Acts 26:8
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Original Language Analysis
τί
Why
G5101
τί
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἄπιστον
incredible
G571
ἄπιστον
incredible
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
2 of 10
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
κρίνεται
should it be thought a thing
G2919
κρίνεται
should it be thought a thing
Strong's:
G2919
Word #:
3 of 10
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 10
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Acts 4:2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.Luke 18:27And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.Acts 25:19But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.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.Genesis 18:14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Historical Context
This question to King Agrippa built on Jewish belief in God's creative power. Paul's argument: the same God who creates life from nothing can certainly restore life to the dead. Resurrection shouldn't surprise those who affirm an all-powerful Creator.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your understanding of God's nature and power affect your confidence in resurrection?
- What makes resurrection 'incredible' to modern people, and how does proper theology address their objections?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's rhetorical question - 'Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?' - cuts to the heart of objection against Christianity. If God exists and is omnipotent, resurrection follows logically. Paul's appeal to shared monotheistic foundation (Agrippa believed in God's power) shows how resurrection's plausibility rests on theology proper - who God is determines what He can do.