What does Acts 13:35 mean?

Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 13:35

Explanation

Acts 13:35 is a reference Paul makes in a sermon as he speaks to the people in a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. The verse refers to Psalm 16:10, which is a prophetic psalm of David. The literal meaning of this verse is that God will not allow His ‘Holy One’ to see decay, which in the context of Acts, is interpreted to be a prophecy about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The deeper meaning here implies that Jesus, as the ‘Holy One,’ would not undergo the physical decay associated with death as he would be resurrected.

Historical Context

Acts 13:35 occurs within a speech made by the apostle Paul during his first missionary journey, around AD 47-48. This was delivered in a synagogue, where Paul and his companion Barnabas had been invited to speak to the congregants, both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. The historical context is the early spread of Christianity, where the apostles sought to connect the life and death of Jesus to the Jewish scriptures, showing that Jesus was the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse provides insight into the early Christian understanding of Jesus’ messiahship and resurrection. From a Christian standpoint, Jesus is viewed as the Holy One who triumphed over death, validating his divinity and messianic claims. This interpretation is foundational for Christian beliefs about the resurrection and the nature of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 13:35 can inspire believers to have confidence in their faith, particularly in the promise of resurrection and eternal life. It reinforces the notion that if Jesus, the Holy One, was raised and did not see corruption, those who follow him are also offered the hope of resurrection. This can offer comfort concerning death and the assurance of a continued relationship with God beyond physical life.

Cross-References

• Psalm 16:10: “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
• Acts 2:27: “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

Language Study

Key words in this verse include:

• “Holy One” (Greek: ὅσιον, hosion): This word suggests sacredness or piety, and in this context, it refers to Jesus as sacred and set apart by God.
• “To see” (Greek: ἰδεῖν, idein): In this context, Greek usage implies experiencing or enduring something. Here, it means to be subjected to corruption.
• “Corruption” (Greek: διαφθοράν, diaphthoran): This translates to decay or destruction, often associated with the decomposition of the body after death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a god or hero not experiencing decay can be found in various ancient myths and religious traditions, including the notion of deities defeating death or transcending it entirely. However, within these stories, the details and implications differ significantly from the monotheistic and historical claims of Christianity regarding Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, biological decay after death is a natural process. The assertion that Jesus did not experience corruption contradicts the typical physical process of decay. The Christian claim of bodily resurrection is thus a matter of faith, transcending empirical science, and entering the realm of the miraculous.

Commentaries

Commentators often note several things about this verse:

• It conveys Paul’s argument that Jesus is the Messiah who fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament.
• It emphasizes the significance of the resurrection in Christian theology.
• It illustrates the early apostolic preaching strategy of connecting Jesus’ story to the Hebrew scriptures to persuade Jewish audiences.
• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the joy and confidence Christians can have in Christ’s resurrection.
• John Gill’s exposition points out that the “Holy One” suggests the purity of Christ and his separation from sinners, highlighting the theological importance of Christ’s sinless nature.