How does Acts 2:34 connect with Hebrews 1:13 about Jesus' exaltation? The psalm behind both passages Psalm 110:1: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” • Written by David under inspiration, foretelling the Messiah’s royal enthronement • Speaks of two divine Persons—the Father (“the LORD”) and the Son (“my Lord”) • Promises a place of highest honor (“My right hand”) and ultimate victory (“footstool”) Acts 2:34—Peter points to the enthroned Messiah “For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand.”’” • Peter argues that the resurrection and ascension prove Jesus, not David, fulfills Psalm 110 • By citing only verse 34, Peter highlights the position—Jesus is already seated in authority • Verse 35 (quoted next) shows the continuing process—every enemy is being brought under His feet Hebrews 1:13—Jesus exalted above angels “Yet to which of the angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet’?” • The writer contrasts the Son with all angelic beings—none share this unique promise • Psalm 110:1 is used as the climactic proof that Jesus’ rank is incomparable • The focus here is both His position (seated) and His destined triumph (enemies subdued) How the two passages fit together • Same prophecy, two audiences: Acts addresses Jews in Jerusalem; Hebrews addresses believers tempted to drift back toward angel-mediated law • Same exaltation, two emphases: – Acts stresses Jesus’ actual ascension and present authority – Hebrews stresses Jesus’ superiority over every created order • Together they reveal a single timeline: 1. Resurrection → 2. Ascension → 3. Session at God’s right hand → 4. Final subjugation of all enemies • Both draw a sharp line between the Creator-Redeemer and every creature, whether king (David) or angel Supporting passages that echo the truth • Mark 16:19; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11—Jesus enthroned at God’s right hand • 1 Corinthians 15:25-27—He must reign until every enemy, even death, is under His feet • Revelation 3:21—He shares His throne and invites overcomers to reign with Him Life-shaping takeaways • The throne is occupied—Christ’s authority is not future only; it is present, personal, and absolute • Every rival power is temporary—history is moving toward His public, universal triumph • Because He reigns, believers stand secure—our hope rests in a victorious, exalted Savior whose word is final |
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