How does Acts 2:31 affirm the prophecy of Christ's resurrection? Setting the Stage—Acts 2:31 in Peter’s Sermon • Peter is preaching on Pentecost, explaining the miracle of tongues (Acts 2:14–21). • He quotes Psalm 16:8-11 (Acts 2:25-28) and then summarizes: “Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see decay.” (Acts 2:31) • Peter treats David’s words not as poetic hyperbole about himself, but as a Spirit-given prophecy about the Messiah. The Prophetic Link—Psalm 16:10 Pointed Ahead to Easter Morning • Psalm 16:10: “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • David’s body did decay (Acts 2:29), so the promise must look beyond him. • The term “Holy One” is singular and unique, matching the Messiah’s title (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34). • Acts 2:31 explicitly says David “foreseeing this” spoke of “the resurrection of the Christ.” Peter interprets Psalm 16 literally, not symbolically. Key Phrases That Confirm the Resurrection 1. “Not abandoned to Hades” • Hades (Greek equivalent of Sheol) is the realm of the dead. • Jesus truly died (John 19:30), yet death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). 2. “Nor did His body see decay” • The resurrection occurred on the third day—well before decomposition set in (Luke 24:21; John 11:39 contrasts Lazarus). • The empty tomb (Matthew 28:6) and the linen cloths left behind (John 20:6-7) emphasize a physical, bodily resurrection. In Step with Christ’s Own Predictions • Matthew 16:21—Jesus foretold He would “be killed, and on the third day be raised.” • John 2:19—“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” • Luke 24:6-7—Angels remind the women that Jesus had promised this very event. Acts 2:31 confirms those promises were kept exactly as spoken. Eyewitness Continuity—Apostolic Testimony Matches Prophecy • Peter and the Eleven saw the risen Lord (Acts 1:3; 2:32). • Paul records over five hundred witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). • The apostolic preaching repeatedly ties Psalm 16 to Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 13:32-37), underscoring the literal fulfillment. Why It Matters Today • Scripture proves itself trustworthy: David’s words and Jesus’ words converge in a single historical event. • The resurrection validates Jesus as the promised Messiah and guarantees our future resurrection (1 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22). • Acts 2:31 invites confident faith—the same God who kept His word then will keep every promise He has made to us now. |
    |