Acts 17:3
Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
Original Language Analysis
διανοίγων
Opening
G1272
διανοίγων
Opening
Strong's:
G1272
Word #:
1 of 23
to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρατιθέμενος
alleging
G3908
παρατιθέμενος
alleging
Strong's:
G3908
Word #:
3 of 23
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔδει
must needs
G1163
ἔδει
must needs
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
7 of 23
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
παθεῖν
have suffered
G3958
παθεῖν
have suffered
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
8 of 23
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστῆναι
risen again
G450
ἀναστῆναι
risen again
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
10 of 23
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὗτός
this
G3778
οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
19 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Cross References
Acts 18:28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.Luke 24:32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?Acts 9:22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.Acts 3:18But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectation emphasized the Messiah's glory, making His suffering a 'stumbling block' (1 Corinthians 1:23). Paul's demonstration that Scripture predicted Messiah's suffering prepared hearers to accept Jesus's crucifixion as messianic fulfillment rather than disqualification.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you help others see that Jesus fulfills all Scripture, including parts that seem contradictory to expectations?
- What does this teach about addressing objections by showing biblical foundations before applying them to Jesus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's method - 'opening and alleging' that Christ must suffer and rise, then proving 'that this Jesus... is Christ' - shows systematic theological argumentation. He first established Messiah's necessity to suffer (contrary to popular expectation), then proved Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. This logical progression from Scripture to Jesus models apologetic methodology.