How does Acts 13:35 connect with Psalm 16:10 regarding prophecy fulfillment? Setting the scene in Acts 13 • Paul is in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, recounting Israel’s history and leading up to Jesus (Acts 13:16-41). • He reaches the climax of his sermon by announcing the resurrection, quoting Psalm 16:10 as proof: “So also He says in another Psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’ ” (Acts 13:35). • Paul’s purpose: to demonstrate that Jesus’ resurrection was foretold and therefore authenticates Him as Messiah and Lord. The promise in Psalm 16:10 “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let Your Holy One see decay.” (Psalm 16:10) • Written by David under inspiration of the Spirit (Acts 2:30). • Two key assurances: – The soul of the speaker will not remain in the realm of the dead. – The “Holy One” will never experience bodily corruption. Paul’s inspired interpretation • Acts 13:36-37 explains Psalm 16:10: “For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was laid with his fathers, and saw decay. But the One whom God raised did not see decay.” • David’s tomb was well-known (cf. Acts 2:29); his body decomposed. • Therefore, David spoke prophetically of a future descendant—Jesus—whose body would never deteriorate. Why David could not be the final referent • Scripture affirms David died and was buried (1 Kings 2:10). • Psalm 16 uses the term “Holy One,” a title uniquely suited to the sinless Messiah (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34). • Only Jesus fits both halves of the verse: His soul was not abandoned in death, and His body remained untouched by corruption. Christ’s resurrection as fulfillment • On the third day the tomb was empty; decay had no time to begin (Luke 24:1-7). • God’s power reversed death, validating every promise about the Messiah (Romans 1:4). • The resurrection completed the gospel “according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Supporting prophetic threads • Isaiah 53:10-11—after His soul makes an offering for sin, “He will prolong His days.” • Hosea 6:2—“On the third day He will raise us up,” prefiguring Christ’s own rising. • Psalm 110:1—Messiah seated at God’s right hand, presupposing resurrection. Implications for believers today • The same God who kept His Word to Christ will keep every promise to us (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Assurance of bodily resurrection for those in Christ (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). • Confidence to proclaim forgiveness and freedom through the risen Savior (Acts 13:38-39). |
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