Acts 3:13 Study Bible: The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him.

◄ Acts 3:13 ►

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him.

Study Bible

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
This phrase establishes a direct connection to the patriarchs of Israel, emphasizing continuity with the Jewish faith. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises Abraham that all nations will be blessed through his offspring. This connection underscores the legitimacy of the Christian message to a Jewish audience, affirming that Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant made with their ancestors.

the God of our fathers
This phrase reinforces the communal and historical identity of the Jewish people. It emphasizes that the God who acted in the past is the same God who is acting in the present through Jesus. This continuity is crucial for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as seen in Exodus 3:15, where God identifies Himself as the God of the patriarchs to Moses, linking the past with the present mission.

has glorified His servant Jesus
The term "servant" is significant, as it echoes the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 52:13-53:12, which describe a suffering servant who will be exalted. This connection highlights Jesus as the prophesied servant who suffers and is glorified, fulfilling the messianic expectations. The glorification of Jesus is seen in His resurrection and ascension, affirming His divine approval and authority.

You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate
This phrase addresses the responsibility of the Jewish leaders and people in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. It reflects the historical events recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus is brought before Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2, Mark 15:1, Luke 23:1, John 18:28). The rejection of Jesus by His own people fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:3, where the servant is despised and rejected by men.

even though he had decided to release Him
This highlights Pilate's initial intention to release Jesus, as seen in Luke 23:4, 14-16, where Pilate finds no basis for a charge against Him. It underscores the injustice of Jesus' condemnation and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan despite human actions. This aspect of the narrative demonstrates the tension between divine providence and human responsibility, as seen in Acts 2:23, where Peter speaks of Jesus being handed over by God's set purpose and foreknowledge.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant relationship with Israel, highlighting the faithfulness of God throughout generations.

2. Jesus
Referred to as God's servant, Jesus is the central figure who is glorified by God, fulfilling the messianic prophecies and serving as the Savior.

3. Pilate
The Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, he succumbed to the pressure of the crowd and religious leaders.

4. The Jewish People
The audience Peter addresses, who were part of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, representing humanity's rejection of Christ.

5. The Event of Glorification
Refers to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, affirming His divine mission and identity.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
Reflect on how God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are fulfilled in Jesus, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.

The Role of Jesus as Servant
Understand Jesus' role as the suffering servant who was glorified, encouraging believers to embrace servanthood in their own lives.

Human Rejection and Divine Purpose
Recognize the human tendency to reject God’s ways, yet see how God’s purposes prevail, encouraging trust in His sovereign plan.

The Importance of Acknowledging Jesus
Challenge believers to acknowledge Jesus as Lord in every aspect of life, avoiding the mistakes of those who rejected Him.

The Call to Repentance and Witness
Encourage believers to repent and bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection and lordship, following Peter’s example in Acts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God as the "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" deepen our appreciation of His faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we emulate Jesus' example of servanthood in our daily lives?

3. What pressures or influences might lead us to reject or compromise our faith in Jesus, similar to Pilate's situation?

4. How does the glorification of Jesus impact our understanding of His role and mission in the world today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure we are actively acknowledging and proclaiming Jesus as Lord in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:6
Connects to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing God's enduring covenant and presence with His people.

Isaiah 52:13
Prophecies about the servant of the Lord being exalted, which is fulfilled in Jesus' glorification.

John 19:12-16
Describes Pilate's role in the trial of Jesus, highlighting the political and social pressures that led to Jesus' crucifixion.

Philippians 2:9-11
Speaks of Jesus being exalted by God, affirming His lordship and the fulfillment of His mission.

Sermons

The Power of Christ's Name	R. Tuck	Acts 3:6, 16
The Human and the Divine	W. Clarkson	Acts 3:11-21
A Great Sermon to a Wondering Multitude	R.A. Redford	Acts 3:11-26
A Greater Miracle	J. Parker, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
Credit Due to Christ	H. W. Beecher.	Acts 3:11-26
Glory Due to Christ	J. Spencer.	Acts 3:11-26
Glory to be Given to God	H. W. Beecher.	Acts 3:11-26
Misapprehensions Removed	A. Hudson.	Acts 3:11-26
Peter's Address	J. T. McCrory.	Acts 3:11-26
Peter's Address	Monday Club	Acts 3:11-26
Peter's Address	J. Bennett, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
Peter's Sermon	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
Peter's Speech	J. Parker, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
Show Me the Doctor		Acts 3:11-26
Solomon's Porch	Dean Plumptre.	Acts 3:11-26
Solomon's Porch -- a Hallowed Spot for Peter	G. T. Stokes, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
The Miracle At the Beautiful Gate as a Text	D. Thomas, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
The Threefold Testimony of Peter Concerning Christ	Lisco.	Acts 3:11-26
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Conversion of Men	R. W. Dale, LL. D.	Acts 3:11-26
Trite Courage	H. C. Trumbull, D. D.	Acts 3:11-26
Witness of Peter to Jesus	E. Johnson	Acts 3:11-26
The Apostolic Witness to Christ	R. Tuck	Acts 3:13-15
Men Denying the Just One	Homilist	Acts 3:13-16
St. Peter's Testimony	J. W. Burn.	Acts 3:13-16
Sworn Testimony	T. De Witt Talmage, D. D.	Acts 3:13-16
The Prince of Life	J. Irons.	Acts 3:13-16
The Rejection of Christ	W. Hudson.	Acts 3:13-16

People

Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, John, Peter, Pilate, Samuel, Solomon

Places

Beautiful Gate, Nazareth, Solomon's Colonnade

Topics

Backs, Child, Conferred, Decided, Decision, Delivered, Denied, Determined, Disowned, Face, Fathers, Forefathers, Free, Glorified, Glorify, Glory, Handed, Honour, Isaac, Jacob, Judged, Judgment, Killed, Pilate, Presence, Release, Servant, Though, Turning

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Acts 3:13

     1512   Trinity, equality of
     2327   Christ, as servant
     2525   Christ, cross of
     5096   Jacob, patriarch
     5103   Moses, significance
     5564   suffering, of Christ
     7160   servants of the Lord
     7942   ministry
     8468   renunciation
     8729   enemies, of Christ

Acts 3:1-26

7469 temple, Herod's

Acts 3:9-16

8427 evangelism, kinds of

Acts 3:11-26

7755 preaching, importance

Acts 3:13-14

2072 Christ, righteousness
2585 Christ, trial

Acts 3:13-15

     2024   Christ, glory of
     2545   Christ, opposition to
     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher

Acts 3:13-16

8738 evil, victory over

Library

March 19 Morning
God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in the turning away every one of you from his iniquities.--ACTS 3:26. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercies hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.--Saved by his life. Our Saviour Jesus Christ . . . who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.--As …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Healing Power of the Name
'And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.' --ACTS iii. 16. Peter said, 'Why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?' eagerly disclaiming being anything else than a medium through which Another's power operated. Jesus Christ said, 'That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Servant of the Lord
'Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, In turning away every one of you from his iniquities.' --ACTS iii. 26. So ended Peter's bold address to the wondering crowd gathered in the Temple courts around him, with his companion John and the lame man whom they had healed. A glance at his words will show how extraordinarily outspoken and courageous they are. He charges home on his hearers the guilt of Christ's death, unfalteringly proclaims His Messiahship, bears witness …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
'Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3. Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms. 4. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. 5. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'The Prince of Life'
'But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.' --ACTS iii. 14, 15. This early sermon of Peter's, to the people, is marked by a comparative absence of the highest view of Christ's person and work. It is open to us to take one of two explanations of that fact. We may either say that the Apostle was but learning the full significance of the marvellous events that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned! …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 1 "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: And when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: For they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:1-4. 1. Our Lord had now "gone about all Galilee," (Matt. 4:23, ) beginning at the time "when John was cast into prison," (Matt. 4:12, ) not only "teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Apostolic Exhortation
It is noteworthy that Peter, in addressing this crowd, came at once to the very essence and bowels of his message. He did not beat the bush; he did not shoot his arrow far afield, but he hit the very centre of the target. He preached not merely the gospel of good news, but Christ, the person of Christ; Christ crucified--crucified by them, Christ risen, Christ glorified of his Father. Depend upon it, this is the very strength of the Christian ministry, when it is saturated with the name and person …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 14: 1868

Gladden -- the Prince of Life
Washington Gladden, Congregational divine, was born at Pottsgrove, Pa., in 1836. After graduating at Williams College he was ordained pastor, and occupied pulpits in Brooklyn, Morrisania, N.Y., and Springfield, Mass., until 1882, when he assumed charge of the First Congregational Church of Columbus, Ohio. He has also occupied editorial positions, and has published many books on social and civil reform and the practical application of Christian truth to popular and common life. His style, whether …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by Early Christian Writers Themselves So Fully or Frequently as Might have Been Expected.
I shall consider this objection, first, as it applies to the letters of the apostles preserved in the New Testament; and secondly, as it applies to the remaining writings of other early Christians. The epistles of the apostles are either hortatory or argumentative. So far as they were occupied in delivering lessons of duty, rules of public order, admonitions against certain prevailing corruptions, against vice, or any particular species of it, or in fortifying and encouraging the constancy of the …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
HE that seriously considers the Constitution of the Christian Religion, observing the Excellency of its Doctrines, the Clearness of its Precepts, the Severity of its Threatnings, together with the Faithfulness of its Promises, and the Certainty of its Principles to trust to; such a one may justly be astonished, and admire what should be the reason that they who profess this not only the most excellent, but only true Religion in the World, should notwithstanding be generally as wicked, debauched and …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Whether Christ's Resurrection Ought to have Been Manifested to All?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's Resurrection ought to have been manifested to all. For just as a public penalty is due for public sin, according to 1 Tim. 5:20: "Them that sin reprove before all," so is a public reward due for public merit. But, as Augustine says (Tract. civ in Joan.), "the glory of the Resurrection is the reward of the humility of the Passion." Therefore, since Christ's Passion was manifested to all while He suffered in public, it seems that the glory of the Resurrection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Persecutors Knew who He Was?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's persecutors did know who He was. For it is written (Mat. 21:38) that the husbandmen seeing the son said within themselves: "This is the heir; come, let us kill him." On this Jerome remarks: "Our Lord proves most manifestly by these words that the rulers of the Jews crucified the Son of God, not from ignorance, but out of envy: for they understood that it was He to whom the Father says by the Prophet: 'Ask of Me, and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance.'" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and Salvation for Us.
1. Christ not only the minister, but also the author and prince of salvation. Divine grace not obscured by this mode of expression. The merit of Christ not opposed to the mercy of God, but depends upon it. 2. The compatibility of the two proved by various passages of Scripture. 3. Christ by his obedience truly merited divine grace for us. 4. This grace obtained by the shedding of Christ's blood, and his obedience even unto death. 5. In this way he paid our ransom. 6. The presumptuous manner in which …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

An Ox in the Congregation
Friday, July 10.--I rode to London and preached at Short's Gardens on "the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" [Acts 3:6]. Sunday, 12. While I was showing, at Charles' Square, what it is "to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God" [see Micah 6:8], a great shout began. Many of the rabble had brought an ox, which they were vehemently laboring to drive among the people. But their labor was in vain; for in spite of them all, he ran round and round, one way and the other, and at length …
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

Christ Teaching by Miracles
We have seen how many valuable lessons our Saviour taught while on earth by the parables which he used. But we teach by our lives, as well as by our lips. It has passed into a proverb, and we all admit the truth of it, that "Actions speak louder than words." If our words and our actions contradict each other, people will believe our actions sooner than our words. But when both agree together, then the effect is very great. This was true with our blessed Lord. There was an entire agreement between …
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

The "Times of Restitution" Can be Ushered in Only by the Second Advent of Christ.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the Times of Refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the Times of Restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:19-21). The "Times of Restitution" here promised to Israel on the condition of their national repentance is one of the names …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
'And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. 2. And Pilate asked Him, Art Thou the King of the Jews? And He answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. 3. And the chief priests accused Him of many things: but He answered nothing. 4. And Pilate asked Him again, saying, Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee. 6. But Jesus yet …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is from The...
The Essay which brings up the rear in this very guilty volume is from the pen of the "Rev. Benjamin Jowett, M.A., [Fellow and Tutor of Balliol College, and] Regius Professor of Greek in the University of Oxford,"--"a gentleman whose high personal character and general respectability seem to give a weight to his words, which assuredly they do not carry of themselves [143] ." His performance is entitled "On the Interpretation of Scripture:" being, in reality, nothing else but a laborious denial of …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

Some Surprising Results of the Break.
The Surprised Jew: a clash of wills--thousands of believing Jews--the church displacing kingdom--two-fold division of men formerly--now three-fold--church different in organization from kingdom--the Baptist puzzled--Jesus did not fill out Hebrew prophecy--two characteristics, personal and official--personal details fulfilled--official not because of rejection--out of situation grew four gospels--Mark--Matthew's the gap gospel--Paul's audiences--Luke's gospel--these three tell of rejection mainly--John's …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Wilt Thou be Made Whole?
"Jesus saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool. Jesus saith unto him, Rise and walk. Immediately the man was made whole, and walked."--JOHN v. 6-9. "Peter said, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.... The faith which is by Him hath given this man this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."--ACTS iii. 6, 16. "Peter said, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise. And he arose immediately."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is it that We...
The Disciple,--Master, what is the real meaning of service? Is it that we serve the Creator and then His creatures for His sake? Is the help of man, who is after all but a mere worm, of any value to God in caring for His great family, or does God stand in need of the help of man in protecting or preserving any of His creatures? The Master,--1. Service means the activity of the spiritual life and is the natural offering prompted by love. God, who is Love, is ever active in the care of His creation, …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

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