Surprised to find the first part was first (8)
I believe the answer is:
startled
'surprised' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'the first part was first' is the wordplay.
'the first' says to put letters next to each other.
'part' becomes 'start' (synonyms).
'was first' becomes 'led' (to lead is to go first).
'start' put next to 'led' is 'STARTLED'.
'to find' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for startled that I've seen before include "Shocked, alarmed" , "Frightened or suprised suddenly" , "Affrighted" , "Frightened or surprised suddenly" , "Suddenly alarmed" .)