How does Acts 13:35 affirm the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Setting the Scene in Acts 13 • Paul is preaching in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch, tracing God’s plan from Israel’s history to Jesus. • As proof that Jesus is the promised Messiah, Paul cites Psalm 16:10 and says: “So also He says in another Psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’” (Acts 13:35) The Psalm Paul Quotes • Psalm 16:10: “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • Written by David, yet it speaks of “Your Holy One”—Someone greater than David who would never undergo bodily corruption. • David’s own tomb was still known (Acts 2:29); his body did decay. Therefore, David was prophesying about the Messiah. Decay Denied: Proof of Resurrection • “See decay” refers to physical corruption in the grave. • Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), leaving insufficient time for normal bodily decomposition. • Paul reinforces the contrast: “For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was gathered to his fathers, and saw decay. But the One whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.” (Acts 13:36-37) • Because the prophecy insists on no decay, only a literal, bodily resurrection satisfies the text. Supporting New Testament Witnesses • Peter used the same Psalm to prove the resurrection at Pentecost (Acts 2:24-32). • Jesus foretold His resurrection (Matthew 16:21; John 2:19-22). • Eyewitnesses saw Him alive (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8). • Every reference aligns with the promise in Psalm 16 and its declaration in Acts 13:35. Fulfillment Timeline • Crucified Friday afternoon, entombed before sundown. • Tomb found empty early Sunday (Luke 24:1-7). • Roughly thirty-six hours in the grave—far short of the four days ancient Jews associated with irreversible decay (cf. John 11:39). • God’s power raised Him before any corruption could begin, exactly as Scripture foretold. Why This Matters Today • Acts 13:35 anchors the resurrection in written prophecy, confirming both Old and New Testaments. • It validates Jesus as the sinless “Holy One” and rightful Messiah (Romans 1:4). • Because His body saw no decay, believers have assurance that death is defeated and a future resurrection awaits all who are in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3-4). |
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