Connect Acts 5:31 with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's role. Acts 5:31 at a Glance “God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.” In this single sentence Peter proclaims four key truths about Jesus: • Exalted to God’s right hand • Declared Prince (leader, ruler) • Named Savior (deliverer) • Authorized to give repentance and forgiveness to Israel Each of those ideas was foretold centuries earlier in the Old Testament. Exalted to God’s Right Hand • Psalm 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” • Psalm 2:6, 8 – The Father installs His King on Zion and promises the nations as His inheritance. • Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man comes “with the clouds of heaven… and His dominion is an everlasting dominion.” Connection: Acts 5:31 states as historical fact what these texts predicted: Messiah would occupy the place of highest honor, sharing divine authority. Messiah as Prince • Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born… and the government will be upon His shoulders… Prince of Peace.” • Daniel 9:25 – “From the issuing of the decree… until Messiah the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.” • Isaiah 55:4 – “I have made Him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.” Connection: When Peter calls Jesus “Prince,” he is identifying Him with the royal, governing figure foreseen by Isaiah and Daniel. Messiah as Savior • Isaiah 43:11 – “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me.” • Isaiah 59:20 – “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression.” Connection: The Old Testament insists that God alone saves—so when Acts 5:31 names Jesus “Savior,” it presents Him as the divine Redeemer promised by Isaiah. Granting Repentance to Israel • Ezekiel 36:26-27 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you… and cause you to walk in My statutes.” • Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” Connection: Genuine repentance is God’s gift. Acts 5:31 shows Jesus actively dispensing that promised inner renewal. Providing Forgiveness of Sins • Isaiah 53:5-6 – “He was pierced for our transgressions… the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” • Jeremiah 31:34 – “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more.” Connection: The suffering Servant secures full pardon, and Acts 5:31 declares that Jesus now administers that forgiveness from His exalted throne. The Thread That Ties It All Together 1. Old Testament prophecy paints a composite portrait—royal, divine, suffering, saving. 2. Acts 5:31 presents Jesus as the finished mosaic: exalted King, authoritative Prince, divine Savior. 3. The blessings foretold—repentance, new hearts, forgiven sins—are already flowing through Him. Living in Light of These Truths Because every aspect of Acts 5:31 answers to specific Messianic promises, we can rest confident that: • Scripture speaks with one harmonious voice. • Jesus fulfills every role God pledged on Israel’s behalf. • The same exalted Messiah remains able and willing to grant repentance and forgiveness today. |
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