How does Acts 17:31 connect with other scriptures about Jesus' authority to judge? Setting the Scene • In Athens Paul declares, “because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). • One verse, yet loaded with truths that echo through the whole Bible: – A fixed “day” of judgment – Universal scope: “the world” – Standard: “righteousness” – Judge: “the Man” God appointed—Jesus – Divine guarantee: the resurrection Jesus’ Authority Stated by Himself • John 5:22-23—“the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son … so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” • John 5:27—“He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.” • Matthew 28:18—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” => Acts 17:31 simply repeats what Jesus already claimed: judgment belongs to Him, granted directly by the Father. Jesus’ Authority Affirmed by the Apostles • Acts 10:42—Peter: “He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.” • 2 Timothy 4:1—Paul: “Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead.” • Romans 14:10-12 & 2 Corinthians 5:10—“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” => The apostolic message is consistent: Jesus is Judge of every person, living or dead. Old-Testament Foreshadowing • Daniel 7:13-14—“One like a Son of Man … authority, glory, and sovereign power.” • Psalm 2:6-12—The Son receives the nations and executes judgment on rebels. => Acts 17:31 shows the fulfillment: the “Son of Man” now appointed and publicly validated. Future Judgment Scenes • Matthew 25:31-32—The Son of Man “will sit on His glorious throne … He will separate the people.” • Revelation 19:11—The Rider on the white horse “judges and wages war” in righteousness. • Revelation 20:11-12—The great white throne; the dead judged “according to their deeds.” => All portrayals match Acts 17:31: a set day, righteous standards, universal summons. The Resurrection as God’s Guarantee • Acts 17:31—resurrection = God’s “proof” that Jesus is Judge. • Romans 1:4—Jesus “appointed the Son of God in power … by His resurrection.” • 1 Corinthians 15:20-25—Because He is risen, He must “reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” => The empty tomb is not only victory over death; it certifies His judicial authority. Why This Matters Today • Judgment is certain and scheduled. • The Judge is already revealed and verified. • His standard is perfect righteousness. • Salvation is found only in submitting to the risen Lord now (John 3:18; Acts 4:12). |
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