Acts 17:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διανοίγων

G1272

Opening

to open thoroughly, literally (as a first-born) or figuratively (to expound)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρατιθέμενος

G3908

alleging

to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἔδει

G1163

must needs

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

παθεῖν

G3958

have suffered

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἀναστῆναι

G450

risen again

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#11

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#12

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

οὗτός

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#16

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#17

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

Χριστός

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#19

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#20

ὃν

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#21

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#22

καταγγέλλω

G2605

preach

to proclaim, promulgate

#23

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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