Acts 24:21
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
it be for
G4012
Περὶ
it be for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ταύτης
G3778
ταύτης
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
4 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
φωνῆς
voice
G5456
φωνῆς
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
5 of 19
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
ἧς
that
G3739
ἧς
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔκραξα
I cried
G2896
ἔκραξα
I cried
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
ἑστὼς
standing
G2476
ἑστὼς
standing
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
8 of 19
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
Touching
G3754
ὅτι
Touching
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Περὶ
it be for
G4012
Περὶ
it be for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
13 of 19
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
κρίνομαι
am called in question
G2919
κρίνομαι
am called in question
Strong's:
G2919
Word #:
16 of 19
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
σήμερον
this day
G4594
σήμερον
this day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
17 of 19
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
Cross References
Acts 23:6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.Acts 28:20For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.Acts 4:2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Historical Context
By framing the accusation as theological dispute about resurrection, Paul distinguished religious controversy from criminal charges. Felix had no jurisdiction over Jewish doctrine.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Paul's focus on resurrection serve his defense?
- What does this teach about distinguishing theological dispute from criminal accusation?
Analysis & Commentary
'Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.' Paul reduced the entire case to the resurrection doctrine. This theological dispute was not criminal matter for Roman courts.