Lesson Twenty-Five: Paul's Sermon at Antioch

Supplementary Materials

Overview of Paul's Sermon (13:16-41) Paul's sermon follows a logical structure, moving from Israel's history to Jesus Christ:

Historical Review: From Egypt to David (13:17-22) Paul traces Israel's history to show God's faithfulness in preparing for the Messiah:

Purpose: Paul shows that all of Israel's history was leading somewhere — to David, and through David's seed, to the promised Savior. God was faithful through every period.

David: A Man After God's Own Heart (13:22) "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." This quote combines 1 Samuel 13:14 and Psalm 89:20. Why was David special?

• "A man after mine own heart" — David sought God's will, not his own
• "Shall fulfil all my will" — David was obedient to God's purposes
• David was not sinless (Bathsheba, Uriah), but he was repentant and submitted to God
• The contrast with Saul is clear — Saul did his own will; David did God's will

Key Point: Paul reaches David because the Messiah was promised through David's line. This prepares for verse 23.

The Promise Fulfilled: Jesus the Savior (13:23-25) "Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus." Paul announces the climax of his historical review:

John the Baptist's Testimony (13:24-25) Paul appeals to John the Baptist, whom the Jews respected: "When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose." John's Role John's Testimony Preached "before his coming" — prepared the "I am not he" — John denied being the way Messiah Preached "baptism of repentance" — called "There cometh one after me" — pointed to Israel to turn Jesus Preached "to all the people of Israel" — "Not worthy to loose his shoes" — Jesus national call infinitely greater

Why mention John? John was respected by the Jews as a prophet. His testimony that Jesus was greater than himself confirmed Jesus's identity as the Messiah.

The Death of Jesus (13:26-29) Paul now addresses his audience directly and explains what happened to Jesus: "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent." Paul's audience included both Jews ("children of the stock of Abraham") and God-fearing Gentiles ("whosoever among you feareth God").

The Resurrection: God's Vindication (13:30-37) The climax of Paul's sermon is the resurrection. He offers two types of evidence:

Evidence #1: Eyewitnesses (13:30-31) "But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people."

• "God raised him" — The Father raised the Son (cf. Rom. 1:4)
• "He was seen many days" — Not a single vision but repeated appearances over 40 days
• "Them which came up with him from Galilee" — The apostles who knew Him before and after
• "Who are his witnesses unto the people" — Living testimony available to verify

Evidence #2: Old Testament Prophecy (13:32-37) Paul quotes three Old Testament passages to prove Jesus's resurrection was foretold:

David vs. Jesus: Who Saw No Corruption? (13:36-37) Paul's argument is identical to Peter's on Pentecost (Acts 2:29-31): David (13:36) Jesus (13:37) "Served his own generation by the will of "He, whom God raised again" God" "Fell on sleep" (died) Was raised from the dead "Was laid unto his fathers" Rose from the tomb "SAW CORRUPTION" "SAW NO CORRUPTION"

Conclusion: Psalm 16:10 could not refer to David — he died and his body decayed. It must refer to David's greater Son, Jesus, who rose before His body could decay. The prophecy proves the resurrection!

"The Sure Mercies of David" (13:34) This phrase from Isaiah 55:3 refers to God's covenant promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16):

• God promised David an eternal throne and kingdom
• These promises are "sure" (certain, reliable, faithful)
• For these promises to be fulfilled, David's heir must live forever
• Jesus, raised "no more to return to corruption" (13:34), fulfills this

Paul's Point: The resurrection wasn't just a miracle — it was necessary for God's promises to be fulfilled. A dead Messiah cannot reign forever. The resurrection proves Jesus is the promised King!

Key Cross-References

Lessons from Acts 13:17-37 1. God works through history — He was preparing for Christ from Egypt to David. 2. Jesus is the promised Savior — from David's seed, according to God's promise. 3. John the Baptist testified to Jesus — He was not the Messiah, but pointed to Him. 4. The cross fulfilled prophecy — even Jesus's enemies unknowingly accomplished God's plan. 5. The resurrection is proven — by eyewitnesses and Old Testament prophecy. 6. Jesus fulfills God's promises to David — the "sure mercies" require an eternal King.