Articles
A Resurrection of the Just and Unjust - Acts 24
A Resurrection of the Just and Unjust - Acts 24
As Paul gave his defense before Felix, he stated that he had " a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust" (Acts 24:15). Earlier we read that this topic was a divisive one among the various Jewish sects with the Pharisees affirming it and the Sadducees denying it (Acts 23:8). Paul, having come out of the Pharisee party, continued his belief in this event.
That a resurrection is possible is the central thought of the Christian's belief system for we affirm that Jesus was raised from the dead. Paul wrote that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection of the dead (Rom. 1:4). Paul affirmed that this is core to our whole belief in Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:1-4 puts this as foundational to our understanding of who Jesus is. The resurrection thus became the theme of the Apostle's preaching being affirmed by Peter (Acts 2:24,31-32; 3:15) and Paul (Acts 13:30, 17:31; 26:22-23).
Such resurrection of Jesus thus ensures that WE too will be raised. Herein is our hope for the future. Paul affirmed that such resurrection gives us hope beyond the grave (1Thess. 4:13ff). With the prospect of our resurrection to being with God, we can comfort those grieved by the death of their loved ones.
The Holy Spirit by the mouth of Paul said that the resurrection of Jesus is the assurance of the resurrection of all men (Acts 17:31). With the resurrection of all men comes the assurance of judgment and justice. This is what Jesus himself taught in John 5:28-29.
"Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment."
Without such resurrection and judgment, there is no universal justice. While many people do receive evil for the evil deeds, many others live out their life with impunity. With the resurrection and judgment, justice will prevail. God WILL be just. "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne" (Psalm 89:14; 97:2). "Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For what a man sows, that shall he receive" (Gal. 6:7).
Hugh DeLong
