How does Acts 13:28 highlight the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' death? Setting the Scene in Acts 13:28 “ And though they found in Him no reason for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.” (Acts 13:28) Innocence Foretold, Innocence Found • Isaiah 53:9—“He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” • Acts 13:28 states plainly that no crime deserving death could be proven, matching Isaiah’s prophecy of a guiltless Servant. • 1 Peter 2:22–23 echoes the same truth, underscoring Jesus’ sinlessness yet His willing submission. The Rejection of the Righteous One • Isaiah 53:3—“He was despised and rejected by men.” • Psalm 118:22—“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” • Acts 13:28 highlights that Jewish leaders, despite recognizing His innocence, still sought His death—a direct fulfillment of these prophecies. Gentile Participation Foretold • Psalm 2:1-2—“The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” • Jesus Himself predicted this blend of Jewish and Gentile hostility: “They will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.” (Matthew 20:18-19) • Acts 13:28 specifies Pilate’s involvement, confirming the foretold alliance of earthly powers against the Messiah. The Grand Design of God’s Plan • Acts 2:23—Jesus was “delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” • Daniel 9:26—“The Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing,” pointing to a divinely scheduled death. • Acts 13:28 fits within this sovereign timetable: human injustice served God’s redemptive purpose, proving Scripture’s reliability and God’s control over history. Takeaway: Prophecy Perfectly Fulfilled • Innocence established yet execution demanded—exactly as foretold. • Rejection by His own people and condemnation by Gentile authority—just as Scripture predicted. • God’s predetermined plan accomplished through human choices, demonstrating that every detail of Jesus’ death was written beforehand and faithfully fulfilled in Acts 13:28. |
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