Acts 26:23

Christ. Literally, “the Christ” (see on Matt. 1:1).

Should suffer. The sufferings, death, and resurrection of Christ were the very points at issue between the Jews and Paul. In Jewish Messianic thinking there was no room for a suffering and dying Messiah, and thus no reason for the Messiah to rise from the dead (see on v. 6). Paul’s statement here is almost identical with that of Jesus on the way to Emmaus (see on Luke 24:25-27). “Christ crucified” has ever been “a stumblingblock” to the Jews (1 Cor. 1:23). See on Acts 13:27-37.

First that should rise. Christ is “the first-fruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20), the “firstborn from the dead” (Col. 1:18). He was also first to proclaim that the dead shall live through faith in Him (John 5:21-29; 11:23-26). Christ was not first in point of time to rise from the dead. Moses comes first in that sense (Luke 9:28-30; Jude 9). Christ was the “first” in prominence and as the author of life (Col. 1:15, 16; 3:4). Having conquered death (Acts 2:24; Rev. 1:18), He guaranteed life to all who trust in Him and in His power. His resurrection was a pledge of the general resurrection of the just (1 Cor. 15:12-22). It is He who has “brought life and immortality to light” (2 Tim. 1:10).

Shew light. Or, “proclaim light.” The gospel, as old as man’s need of a Saviour, is proclaimed with new force in the light of His death and resurrection. See on John 1:4-9.

The people. That is, the Jews. Simeon called the infant Jesus “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of” His “people Israel” (Luke 2:32).

The Gentiles. To whom Paul was Heaven’s chosen messenger to proclaim the light of truth (see on Acts 9:15).