The prophetic scriptures of the Old Testament contain numerous references to the Messiah, foretelling various aspects of His life, mission, and the opposition He would face. Among these prophecies is the prediction that both Jews and Gentiles would unite in opposition against the Messiah. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus Christ's passion and crucifixion.

Prophetic Scriptures

1. Psalm 2:1-2: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One."

This psalm, attributed to David, vividly portrays a coalition of earthly rulers and nations conspiring against the Lord's Anointed, a term understood to refer to the Messiah. The imagery of nations and peoples plotting together underscores the universal scope of the opposition.

2. Isaiah 53:3: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not."

Isaiah's prophecy speaks to the rejection and suffering of the Messiah, indicating that He would be scorned by His own people and others alike.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

1. Matthew 27:1-2: "When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor."

The Jewish religious leaders, representing the Jewish nation, conspired to bring about the death of Jesus. Their collaboration with the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, signifies the involvement of Gentile authority in the plot against Christ.

2. Acts 4:27-28: "In fact, in this city Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen."

The early church, in prayer, acknowledges the fulfillment of the prophecy as they recount the conspiracy involving both Jewish and Gentile leaders against Jesus. Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel are all named as participants in the opposition.

3. John 18:28-30: "Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early morning, and they did not enter the Praetorium to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, 'What accusation are you bringing against this man?' 'If He were not a criminal,' they replied, 'we would not have handed Him over to you.'"

The Jewish leaders' delivery of Jesus to the Roman authorities further illustrates the collaboration between Jews and Gentiles in the events leading to the crucifixion.

Significance

The fulfillment of these prophecies underscores the divine orchestration of the events surrounding Jesus' death. The unification of Jews and Gentiles against Christ highlights the universal nature of human sin and rebellion, as well as the comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive work. The opposition He faced was not limited to a single group but encompassed all humanity, reflecting the need for salvation across all nations and peoples.Luke 23:12
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 4:27
For of a truth against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Extracts No. Ix.
... much towards corroborating the truth of all the other prophecies. ... make no exception
of this man Christ Jesus ... of the prophesy of Jesus respecting the destruction ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no ix.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome. ... After some other prophecies
we come to the mention of ... and passes on to the advent of Christ, His life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... So is their affirmation that Scripture prophecies about the ... on the part of the Donatists
respecting the restriction ... the Church, as the body of Christ was not ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

The Gospels in General
... clear teaching contained in this Gospel respecting the divinity ... of time, showing
how all the prophecies that pointed ... towards the end of his life Christ says to ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospels in general.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... finds himself impelled to these or like conclusions respecting it, the ... 17] Of prophecies
in the ... Hittite is improved by making David represent Christ, and Uriah ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... such a use of the words of Christ which he ... about the authorship, as, for example,
that respecting St ... those who maintain that the roll of prophecies is completed ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

part ii
... Thy Mother." [741] In order that we should not doubt ... Eternal, Divine Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ, has solved ... Forgive them that trespass against you with joy, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

How can I identify messianic prophecies in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org

What biblical prophecies were fulfilled in AD 70? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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