Acts 13:33
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Acts 13:33 (KJV)
Context
Acts 13:33 is part of the apostle Paul’s sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. Speaking to the Jewish community, Paul recounts the history of Israel and leads his hearers to the coming of Jesus Christ. The verse declares that God has fulfilled the promise made to the fathers—the patriarchs—to their children, which includes Paul, Barnabas, and the Jewish audience.
Meaning
The verse begins by stating that God has fulfilled the promise made to the Jewish people. This promise refers to the Messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically the promise of a coming Savior. Paul emphasizes that this promise has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The phrase “raised up Jesus again” refers to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The resurrection is central to Christianity, demonstrating Jesus’ victory over sin and death. By raising Jesus, God confirms His identity as the promised Messiah and validates His work on the cross.
Paul quotes Psalm 2:7 to support his message, emphasizing the relationship between God the Father and Jesus as His Son. The psalm speaks of God declaring, “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” This statement points to the divine nature of Jesus and His unique relationship with God the Father. It implies Jesus’ eternal existence and His special role as the Son of God. The quotation shows that Jesus is called the Son of God because God raised Him from the dead.
Biblical connections
By linking Jesus to the second psalm, Paul highlights that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The resurrection is presented as the completion and perfection of the promises made in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah. Paul does not say all promises had reference to the resurrection, but that Jesus being raised up completed the fulfillment of the promises made respecting him.
Application
Acts 13:33 affirms the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and His divine nature. It establishes Jesus’ authority as the Son of God, who fulfills the promises of Scripture. This verse encourages believers to place their faith in Jesus as the risen Savior and acknowledge His unique role in God’s redemptive plan. The good news is that what God promised the ancestors, He has now done for their descendants.
Reflection
The resurrection is not only the final proof of Jesus’ Messiahship but also happy tidings to the Jews, being the fulfillment of the promise to the fathers and the realization of their most cherished hopes. For believers today, this verse reassures us that God is faithful to His promises, and the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of that faithfulness.
