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Acts 17:31
Verse
Context
Paul’s Address in the Areopagus
30Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.31For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He hath appointed a day - He has fixed the time in which he will judge the world, though he has not revealed this time to man. By that man whom he hath ordained - He has also appointed the judge, by whom the inhabitants of the earth are to be tried. Whereof he hath given assurance - ΠιϚιν παρασχων πασιν, Having given to all this indubitable proof, that Jesus Christ shall judge the world, by raising him from the dead. The sense of the argument is this: "Jesus Christ, whom we preach as the Savior of men, has repeatedly told his followers that he would judge the world; and has described to us, at large, the whole of the proceedings of that awful time, Mat 25:31, etc.; Joh 5:25. Though he was put to death by the Jews, and thus he became a victim for sin, yet God raised him from the dead. By raising him from the dead, God has set his seal to the doctrines he has taught: one of these doctrines is, that he shall judge the world; his resurrection, established by the most incontrovertible evidence, is therefore a proof, an incontestable proof, that he shall judge the world, according to his own declaration."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world--Such language beyond doubt teaches that the judgment will, in its essence, be a solemn judicial assize held upon all mankind at once. "Aptly is this uttered on the Areopagus, the seat of judgment" [BENGEL]. by that man whom he hath ordained--compare Joh 5:22-23, Joh 5:27; Act 10:42. whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead--the most patent evidence to mankind at large of the judicial authority with which the Risen One is clothed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Because he hath appointed a day,.... The day of judgment is fixed by God in his eternal purposes, and is sure and certain, and will come, though it is not known by men or angels; and this is a reason why God will have the doctrine of repentance everywhere published, both to Jews and Gentiles, since all must come to judgment: and the day for it is appointed by him, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness; the whole world will be judged, and every individual in it, good and bad, righteous and wicked; and this judgment will be a righteous one; it will proceed according to the strict rules of justice and equity, and upon the foot of the righteousness of Christ, as that has been received or rejected by men, or as men are clothed with, or are without that righteousness: by that man whom he hath ordained; Beza's ancient copy reads, "the man Jesus": not that the apostle means that Christ is a mere man; for then he would not be fit to be a Judge of quick and dead, and to pass and execute the definitive sentence; which requires omniscience and omnipotence: but preaching to mere Heathens, he chose not at once to assert the deity of Christ, though he tacitly suggests it: but intended, by degrees, to open the glories of his nature and office to them, he being the person God had from all eternity ordained, and in time had signified, should have all judgment committed to him, and by whom the last judgment shall be managed and transacted: whereof he hath given assurance to all men: or full proof, both of his being the Judge, and of his fitness to be one, and also of the righteousness, according to which he will judge: in that he hath raised him from the dead; whereby he was declared to be the Son of God; and when all power in heaven and in earth was given to him; and which was done for the justification of all those for whose offences he was delivered: and this seems to be the reason why the apostle calls Christ the Judge a man, that he might have the opportunity of mentioning his resurrection from the dead.
Acts 17:31
Paul’s Address in the Areopagus
30Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.31For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jehovah Witnesses - Part 2
By Walter Martin2.2K27:38Jehovah WitnessesACT 17:312CO 13:14HEB 1:5REV 1:8REV 22:7REV 22:12REV 22:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the triple point of water, where water exists simultaneously as a solid, liquid, and gas. He uses this scientific phenomenon to illustrate the complexity and mystery of the Trinity in Christianity. The speaker emphasizes that while the Trinity may be difficult to fully comprehend, it is a fundamental belief in Christianity that there is one God who exists as three distinct persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also argues that rational proof is not always necessary for belief, using examples like sitting on atoms and the nature of light. The speaker encourages the audience to accept the existence of God as revealed in the Bible, even if it cannot be fully understood or explained rationally.
Man's Chief End to Glorify God
By Aeron Morgan2.1K41:35Glorifying GodGEN 14:19GEN 15:1ACT 17:23ACT 17:311CO 6:19HEB 7:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that despite man's ability to harness the power of the sun and wind, he is spiritually fallen and in need of God. The preacher references Paul's message in Acts 17, where he declares that it is in God that we live, move, and have our being, and therefore we should glorify and honor Him. The preacher highlights that man may resist the idea of needing God and may be corrupted and depraved, but ultimately, he is weak and in captivity to sin. The sermon emphasizes that all souls belong to God, and as the creator, we are accountable to Him and should always seek to honor Him.
Fren-17 Apostolic Foundations - Priestliness
By Art Katz1.9K56:16PriestlinessEXO 25:20ACT 17:31HEB 4:16HEB 9:12HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker initially expresses skepticism towards the preacher's accent and style. However, as he continues to listen, he realizes that there is something beyond nationality and culture that is reaching him. The sermon focuses on the need for believers to be equipped for an apostolic confrontation and to have courage and boldness in their faith. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of understanding the significance of Jesus' blood and the new and living way that it has opened for believers. The sermon concludes with a call to engage in an unusual participation and to live as priests without interruption.
The Radical Kingdom - Part 1
By Art Katz1.7K1:21:17Kingdom Of GodPSA 119:1PSA 119:105ISA 2:2MAT 5:39ACT 17:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing two contrasting worldviews: one that is fear-centric and believes in the presence of God, and another that is secular and believes in a random world without God. The speaker argues that the church has lost sight of its mission to fulfill the dominion mandate and bring the knowledge of God to the nations. This lack of understanding has resulted in lackluster services and a failure to fully engage in the work of the church. The speaker also criticizes the escapist mentality of many Christians who are focused on being raptured and avoiding suffering, rather than embracing their role in the world.
Jap-06 the Righteous Judgements of God
By Art Katz1.7K1:15:34JapanesePSA 9:1ACT 17:31HEB 11:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that many people have been influenced by the world's interpretation of history and current events. He argues that we should view natural disasters and calamities as God's judgment rather than mere accidents. The preacher believes that God is already judging the nations, and if we fail to recognize this, the world will face even greater judgments like world war and atomic annihilation. He also highlights the importance of making the fear of God known to others and restoring correct priorities and proportions in our lives.
The 6th Vision: The Great White Throne
By Stephen Kaung1.5K38:54Great White ThroneLUK 10:20ACT 10:42ACT 17:31REV 20:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vision of the sixth one, where Jesus is seen riding a white horse and leading his army in the battle of Armageddon. Through the sword that comes out of his mouth, Jesus destroys his enemies and establishes his kingdom on earth. This marks the manifestation of the kingdom of God, where righteousness will rule and the knowledge of God will fill the earth. The preacher also mentions the judgment of the dead, where all those who have died will be raised and judged by Jesus, who has been appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
Be Patient, the Lord Is Coming - Part 2
By Alistair Begg1.3K41:14Lord's ComingACT 17:31ROM 2:4JAS 5:7JAS 5:91PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not living separated from God in eternity. He highlights God's compassion and mercy towards humanity, urging believers to show the same kindness, tolerance, and patience towards others. The preacher also discusses the return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unpredictability of the day and the need to focus on its centrality and reality. He encourages teaching children songs that convey important lessons and provides examples from the Bible, such as the farmer, to illustrate the importance of patience and hard work.
The Certainty of Our Faith
By Cornelius Van Til1.3K34:20FaithGEN 6:8JHN 1:3ACT 17:311CO 1:181CO 15:58HEB 11:38HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the contrast between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. He highlights how the world's wisdom is considered foolishness by God. The preacher also discusses the importance of proclaiming Jesus and his crucifixion, resurrection, and imminent return. He mentions the doubt and fear that modern man faces and how they are unable to truly know themselves or their world. The sermon concludes with a focus on the institution of the Lord's Supper and the belief in the existence of Satan and his deceit on the cross.
Judgment by William S Plumer
By William S. Plumer1.2K05:41ECC 12:14ACT 17:312CO 5:10REV 6:16This sermon delves into the impending judgment day where all deeds, hidden or revealed, will be brought into account before God. It emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of this judgment, encompassing all individuals regardless of status or time, and the finality of the separation between the righteous and the wicked. The sermon paints a vivid picture of the day of judgment as the greatest and last assembly, a day of astounding exposures, intense excitement, final separation, despair for the unregenerate, and surprise for both saints and sinners.
Church Live Re-Visited: Session Four - Part 1
By Ron Bailey99146:57ISA 30:18JHN 8:3ACT 17:31ROM 3:6HEB 4:12This sermon delves into the importance of understanding judgment in the context of God's righteousness and mercy. It emphasizes the distinction between using critical faculties to discern without condemning and the dangers of self-righteous judgment. The sermon highlights the need to rely on God's revelation for accurate discernment and the significance of not branding others with our own biases or self-love. It also explores the role of God's Word in piercing through soul and spirit to discern thoughts and intents of the heart.
Great Words of the Gospel - Part 4
By Roy Hession6841:01:21GospelNUM 21:7JOL 2:12MAT 4:17MAT 21:28MAT 21:31ACT 17:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of repentance in the context of grace and judgment. He emphasizes that the call to repentance is often accompanied by the impending judgment or discipline that God has declared. The speaker references Acts 17:31, where it is stated that God has appointed a day of judgment and therefore commands all people to repent. He also highlights the story of Jonah and Nineveh as an example of how the message of judgment can be an offer of mercy, as God gave the people of Nineveh an opportunity to repent and be spared from destruction.
Fren-17 Fondements Apostoliques - Melquisedec Sacerdotes
By Art Katz60055:33ApostolicEXO 25:20ACT 17:31EPH 3:10HEB 10:19The video is titled "Within the Veil" and explores the concept of evolving into a higher spiritual state to enter the holiest place. The speaker initially hesitates to listen to the tape due to the speaker's accent, but eventually becomes captivated by the message. The speaker discusses the importance of appreciating the blood of Jesus and its role in atonement, but also emphasizes that it has opened a new and living way for believers. The sermon concludes with a call to courage, boldness, and understanding in order to fulfill the apostolic mission of the church.
Alive Again - the Golden Thread of Life From the Dead
By Major Ian Thomas271:14:29ResurrectionNew Life in ChristGEN 3:15JHN 3:3ACT 17:31ROM 8:291CO 3:161CO 15:14COL 1:18HEB 11:172PE 3:9REV 1:5Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of being 'alive again' through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, illustrating how many people, like Nicodemus, may be religious yet lack a true relationship with God. He recounts the story of Jim Wright, who rediscovered his faith and became a powerful teacher, highlighting the importance of understanding the 'scarlet thread' of redemption woven throughout Scripture. Thomas explains that Jesus came to restore the life that was lost in the fall, and through His resurrection, believers are offered a new life that is abundant and filled with purpose. He contrasts the deadness of religion with the vibrant life found in a personal relationship with Christ, urging listeners to embrace the fullness of life that comes from being reconciled to God. The sermon culminates in the call to recognize the significance of the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith.
The Valley Exalted, and the Mountain Laid Low
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 40:2PSA 88:4ISA 40:4MAT 3:1JHN 16:9ACT 17:31ROM 1:42CO 4:6PHP 1:22REV 20:12J.C. Philpot preaches on the prophecy from Isaiah 40:4-5, emphasizing the figurative language of obstacles being removed for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He delves into the spiritual and experiential exalting of valleys, making low mountains, straightening crooked paths, and smoothing rough places to reveal the glory of the Lord. Philpot highlights the need for a revelation of Christ to the soul to bring comfort, peace, and solid ground for faith. He assures that all obstacles will be overcome, all flesh will see the glory of the Lord, and God's promises will surely come to pass.
The Incarnation Part 8 - "Luke's Genealogy of Messiah"
By Charles Alexander0MAT 1:1MAT 13:16LUK 1:3LUK 2:1LUK 3:23JHN 1:1ACT 17:311CO 15:47HEB 12:22Charles Alexander delves into Luke's detailed account of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing Luke's unique perspective as a historian with perfect understanding of the events. Luke's genealogy traces Christ's lineage back to Adam, showcasing the divine providence and fulfillment of prophecies. The careful dating of events in Luke 2:1-2 highlights God's sovereignty over history, even using Caesar's decree for His divine purposes. The sermon explores the significance of Christ's birth in a humble stable, contrasting the truth of the incarnation with the world's skepticism and evolutionary theories.
The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost (Part 3)
By Robert Wurtz II0GEN 15:16MAT 25:31LUK 12:47JHN 16:8ACT 17:31ROM 2:7HEB 3:12HEB 10:26Robert Wurtz II preaches on the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in convincing the world of judgment to come. He delves into the concept of judgment as discernment between good and evil, emphasizing the importance of living righteously through the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also explores the final judgment, highlighting the separation of good and evil at the end of history and the significance of repentance and trust in the Lord to avoid condemnation. Additionally, the sermon addresses the consequences of sin, the legal limit on sin, and the concept of Gospel hardening, warning against the dangers of rejecting God's warnings and pleadings.
The Day of Judgment Asserted
By Thomas Watson0AMO 9:9MAT 25:34MAT 25:41ACT 17:312CO 5:10EPH 5:271JN 2:11JN 3:21Thomas Watson preaches about the certainty and importance of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the need for believers to prepare themselves for this ultimate trial by examining their hearts and ensuring they possess humility, love for others, a penitential spirit, and equity in their dealings. He assures believers of comfort in the face of discouraging fear, weakness of grace, and censures from the world, by pointing to Christ as their Advocate, who will plead their cause, accept even the smallest grain of sincerity, and vindicate them from all injustices at the final judgment.
Horizoned by Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ as JudgeSpiritual DepthMAT 16:21JHN 8:44ACT 10:42ACT 17:31ROM 8:222CO 5:17EPH 1:10COL 1:16HEB 1:21JN 5:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Jesus Christ is ordained by God as the ultimate Judge and the 'Horizon' of all judgment, meaning that all things are determined within Him. He illustrates the Christian journey as a progression from the safety of the shore to the depths of spiritual understanding, where true fulfillment lies. Sparks highlights that the Christian life is serious and requires a commitment to deeper truths, as the Holy Spirit leads believers beyond their comfort zones. He explains that the Bible provides the only satisfactory answers to life's complexities, focusing on God's eternal intention, the historic rift caused by sin, and the significance of being 'in Christ.' Ultimately, he asserts that Christ is the defining criterion for all things, and through Him, believers find their true purpose and reconciliation with God.
The Meaning of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Greatness of ChristUnion with ChristMAL 3:1JHN 1:3JHN 17:1JHN 17:21JHN 17:23ACT 17:31ROM 8:29COL 1:15HEB 1:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of Christ as the central figure in all of creation and scripture, asserting that He embodies the meaning, heirship, nature, and ultimate test of all things. He highlights that Christ's greatness is not only recognized in heaven but also sensed by humanity and opposed by hell, showcasing His redemptive work and divine satisfaction. The preacher illustrates that union with Christ is the core of God's revelation to humanity, encompassing various aspects of faith such as election, redemption, and sanctification, all radiating from Him. Sparks urges believers to understand that Christ is the key to interpreting the universe and the standard by which all will be judged. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper appreciation of Christ's role in the divine narrative and our relationship with Him.
On the Immensity of God
By Thomas Reade0JOB 31:4ECC 12:14ISA 40:28ACT 17:31ROM 2:16Thomas Reade preaches on the immensity of God, emphasizing the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of God's being, nature, and character through the Holy Scriptures. The sermon delves into the awe-inspiring revelations of God's perfections, the wisdom and power displayed in creation, and the moral attributes of the Deity revealed in the Bible. It highlights the unfathomable nature of the self-existent, eternal Jehovah and the need for humility, reverence, and circumspection in acknowledging God's omnipresence and omniscience.
Judgment-Seat of Christ
By Harry Ironside0JudgmentAccountabilityJHN 5:22JHN 5:24ACT 17:31ROM 14:101CO 3:111CO 4:52CO 5:91PE 4:5REV 20:11REV 22:12Harry Ironside emphasizes the significance of the judgment-seat of Christ, where all believers will stand to give an account of their lives and works. He explains that while believers are exempt from condemnation, they will still be evaluated based on their actions, whether good or bad, in light of their faith in Christ. Ironside contrasts this judgment with the great white throne judgment for the unsaved, highlighting the importance of living a life that honors God. He encourages believers to focus on building their lives with eternal values, represented by gold, silver, and precious stones, rather than transient works that will be consumed. Ultimately, he reassures that every believer will receive praise from God, even if some works are burned away, as long as they have served with sincerity and humility.
Trusting When We Cannot See
By Alan Redpath0JHN 11:25ACT 17:31ROM 1:41TH 1:101TH 5:9The preacher delves into the Greek word 'anemeno' which conveys the concept of expectant waiting, emphasizing sustained, patient, and trusting waiting for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This word is used figuratively in 2Clement 19:4 to describe a blessed time awaiting the devout and debtors who are to pay up promptly. 'Anemeno' is used in the New Testament only once and in the Septuagint four times, highlighting the eager anticipation for justice and hope. The preacher emphasizes that 'anemeno' means more than just waiting; it signifies an active attempt to live for God's glory while expectantly awaiting the fulfillment of messianic promises in Christ's second coming.
The Radical Kingdom of God: Conventional Christianity or Biblical Faith?
By Art Katz0Church's Role in SocietyKingdom Of GodPRO 14:34ISA 55:7JER 5:31MAT 5:13MAT 6:10MAT 28:19JHN 16:2ACT 17:312CO 4:4EPH 3:10Art Katz passionately calls for the Church to awaken from its indifference and embrace its true identity as the radical Kingdom of God. He emphasizes that the Church has allowed the world to define its role, leading to a nominal faith that lacks the transformative power of God. Katz challenges believers to recognize the significance of Christ's first coming and to live in a way that reflects God's will in every aspect of life, rather than conforming to secular standards. He warns that the Church's failure to embody the Kingdom's values results in a lack of impact on society and a diminished expectation of God's glory. Ultimately, Katz urges the Church to reclaim its mandate to bring God's truth and righteousness into the world, preparing for the return of Christ.
The Final Judgment
By Jonathan Edwards0MAT 25:31ACT 17:311CO 15:242PE 3:7REV 19:7Jonathan Edwards preaches about the Final Judgment, emphasizing the righteousness of Jesus Christ as the appointed Judge. He explains how the judgment will be conducted, with the world judged according to works, leading to eternal punishment for the wicked and eternal life for the righteous. Edwards highlights the increase in misery for the wicked and happiness for the saints after judgment, culminating in the dissolution of the world by fire and the eternal glory of the redeemed.
Emptying Unto Fulness
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ's FullnessEmptyingGEN 22:17GEN 32:24PSA 4:1ACT 17:31GAL 2:20EPH 1:23EPH 4:10PHP 1:21PHP 2:7HEB 12:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound truth that Christ, who descended and ascended, is destined to fill all things with His presence and character. He explores the necessity of emptying ourselves of self-fulness to make room for Christ's fullness, illustrating this through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, who underwent significant emptying processes to fulfill God's purpose. Sparks highlights that this emptying is not merely negative but a divine law leading to greater spiritual capacity and fruitfulness. The sermon calls believers to recognize the importance of a crisis moment in their lives where they surrender self-life for Christ-life, ultimately leading to a glorious climax in God's eternal plan. The message encourages a deeper understanding of suffering and trials as part of God's work to enlarge our capacity for His fullness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He hath appointed a day - He has fixed the time in which he will judge the world, though he has not revealed this time to man. By that man whom he hath ordained - He has also appointed the judge, by whom the inhabitants of the earth are to be tried. Whereof he hath given assurance - ΠιϚιν παρασχων πασιν, Having given to all this indubitable proof, that Jesus Christ shall judge the world, by raising him from the dead. The sense of the argument is this: "Jesus Christ, whom we preach as the Savior of men, has repeatedly told his followers that he would judge the world; and has described to us, at large, the whole of the proceedings of that awful time, Mat 25:31, etc.; Joh 5:25. Though he was put to death by the Jews, and thus he became a victim for sin, yet God raised him from the dead. By raising him from the dead, God has set his seal to the doctrines he has taught: one of these doctrines is, that he shall judge the world; his resurrection, established by the most incontrovertible evidence, is therefore a proof, an incontestable proof, that he shall judge the world, according to his own declaration."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world--Such language beyond doubt teaches that the judgment will, in its essence, be a solemn judicial assize held upon all mankind at once. "Aptly is this uttered on the Areopagus, the seat of judgment" [BENGEL]. by that man whom he hath ordained--compare Joh 5:22-23, Joh 5:27; Act 10:42. whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead--the most patent evidence to mankind at large of the judicial authority with which the Risen One is clothed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Because he hath appointed a day,.... The day of judgment is fixed by God in his eternal purposes, and is sure and certain, and will come, though it is not known by men or angels; and this is a reason why God will have the doctrine of repentance everywhere published, both to Jews and Gentiles, since all must come to judgment: and the day for it is appointed by him, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness; the whole world will be judged, and every individual in it, good and bad, righteous and wicked; and this judgment will be a righteous one; it will proceed according to the strict rules of justice and equity, and upon the foot of the righteousness of Christ, as that has been received or rejected by men, or as men are clothed with, or are without that righteousness: by that man whom he hath ordained; Beza's ancient copy reads, "the man Jesus": not that the apostle means that Christ is a mere man; for then he would not be fit to be a Judge of quick and dead, and to pass and execute the definitive sentence; which requires omniscience and omnipotence: but preaching to mere Heathens, he chose not at once to assert the deity of Christ, though he tacitly suggests it: but intended, by degrees, to open the glories of his nature and office to them, he being the person God had from all eternity ordained, and in time had signified, should have all judgment committed to him, and by whom the last judgment shall be managed and transacted: whereof he hath given assurance to all men: or full proof, both of his being the Judge, and of his fitness to be one, and also of the righteousness, according to which he will judge: in that he hath raised him from the dead; whereby he was declared to be the Son of God; and when all power in heaven and in earth was given to him; and which was done for the justification of all those for whose offences he was delivered: and this seems to be the reason why the apostle calls Christ the Judge a man, that he might have the opportunity of mentioning his resurrection from the dead.