How does Acts 17:3 affirm Jesus as the prophesied Messiah in Scripture? Context in Acts 17 Paul enters the Thessalonian synagogue and spends three Sabbaths “reasoning with them from the Scriptures” (v. 2). Verse 3 summarizes the heart of his argument: “explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, ‘This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,’ he declared.” (Acts 17:3) What Paul Demonstrates from Scripture • The Messiah (Christ) “had to suffer.” • The Messiah “had to … rise from the dead.” • Jesus of Nazareth fulfills both requirements and therefore is “the Christ.” Old Testament Prophecies Behind Paul’s Claim Suffering foretold • Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions…” • Psalm 22:16–18 – “They have pierced my hands and feet … they divide my garments among them.” • Daniel 9:26 – “the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing.” Resurrection foretold • Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • Isaiah 53:10–11 – “He will prolong His days … after He has suffered, He will see the light of life.” Kingship and exaltation foretold • Psalm 110:1 – “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” • Psalm 2:7 – “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” How Jesus Fulfills Each Prophecy • Crucifixion: pierced hands and feet (John 19:16–18, 37). • Mocking, gambling for clothing: soldiers cast lots (John 19:23–24). • Burial with the rich: laid in Joseph’s tomb (Matthew 27:57–60; Isaiah 53:9). • Resurrection on the third day: empty tomb witnessed (Luke 24:1–7; Psalm 16:10). • Exaltation: ascended and seated at God’s right hand (Acts 2:32–36; Psalm 110:1). Why Acts 17:3 Affirms Jesus as the Prophesied Messiah 1. It roots the messianic identity in Scripture, not opinion. 2. It ties together two essential prophetic threads—suffering and resurrection—fulfilled uniquely in Jesus. 3. It presents fulfillment as objective, historical reality (“explaining and proving”). 4. It challenges hearers to recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Christ foretold throughout the Law, Prophets, and Writings. Takeaway for Today Because Scripture foretold a suffering, rising Messiah and Jesus matches that exact portrait, Acts 17:3 invites every reader to trust the reliability of God’s Word and to confess, with Paul, “This Jesus … is the Christ.” |
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