What does Acts 13:27 mean?

For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. Acts 13:27

Explanation

In Acts 13:27, the speaker, typically understood to be the apostle Paul, is addressing people in a synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia. He speaks of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders, saying they were unaware of Jesus’ true identity and the prophecies about the Messiah despite hearing them read every Sabbath day. By failing to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah and condemning him to death, the people of Jerusalem unintentionally fulfilled the very prophecies that spoke of his suffering. This verse illustrates a tragic irony: the religious leaders and people who dedicated themselves to the study and observance of the scriptures were the same ones who unknowingly played a role in bringing the prophetic scriptures to fulfillment through their rejection of Jesus.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a speech by Paul in a synagogue, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. It was a time after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Paul and his companions were on their first missionary journey spreading the word about Jesus Christ. The Book of Acts was likely written by Luke around 63-70 AD. At that time, Christianity was not a separate religion but was seen by some as a sect within Judaism. The speech was presented to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, with the purpose of explaining the Christ event in the context of Jewish history and scripture.

Theological Insights

This verse illustrates a broader theological theme of divine providence working through human actions, even when those actions are contrary to God’s moral will. From the Christian perspective, it conveys the paradox that the rejection of Jesus by his own people was both an egregious sin and yet a part of God’s sovereign plan for bringing about redemption through his death. This aligns with the overarching Christian belief that God can bring good out of evil. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize either the human responsibility in the rejection of Jesus or the divine sovereignty in the fulfillment of prophecies.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage believers to seek a deeper understanding of their faith and scriptures, so they do not miss out on what is being revealed to them. It serves as a warning to be vigilant and to discern properly, avoiding the pitfalls that come with spiritual blindness or a hardened heart. For Christians, it also underscores the importance of recognizing how their actions contribute to God’s plan and the significance of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Cross-References

• Luke 24:44-45: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”
• Isaiah 53:3: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
• 1 Corinthians 2:7-8: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Language Study

• “Knew him not”: The Greek word for “knew” in this context is “ἀγνοέω” (agnoeo), which means to be ignorant of or not to understand. This suggests a failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah was due to lack of understanding rather than mere unbelief.
• “Rulers”: Refers to the Jewish leaders, or “ἄρχοντες” (archontes) in Greek, signifying those in authoritative positions who led judicial and religious matters.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ can be contrasted with the sacrifices and scapegoat rituals found in other ancient religions, where an individual or animal was sacrificed for the sake of the community’s purification or appeasement of the gods. However, in the Christian tradition, the crucifixion is unique in that it is considered a redemptive and once-for-all sacrifice foretold by the prophets and that it bridges the divide between God and humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse in question does not directly touch upon scientific matters but speaks to historical events and theological beliefs. However, the practice of understanding and interpreting ancient texts, like the Sabbath readings mentioned, involves various disciplines such as archaeology, history, and literary analysis that overlap with the humanities and social sciences.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars have offered commentary on this particular verse. For instance:

• John Gill comments on the fact that the rulers did this out of ignorance shows that not all sin is done with full knowledge, but can still lead to grave consequences.
• Matthew Henry remarks on the irony that the Jewish leaders fulfilled the prophecies through their very efforts to oppose them, showcasing the sovereignty of God.
• The Pulpit Commentary focuses on the mention of Sabbath readings to argue that regular exposure to scripture was not enough for true understanding and that the heart must be open to God’s revelation.