What does Acts 13:37 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 13:37 reads, "But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption." This verse is referring to Jesus Christ and the belief that His resurrection was different from other resurrections because His body did not undergo decay, commonly understood as 'corruption', in the grave.

The term "saw no corruption" indicates that Jesus was raised by God before His body could begin the natural process of decomposition, which is seen as a fulfilment of prophecy and a testament to His divine nature.

The deeper meaning here celebrates the belief in Jesus' victory over death and the grave, underscoring the Christian doctrine of resurrection, which promises eternal life to believers. It supports the notion that Jesus' resurrection was unique in its nature and divine in its execution.

Historical Context

This verse comes from a speech by the Apostle Paul in Pisidian Antioch, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

Paul and Barnabas were in a synagogue on the Sabbath, and Paul was presenting an argument to the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

This speech occurred during Paul's first missionary journey, around AD 47-48.

In Acts 13:35, Paul quotes Psalm 16:10 to argue that King David foresaw the resurrection of the Messiah, anticipating that the Holy One would not experience decay. Paul is making a case that Jesus is this Holy One, as opposed to David, whose body did undergo corruption.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse supports the Christian concept of Jesus as the resurrected Messiah. It provides a key argument for the bodily resurrection of Jesus against a first-century Jewish context which had diverse beliefs about resurrection and afterlife.

From a Reformed perspective, it is seen as evidence of God's sovereignty and power over sin and death.

A Catholic interpretation may place emphasis on Acts 13:37 as contributing to the understanding of the Assumption of Mary, where, by a unique grace, she too did not see corruption in going to heaven.

The Eastern Orthodox tradition might see in this verse further proof of the deification available to all through Christ's conquering of death.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire hope in the midst of suffering and loss, serving as a reminder of the Christian promise of resurrection and eternal life. It acts as an encouragement to live a righteous life, in the knowledge that eternal life awaits, free from the decay associated with death.

Moreover, Acts 13:37 can also be applied to encourage a more spiritual perspective, acknowledging that while physical bodies will undergo corruption, there is a spiritual renewal and transformation available through faith.

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."
• Luke 24:46 – "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"

Language Study

The key word in the phrase "saw no corruption" from the Greek text is "ἐγνώρισεν" (egnōrisen), which translates as "experienced" or "undergone".

The word for "corruption" is "διαφθοράν" (diaphthoran), which specifically indicates decay or destruction, commonly used in Greek literature to describe the decomposition of a body. Together, they convey that Jesus did not suffer the physical decay that typically follows death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparisons, the concept of a deity dying and being resurrected without corruption can be contrasted with various legends from ancient mythology.

For example, figures like Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Dionysus in Greek mythology were also believed to have died and risen, but their stories involve different understandings of the afterlife and immortality.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the statement that a body "saw no corruption" is extraordinary because it opposes the biological understanding of what happens to the human body after death. Science posits that decomposition is a natural and inevitable process.

Therefore, the verse is generally seen as a statement of supernatural faith rather than scientific fact.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Acts 13:37.

For example, John Calvin saw this verse as a testament to the divine nature of Christ and His victory over the grave.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that it provides a powerful argument for Jesus' Messiahship, while the Pulpit Commentary emphasizes its significance as both a fulfillement of prophecy and as the foundation for the hope of believers.

Modern scholars like N.T.

Wright in his book "The Resurrection of the Son of God," delve into the historical and theological implications of the resurrection accounts, including this verse, within the context of Second Temple Judaism.