Bible Study Acts 13: 26-52

 

Commentary of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Acts 13: 26-52

Text:

26 “Brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation was sent. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the [g]utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning Him. 28 And though they found no ground for death, they asked Pilate that He be [h]executed. 29 And when they had finished all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead; 31 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 And we proclaim to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled this promise [i]to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’ 34 But that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to corruption, He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and [j]faithful lovingkindnesses of David.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not give Your [k]Holy One over to see corruption.’ 36 For David, after he had [l]served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid among his fathers and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised did not see corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through [m]Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and that in Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things which you could not be justified from [n]through the Law of Moses. 40 Therefore watch out, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:

41 

‘Look, you scoffers, and marvel, and [o]perish;
For I am accomplishing a work in your days,
A work which you will never believe, though someone should recount it to you.’”

42 And as [p]Paul and Barnabas were leaving, the people kept pleading that these words might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing [q]proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.

Many Gentiles Believe

44 And the next Sabbath, nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of [r]the [s]Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, [t]blaspheming. 46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the [u]Lord has commanded us,

‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles,
That You may [v]bring salvation to the end of the earth.’”

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of [w]the [x]Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the [y]Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the [z]God-fearing women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their [aa]district. 51 But having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, they went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 26: “Brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation was sent.”

The Jewish leaders and people, who should have embraced Christ and become his loyal followers, instead persecuted and murdered him. The apostles, in preaching Christ as the Savior, never hid his shameful death. Instead, their central message was always Christ crucified.

Verse 27: “For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning Him.”

“Rulers” refers to the Jewish religious authorities of the New Testament period, who were considered knowledgeable in the Old Testament Law and traditions. This group included scribes, who were experts in copying and interpreting scripture; Pharisees, a prominent religious and political sect known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and oral traditions; Sadducees, another influential group, primarily composed of priests and wealthy elites, who accepted only the written Torah and rejected the resurrection and afterlife; and the chief priests, who held significant authority within the Temple and the Sanhedrin. These groups often held differing interpretations of the Old Testament and played a crucial role in the events surrounding Jesus and the early church.

Verse 28: “And though they found no ground for death, they asked Pilate that He be executed.”

Paul, in his historical review, highlights how the events unfolded as a fulfillment of prophecy. It is interesting that the people were fulfilling the very prophecies they were reading aloud, demonstrating a lack of understanding despite their reading the Scriptures. 

Verse 29: “And when they had finished all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.”

Old Testament prophecies foretold the crucifixion of Christ on a cross (Psalm 22; Deuteronomy 21), a method of execution not practiced at the time of the prophecies. His burial in a tomb was also prophesied (Isaiah 53:9), contrary to the common practice of discarding crucifixion victims in mass graves. Paul's central message culminated in the resurrection of Christ, the definitive evidence of Jesus' Messiahship.

Verse 30: “But God raised Him from the dead;”

The central message to be preached was the powerful truth of Jesus' resurrection and incorruptibility. This truth forms the fundamental support of the entire gospel. Consequently, this point is emphasized considerably.

Verse 31: “and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people.”

The central theme of all New Testament sermons is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This consistent message was proclaimed by both Simon Peter and the apostle Paul, demonstrating complete agreement between them.

Verse 32: “And we proclaim to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers,”

The resurrection of Christ served as the ultimate fulfillment of the divine promises made to the patriarchs of faith. It was more than simply factual information; it was the joyous proclamation of salvation and the definitive evidence of God's redemptive plan being brought to fruition. This pivotal event validated the prophecies and hopes held by generations, ushering in a new era of grace and the establishment of the Christian faith. The resurrection wasn't just a historical occurrence; it was the powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness and love, offering hope and new life to all who believe.

Verse 33: “that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’”

The scripture declares that through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, God is making a profound declaration: "You are My Son, and I am Your Father." This statement signifies a unique and eternal relationship between God and Jesus. The act of raising Jesus from death is not merely a restoration of life but a powerful affirmation of His divine sonship. In conquering death, Jesus demonstrated His power over mortality and validated His claim as the Son of God. This declaration of divine sonship carries immense theological weight, establishing Jesus' unique status and authority. It underscores the intimate bond between the Father and the Son, a relationship characterized by love, obedience, and shared divine nature. This truth, revealed through the resurrection, forms a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God, through whom salvation and eternal life are offered to humanity.

Verse 34: “But that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to corruption, He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and faithful lovingkindnesses of David.’”

In this passage from Acts 13, Paul delves deeper into the significance of the Resurrection, echoing the foundational message proclaimed by Simon Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Both apostles anchor their teachings in this pivotal event, highlighting its central role in the Christian faith. Paul's elaboration would likely involve a more detailed exposition of the implications and ramifications of Christ's rising from the dead, perhaps focusing on its power to conquer sin and death, its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and its provision of hope and eternal life for believers. He might expand on the evidence for the Resurrection, drawing from eyewitness accounts and the transformative impact it had on the early disciples. Furthermore, Paul could articulate the theological significance of the Resurrection, connecting it to Christ's divinity, his atoning sacrifice, and his role as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. By enlarging upon this core truth, Paul aims to strengthen the faith of his audience and persuade those who are yet to believe in the resurrected Christ.

Verse 35: “Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not give Your [a]Holy One over to see corruption.’”

The divine promise to David foretold the rise of the Messiah from his lineage. This descendant, uniquely, would be human yet escape the common fate of bodily decay. David himself could not fulfill this prophecy, which instead anticipated the coming of Christ.

Verse 36: “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid among his fathers and saw corruption;”

David's accomplishments were limited by his mortality. This passage briefly describes David's life, death, and burial, highlighting his subjection to death. First, regarding his life, it's stated that “he had served the purpose of God in his own generation,” before his death. David was a beneficial and righteous man who performed good deeds according to God's will, using God's commands as his guide. He served his contemporaries in a way that also served God.

Verse 37: “but He whom God raised did not see corruption.”

David died, was buried, and his tomb remains. However, the promise of not seeing decay wasn't fulfilled in him because he experienced corruption. Instead, this promise was realized in the Lord Jesus. The enduring mercies were meant for us through Him. He was raised on the third day, thus avoiding decay, and his resurrection to an eternal life means He will never see corruption. Therefore, this promise pertains solely to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 38: “Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,”

Due to Christ's role as mediator, forgiveness of sins is announced. Through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, this forgiveness is proclaimed. We are to declare that even great sins can be forgiven without dishonoring God, explaining how this is possible and how one can receive it. Our message includes a call to repentance for the forgiveness of sins, enabled by divine grace. This remission of sins is achieved through the Lord Jesus Christ – purchased by His blood, offered in His name, and granted by His authority. Therefore, it is essential to know and have a relationship with Him.

Verse 39: “and that in Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things which you could not be justified from through the Law of Moses.”

Salvation is found through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not by adhering to the law. The law's purpose is to guide individuals to Christ. Justification, being declared righteous by God, results in the forgiveness of sins.

Verse 40: “Therefore watch out, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:”

Paul is passionately imploring his audience to receive the message being presented. His words carry a sense of urgency and importance, indicating that the message holds significant value and potential impact for those who hear it. The use of the word "watch out" suggests a deep desire on the part of Paul for the listeners to not only hear but also accept and embrace the message.

Verse 41: “‘Look, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish;

For I am accomplishing a work in your days,

A work which you will never believe, though someone should recount it to you.’”

The prophecy quoted is from Habakkuk 1:5, which foretold the unprecedented destruction of the Jewish nation by the Chaldeans, is here applied to the destruction brought upon them by the Romans. This later destruction was a consequence of their rejection of the gospel of Christ.

Verse 42: “And as Paul and Barnabas were leaving, the people kept pleading that these words might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.”

Some Gentiles present expressed their desire to hear the same message.

Verse 43: “Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.”

Genuine believers demonstrate the reality of their salvation through perseverance in God's grace . Paul and Barnabas encouraged the intellectually convinced who hadn't fully embraced saving faith to continue in God's grace, hoping to prevent them from turning back to legalism instead of fully embracing Christ. This encouragement aimed to solidify their commitment to Christ.

Verse 44: “And the next Sabbath, nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord.”

Paul's message generated considerable discussion, evident by the fact that on the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathered to hear him preach.

Verse 45: “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming.”

Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition from the leading religious authorities within the synagogue, leading to a major disturbance.

Verse 46: “Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.’”

Since the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, descended from the Jewish people, Paul typically followed the pattern of preaching "to the Jew first and also to the Greek". He understood that God's plan extended to the Gentiles, a truth that the Jewish community in Pisidian Antioch opposed.

Verse 47: “For so the Lord has commanded us,

‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles,
That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’”

The established pattern observed in the early spread of Christianity involves the initial presentation of the gospel message to Jewish communities. Subsequently, encountering rejection from the Jewish populace, the messengers then redirect their efforts towards the Gentile population, offering them the same good news. This sequence of events, preaching first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles following Jewish rejection, appears as a consistent characteristic in the narrative of the new Christian movement's expansion.

Verse 48: “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of [a]the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”

Previously chosen by God, individuals were brought to faith in Christ through conviction and repentance. Luke's use of the passive voice ("had been appointed") proves that it is God who grants eternal life (Eph. 2:8).

Verse 49: “And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region.”

The passage from Acts 13 highlights a pivotal moment in early Christianity: the turning of attention towards the Gentiles. The Jews in the synagogue, who were the initial recipients of the gospel message, met it with scorn and rejection. This resistance created a void that was unexpectedly filled by the Gentiles. Unlike the Jews who clung to their traditions and perhaps felt threatened by the radical new message, the Gentiles readily and joyfully accepted the word. This embrace signifies a key development in the expansion of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots, fulfilling the prophetic vision of God's salvation extending to all nations. The contrast between the Jews' scornful rejection and the Gentiles' cheerful acceptance underscores the transformative power of the gospel and its appeal to those who were not bound by existing religious frameworks. This event in Antioch became a significant precedent for the inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community, shaping the future trajectory of the faith as it spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

Verse 50: “But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.”

Driven from the city, they were compelled to depart.

Verse 51: “But having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, they went to Iconium.”

This action, shaking the dust off one's feet, served as a public and symbolic declaration by Jewish individuals, particularly those who had traveled to Gentile lands, upon returning to Jewish territory. It signified a complete rejection of the pagan influence and perceived impurity of the Gentile world they had encountered. By physically removing even the dust of that land from their person and belongings, they aimed to maintain ritual purity and clearly demarcate the boundary between Jewish and Gentile spheres. This practice underscored a strong sense of separation and disapproval of the practices and beliefs prevalent in non-Jewish communities. In the context of missionary journeys, such an act would have conveyed a powerful message of disassociation and judgment upon those who rejected the Gospel message.

Verse 52: “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

These new adherents to the faith were overwhelmed by an intense and radiant joy, a deep and abiding happiness that permeated their entire being. Simultaneously, they encountered the complete and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, a transformative experience that filled them with a desire for holy living, understanding, and a profound connection to the Lord Jesus Christ. This dual encounter of immense joy and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit marked a significant and life-altering moment in their spiritual journeys, shaping their beliefs and actions moving forward. It would enable them to preach the gospel without compromise, face persecution and die if necessary.