How does Acts 13:33 affirm Jesus as God's "Son" through resurrection? Setting the Scene • Paul is preaching in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch, tracing Israel’s story to its climax in Jesus (Acts 13:16-41). • After rehearsing God’s promises to David, he declares the promise is now “fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus” (v. 33). The Key Verse Acts 13:33: “He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’” How Resurrection Confirms Sonship • “Raising up Jesus” refers to the bodily resurrection (compare vv. 34-37). • By quoting Psalm 2:7, Paul links the resurrection to God’s royal proclamation: – Psalm 2:7: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” • The resurrection is God’s public, historical declaration that Jesus is His unique Son: – It vindicates Jesus’ divine identity after the cross (Romans 1:4). – It installs Him as the Messianic King foretold in Psalm 2 (Acts 2:30-36). Psalm 2 in the New Testament • Hebrews 1:5 and 5:5 also quote Psalm 2:7 to stress Jesus’ divine sonship. • These passages tie the royal “Son” title to Jesus’ exaltation and ministry as eternal High Priest. Old Testament Promises Fulfilled • 2 Samuel 7:12-14 promised a Davidic Son who would rule forever; Psalm 89:26-27 echoes this. • The resurrection shows Jesus, the greater David, now reigns with an unending kingdom (Revelation 1:5-6). Corroborating Resurrection Witnesses • Acts 2:32, 3:15, 4:10—multiple sermons in Acts call the resurrection the decisive proof of Jesus’ sonship and lordship. • 1 Corinthians 15:3-8—hundreds saw the risen Christ, grounding faith in historical fact. Implications for Us Today • Because God raised His Son, every promise tied to Jesus is trustworthy (2 Corinthians 1:20). • The risen Son now offers forgiveness and freedom (Acts 13:38-39). • Our hope of resurrection rests on His (1 Peter 1:3). Through the resurrection, God unmistakably affirmed, “This is My Son.” Acts 13:33 stands as a clear, scriptural declaration that Jesus’ sonship is both eternal in nature and historically verified by the empty tomb. |
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