Acts 13:27

“For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.”

Context:Acts 13:27 is part of a sermon delivered by the apostle Paul during his first missionary journey. He and Barnabas were in the city of Antioch in Pisidia, speaking to a group of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue. Paul recounts the history of Israel and highlights Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the prophecies.

Understanding the historical context:In this verse, Paul is referring to the people of Jerusalem and their rulers who condemned Jesus to death. He acknowledges that they did not recognise Jesus as the Messiah and were unaware of the prophecies in their own Scriptures.

The ignorance of the people:Paul states that the people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not know Jesus or the voices of the prophets. Despite having the Scriptures read to them every Sabbath, they failed to recognise the signs and prophecies pointing to the coming Messiah.

Fulfillment of prophecy:Paul emphasises that their condemnation of Jesus fulfilled the prophecies found in the Scriptures. Jesus’ crucifixion and rejection by the Jewish leaders were part of God’s plan, foretold by the prophets. Even though the people were ignorant of the prophetic fulfilment, God’s sovereign purpose was at work.

The importance of recognising Jesus:The message of Acts 13:27 highlights the significance of recognising Jesus as the fulfilment of the Scriptures. The Jewish leaders missed the opportunity to embrace their long-awaited Messiah due to their lack of knowledge and understanding. It serves as a reminder for believers to study and understand the Scriptures in order to recognise Jesus and His work in their lives.

Application to our lives:As followers of Christ, we can learn from the mistakes of the people in Jerusalem. It is crucial for us to be diligent in studying and understanding the Scriptures. The Bible contains prophecies, promises, and teachings that guide our faith and reveal Jesus’ identity as the Saviour. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we can deepen our knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is and the significance of His sacrifice for our salvation.

• Overall, Acts 13:27 underscores the importance of recognising Jesus as the fulfilment of prophecies and the need for diligent study of the Scriptures to deepen our understanding and relationship with Him.