of the nation. The Rev. Ver. renders “which these also themselves look for.” If the Apostle employed the words in that…
Paul strategically aligns his core belief in the resurrection of both the just and unjust with the common understanding of the Pharisees. This isn't just about Paul's hope; it's a clever move to highlight shared ground and expose the illogicality of his accusers' case.
Paul is defending himself before Felix, the Roman governor, against accusations brought by Jewish leaders. He's explaining his faith, stating he believes everything written in their Law and Prophets, and particularly emphasizes his hope in God for a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. This doctrine of resurrection was a key point of belief for the Pharisees and many Jews, which Paul highlights to show common ground with his accusers on fundamental theological matters.
Paul is defending himself before Felix, the Roman governor, against accusations brought by Jewish leaders. He's explaining his faith, stating he believes everything written in their Law and Prophets, and particularly emphasizes his hope in God for a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. This doctrine of resurrection was a key point of belief for the Pharisees and many Jews, which Paul highlights to show common ground with his accusers on fundamental theological matters.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 24:15 is available in the Sola app.
Implications for Felix:
Commentators suggest Paul may have chosen these specific words to resonate with Felix, the Roman governor. While Felix's own beliefs about resurrection are unknown, the idea of a final accounting for all deeds would have been a powerful, conscience-stirring thought for any ruler.
c. AD 60— this verse
Paul's Hearing Before Felix
Paul defends himself before Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, and the Jewish high priest Ananias, who bring charges against him. This is the context for his speech recorded in Acts 24.
c. AD 62
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
After his case before Felix (and later Festus) is repeatedly stalled, Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case directly to Emperor Nero in Rome.
"having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust." — Paul strategically aligns his core belief in the resurrection of both the just and unjust with the common understanding of the Pharisees. This isn't just about Paul's hope; it's a clever move to hi…
