What does Acts 13:28 reveal about the innocence of Jesus before His crucifixion? Setting the Scene in Acts 13 Paul is preaching in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, recounting Israel’s history and climaxing with Jesus. His aim is to prove that Jesus is the promised Savior and that every step of His passion fulfilled Scripture—even the testimony of His enemies regarding His innocence. Key Verse Acts 13:28: “And though they found no basis for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.” What the Verse Declares about Jesus’ Innocence • “They found no basis” – After exhaustive investigation, the religious leaders could not produce legitimate evidence of wrongdoing. • “Death sentence” – Roman law required solid grounds for capital punishment. The absence of such grounds underscores that any execution would be unjust. • “They asked Pilate” – Because they lacked legal authority, the Sanhedrin pressed a reluctant Roman governor, exposing the political—not moral—nature of the verdict. Human Courts Confirmed Christ’s Sinlessness • Pilate: “I find no basis for a charge against Him” (John 18:38; 19:4, 6). • Herod Antipas: found “nothing deserving death” (Luke 23:15). • Pilate’s wife called Him “that righteous man” (Matthew 27:19). • Even the centurion at the cross declared, “Surely this man was innocent” (Luke 23:47). Scripture’s Broader Witness to an Innocent Messiah • Isaiah 53:9 – “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” • 1 Peter 2:22 – “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” • Hebrews 4:15 – “Yet He was without sin.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.” Why Jesus’ Innocence Matters for Redemption • Only a sinless substitute could bear the penalty for sinners (Hebrews 7:26–27). • His spotless life fulfills the type of the unblemished Passover lamb (Exodus 12:5; 1 Corinthians 5:7). • The unjust sentence magnifies God’s justice and mercy—our guilt placed on the guiltless One (Isaiah 53:5). Takeaway Truths • Every earthly court that examined Jesus reached the same verdict: innocent. • The miscarriage of justice fulfilled God’s predetermined plan for salvation (Acts 2:23). • Because He was guiltless, His death is fully sufficient to cleanse the guilty who trust in Him. |
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