Acts 17:31 Meaning and Explanation
“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God has appointed a day to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has ordained, giving proof to all by raising him from the dead.
What Does Acts 17:31 Mean?
The sermon reaches its summit: God has appointed a day, ordained a Judge, and supplied the proof. He will judge the world in righteousness by "that man" -- Jesus, named plainly enough by the mention of his rising -- and the resurrection is heaven's assurance, given unto all men, that this is so.
Judgment by Jesus is both solemn and full of hope: the world will be set right by One who is perfectly righteous and who carries the marks of his own mercy. And God does not ask for blind assent; he has given assurance -- open proof before all -- by raising Christ from the dead. The empty tomb is God's pledge that history has a verdict and the Judge has a face, and the only wisdom is to be ready for that day.
Acts 17:31 in the Original Language
pistis (πίστις), 'assurance' -- here, a proof or pledge given openly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 17:31
What does Acts 17:31 mean?
God has appointed a day to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has ordained, giving proof to all by raising him from the dead.