Acts 13:35

Context: Acts 13:35 is part of a sermon delivered by the apostle Paul in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia. In this sermon, Paul recounts the history of Israel and highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ.

Quotation from the Psalms: In Acts 13:35, Paul quotes from a psalm to support his argument about the resurrection of Jesus. However, the specific psalm is not mentioned in Acts 13. The quotation is likely a paraphrase of Psalm 16:10, which says, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” The psalm is attributed to David and is seen as a messianic psalm, prophesying the resurrection of the Messiah.

The Holy One: The reference to the “Holy One” in Acts 13:35 is a title given to Jesus, emphasizing His divinity and holiness. It points to the unique and sinless nature of Christ. The psalmist acknowledges that God would not allow the body of the Holy One to decay or experience corruption.

The Resurrection of Jesus: Paul uses this psalm to argue that Jesus, being the Holy One, did not see corruption but was raised from the dead. He presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, including His resurrection, which demonstrates His victory over death and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Importance of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christianity. It affirms His deity, validates His teachings, and provides the hope of eternal life to believers. The fact that Jesus did not see corruption further strengthens the belief in His resurrection, as it signifies His triumph over death and the grave.

Application: Acts 13:35 reminds believers of the reality and significance of the resurrection. It encourages them to place their faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy One, who conquered death and offers salvation to all who believe in Him. It also encourages believers to live in light of the resurrection, knowing that their lives are transformed and that they have the hope of eternal life through Jesus.