How does Acts 13:35 relate to Old Testament prophecies? Historical and Literary Context of Acts 13:35 Acts 13 records Paul’s synagogue address in Pisidian Antioch. After tracing Israel’s redemptive history, he proclaims the resurrection of Jesus as the decisive act of God (vv. 30–37). Verse 35 quotes Psalm 16:10 in the Septuagint wording: “Therefore He also says in another psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’ ” Paul’s use of this text shows (1) continuity with earlier apostolic preaching (cf. Acts 2:24–31) and (2) fulfillment of a specific messianic prophecy grounded in the Davidic covenant. Source Prophecy: Psalm 16:10 “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” Key terms: • “Holy One” (Heb. חֲסִידְךָ ḥăsîdkā) = “Your faithful one / consecrated one.” • “See decay” (רָאָה שָׁחַת rāʾāh šāḥat) = experience bodily corruption in the grave. David speaks in the first person, yet the promise surpasses his own experience—David’s body did decay (Acts 13:36). By the Spirit (2 Samuel 23:2), David prophesied a greater Son whose body would not undergo corruption. Davidic Covenant and Messianic Expectation 2 Samuel 7:12–16 pledges an eternal throne to David’s lineage. Later psalms expand this promise (e.g., Psalm 89:3–4, 26–37). Psalm 16 locates the covenant hope in resurrection: only an immortal Messiah can reign forever. Jewish expectations of a risen, incorruptible Davidic king pre-existed Jesus (see 4QFlorilegium [4Q174] and 4QpIsa^a). Resurrection Foretold Across the Old Testament • Psalm 16:10—no decay; pathway of life (v. 11). • Psalm 22:22–31—sufferer delivered to live and declare God’s name. • Psalm 118:17—“I will not die, but live…” (cited of Christ in Patristic homilies). • Isaiah 53:10–11—after making his soul an offering, “He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days.” • Hosea 6:2—“after two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up.” Applied corporately, realized personally in the Messiah (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:4). • Jonah 1:17 typology—three days entombed in the fish (Matthew 12:40). These converge on the promise that death cannot hold the Servant-King. Intertextual Echoes in the New Testament 1. Peter (Acts 2:25–31) employs Psalm 16 to argue Jesus’ bodily resurrection witnessed by the apostles. 2. Paul (Acts 13:34–37) weaves three OT texts: • Isaiah 55:3 (the “holy and sure blessings of David”)—resurrection secures covenant promises. • Psalm 16:10—incorruption. • Psalm 2:7 (“You are My Son”)—resurrection as public enthronement (cf. Romans 1:4). Both apostles treat Psalm 16 as predictive, not merely poetic. Historical Corroboration of Resurrection Fulfillment • Early creed in 1 Corinthians 15:3–7 (within five years of the event) identifies resurrection per “the Scriptures.” • Multiple attestations: empty tomb (Mark 16:6; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:1–10), bodily appearances (Luke 24:36–43). • Transformation of skeptics (James, Paul) and early Sunday worship are best explained by real resurrection, matching Psalm 16’s promise. • Archaeological note: The Nazareth Inscription (1st century edict against grave robbery) evidences official concern over empty graves in Judea, indirectly aligning with the Gospel claim. Theological Significance of Incorruption 1. Affirms Christ’s sinlessness—decay is linked to sin’s curse (Genesis 3:19). 2. Guarantees believers’ future resurrection: “He who raised Jesus… will also bring us with Him” (2 Corinthians 4:14). 3. Establishes Jesus as the everlasting King; mortality would nullify 2 Samuel 7:13. 4. Confirms Scripture’s unity—law, prophets, and writings converge on Messiah (Luke 24:44). Answering Common Objections • “Psalm 16 refers only to David’s personal hope.” Paul retorts: David “fell asleep… and his body decayed” (Acts 13:36), so the text must point beyond him. An inspired author can prophesy realities he dimly understands (1 Peter 1:10–11). • “‘Holy One’ could mean any faithful Israelite.” Yet the singular article and royal context (cf. Psalm 2, 110) restrict the reference to the Anointed King. • “Resurrection is mythic.” Eye-witness testimony, enemy attestation, and early preaching in Jerusalem, coupled with Psalm 16’s predictive specificity, supply converging lines of evidence. Practical Implications and Call to Response The seamless link between Psalm 16 and Acts 13:35 demonstrates God’s sovereign authorship of history and Scripture. Because Jesus rose without decay, forgiveness of sins and justification are offered (Acts 13:38–39). As Paul urged his audience, readers today must likewise “continue in the grace of God” (v. 43) by repenting and believing in the risen Christ. Summary Acts 13:35 cites Psalm 16:10 to prove that the Messiah would conquer death without bodily corruption. The prophecy coheres with the broader tapestry of Old Testament resurrection promises, is textually secure, historically fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, and theologically essential for salvation and the believer’s hope. |
    |