How does Acts 26:22 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? Acts 26:22—Paul’s One-Sentence Summary “But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—” (Acts 26:22) Paul is on trial, yet his defense is simple: everything he preaches about Jesus matches what Moses and the prophets already declared. What Paul Means by “Moses and the Prophets” • “Moses” points to the Torah—the foundational books where the first promises of a Redeemer appear. • “The prophets” covers the rest of the Old Testament, from Samuel to Malachi, describing the Messiah’s life, death, resurrection, and kingdom. • Paul insists he hasn’t invented a new religion; he is unveiling Scripture’s long-standing storyline. Key Messianic Promises from Moses • Genesis 3:15 – The Seed who will crush the serpent’s head. • Genesis 22:18 – Abraham’s Seed through whom “all nations of the earth will be blessed.” • Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers.” These texts anticipate an individual Redeemer, not merely a nation. Major Prophecies from the Prophets • 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – David’s Descendant whose throne is forever. • Psalm 2:7-12 – The Son installed as King, receiving the nations. • Psalm 16:10 – The Holy One whose body would not see decay (resurrection). • Psalm 22 – Hands and feet pierced; mockery and casting lots for garments. • Psalm 110:1 – The exalted Lord seated at God’s right hand. • Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.” • Isaiah 9:6-7 – A Child who is “Mighty God” and eternal Prince of Peace. • Isaiah 53 – The Suffering Servant wounded for our transgressions, yet prolonged in days (resurrection implied). • Isaiah 61:1-2 – Spirit-anointed herald of good news (cf. Luke 4:18-21). • Jeremiah 23:5-6 – Righteous Branch called “The LORD Our Righteousness.” • Daniel 7:13-14 – “One like a Son of Man” receiving an everlasting kingdom. • Micah 5:2 – Ruler born in Bethlehem whose “origins are from ancient times.” • Zechariah 9:9 – King coming “righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey.” • Zechariah 12:10 – Israel mourning over “the One they have pierced.” How Jesus Fulfills What Paul Cites • Birth: Virgin conception (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). • Ministry: Spirit-anointed preaching to the poor (Isaiah 61:1-2). • Entry: Riding a donkey into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9). • Suffering: Pierced hands and feet, mocked, lots cast for clothing (Psalm 22). • Death: “Cut off” for others’ sins (Isaiah 53:8). • Resurrection: Body not seeing decay (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31). • Exaltation: Seated at God’s right hand (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34-36). • Universal Reign: Nations given to Him (Psalm 2; Daniel 7). Takeaways • Paul’s message stands on the unbroken, literal reliability of Scripture. • Every major juncture of Jesus’ life was mapped out centuries beforehand. • The Old and New Testaments form one storyline, converging in the Messiah proclaimed in Acts 26:22. |
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