Acts 3:13
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
Acts 3:13 (KJV)
Context
Acts 3:13 is part of Peter’s sermon after the healing of a lame beggar at the temple gate called Beautiful. The miracle drew a large crowd, and Peter took the opportunity to preach about Jesus Christ and the message of salvation.
Peter begins by addressing his Jewish audience with a familiar title: “the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers.” This wording invokes the patriarchs and the covenant God made with them, establishing that the God who acted in Israel’s history is the same God who has now glorified His Son, Jesus.
Meaning
The Greek word translated “Son” in the KJV is pais, which can also mean “servant” or “child.” Many modern translations render it as “Servant,” highlighting Jesus as the Servant of the Lord, while the KJV emphasizes His divine Sonship. Peter’s point is that God has honored and exalted Jesus, even though the people had rejected Him.
The verse contrasts God’s action with the people’s response: God glorified Jesus, but the people “delivered up” and “denied” Him. This denial happened “in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.” The text emphasizes that Pilate had decided to release Jesus, but the crowd rejected Him anyway. This detail underscores the culpability of the people and the injustice of the trial.
Biblical connections
The immediate context continues in Acts 3:14-15, where Peter contrasts Jesus with a murderer and calls Him “the Holy and Righteous One” and “the Prince of life,” whom God raised from the dead. The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God’s glorification of Jesus, reversing the verdict of the human court.
God’s faithfulness: By referencing the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Peter emphasizes God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and fulfilling His covenant through Jesus Christ.
The divinity of Jesus: Peter proclaims Jesus as the Son of God who has been glorified by the Father, reinforcing the belief in Jesus’ divine nature.
Personal responsibility: Peter reminds the crowd of their active role in Jesus’ crucifixion, highlighting the importance of personal accountability and repentance.
Application
Like the Jewish audience in Acts 3, we are called to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world. This verse reminds us of the need for personal repentance and accountability for our actions. We should examine our hearts and turn away from any rejection or denial of Jesus in our lives.
Just as God remained faithful to His promises in the past, we can trust in His faithfulness today. We can rely on His promises and experience the transformative power of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Reflection
God glorified His Son even when human courts condemned Him. The resurrection reverses the verdict of Pilate and the crowd. In light of this, we are invited to respond with faith and repentance, recognizing that the God of the patriarchs has acted decisively in Jesus.
