Acts 13:17

KJV

The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

The God {G2316} of this {G5127} people {G2992} of Israel {G2474} chose {G1586} our {G2257} fathers {G3962}, and {G2532} exalted {G5312} the people {G2992} when {G1722} they dwelt as strangers {G3940} in {G1722} the land {G1093} of Egypt {G125}, and {G2532} with {G3326} an high {G5308} arm {G1023} brought he {G1806} them {G846} out of {G1537} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The God of this people Isra’el chose our fathers. He made the people great during the time when they were living as aliens in Egypt and with a stretched-out arm he led them out of that land.

Berean Standard Bible

The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land.

American Standard Version

The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:17 forms a pivotal part of Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, serving as a foundational historical anchor for his presentation of Jesus as the Messiah. This verse succinctly encapsulates God's sovereign initiative in choosing the Israelite patriarchs, His providential care in exalting the nascent nation during their sojourn in Egypt, and His demonstration of irresistible power in delivering them from bondage, thereby setting the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive plan culminating in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Paul's inaugural recorded sermon in Acts, delivered in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, following an invitation from the synagogue leaders (Acts 13:15). Paul's address is a masterclass in apologetics, designed to connect with his Jewish audience by recounting the redemptive history of Israel, starting from their origins. Acts 13:17-25 provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of God's dealings with Israel from the patriarchs through the Exodus, the wilderness wandering, the period of the judges, the monarchy (culminating in David), and the prophetic promises, all leading inexorably to the arrival of John the Baptist and, finally, Jesus. This historical review establishes God's consistent faithfulness and sovereign purpose, preparing the audience to understand Jesus not as an anomaly, but as the divinely appointed climax of Israel's long story of salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in the synagogue consisted of both native Jews and "God-fearers" (Gentiles who adhered to Jewish monotheism and customs without full conversion), making a historical narrative a highly effective rhetorical strategy. Recounting the Exodus and the formation of Israel was deeply resonant, tapping into the collective memory and identity of the Jewish people. The Exodus, in particular, was the foundational event of Israel's national identity and a testament to God's unique relationship with them, celebrated annually through Passover. By emphasizing God's "high arm" in their deliverance, Paul invoked a powerful, culturally understood idiom that underscored divine, irresistible power, preparing his hearers to accept an equally powerful, divinely orchestrated salvation through Jesus, the descendant of David, as promised throughout [the Old Testament prophets](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:17 vividly illustrates several profound theological themes. First, **Divine Election and Sovereignty** are paramount, as God "chose our fathers," highlighting His unmerited grace and deliberate selection of a people for His purposes, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - God's Chosen People"). Second, **God's Providence and Exaltation** are evident in His care for the Israelites even "when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt." Despite their vulnerable status and subsequent oppression, God "exalted the people," allowing them to multiply and become a great nation, demonstrating His ability to work His will even through adverse circumstances, as seen in [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Exodus 1:7 - Israel's Growth in Egypt"). Third, the theme of **Powerful Deliverance** is central, marked by the phrase "with an high arm brought he them out of it." This is a classic Old Testament motif signifying God's irresistible power to rescue His people from bondage, a motif that anticipates the ultimate spiritual deliverance offered through Christ, as foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chose (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** This verb, derived from `ek` (out of) and `legō` (to pick, gather), signifies to "select" or "make choice." In this context, it emphasizes God's sovereign and deliberate act of election, specifically His gracious initiative in selecting Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ("our fathers") and, through them, the nation of Israel. This choice was not based on any inherent merit of the chosen but on God's divine purpose and grace.
* **exalted (Greek, _hypsóō'_):** Meaning "to elevate" or "lift up," this term highlights God's active role in raising the status and prominence of the people of Israel. Despite their initial vulnerability as "strangers" and later their enslavement in Egypt, God caused them to grow into a numerous and significant nation, demonstrating His power to elevate and prosper His chosen people even under oppressive conditions.
* **arm (Greek, _brachíōn'_):** Properly referring to the physical limb, this word is used figuratively here to denote "strength" or "power." In conjunction with "high" (Greek, _hypsēlós'_), it forms a powerful idiom "high arm," which is a common Old Testament expression (especially in the Septuagint) for God's irresistible, outstretched, and mighty power, particularly in the context of the Exodus. It emphasizes that the deliverance was a direct, overwhelming, and undeniable act of divine omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's unique relationship with Israel, identifying Him as the covenant God who actively and sovereignly initiated His relationship with the patriarchs. It underscores the concept of divine election, where God, out of His own will and purpose, selected a particular lineage to be the recipients of His covenant promises and the channel through which His redemptive plan would unfold.
* **"and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt":** This phrase describes God's providential care and active intervention even during a period of vulnerability and oppression. Despite Israel's status as "strangers" (foreign residents) in Egypt, a position that eventually led to their enslavement, God did not abandon them. Instead, He "exalted" them, allowing them to multiply greatly and become a numerous people, thereby fulfilling His promise to Abraham and demonstrating His power to sustain and increase His chosen nation even in hostile environments.
* **"and with an high arm brought he them out of it":** This climactic clause points to the miraculous and decisive Exodus from Egypt. The idiom "with an high arm" powerfully conveys the irresistible, overwhelming, and visible display of God's might. It signifies that Israel's liberation was not achieved through human strength or negotiation but was solely the result of God's direct, supernatural, and authoritative intervention, overcoming all opposition (Pharaoh and his army) to deliver His people.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's sermon, and specifically this verse, employs several potent literary devices. **Historical Allusion** is foundational, as Paul rapidly surveys key moments in Israel's history, relying on his audience's familiarity with these narratives. The entire verse is an allusion to the foundational stories of Genesis and Exodus, establishing common ground and demonstrating God's consistent character. The phrase "with an high arm" is a powerful **Idiom**, a well-known expression in the Old Testament (especially the Septuagint) for God's irresistible power and direct intervention. This idiom is also an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (an arm) to God to describe His mighty actions in a way that is comprehensible to humans, emphasizing His active and personal involvement in history. This vivid imagery conveys divine strength and authority, making God's deliverance tangible and undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:17 serves as a theological cornerstone, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power throughout salvation history. It highlights that God's plan is initiated by His own choice, sustained by His providence even in adversity, and brought to fruition by His irresistible might. This consistent character of God, demonstrated in Israel's past, provides the theological framework for understanding His ultimate redemptive act in Christ. The election of Israel, their growth in Egypt, and their miraculous deliverance were not isolated events but integral steps in a grand divine narrative designed to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah. This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events according to His eternal purposes for the salvation of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 26:8](/deuteronomy/26-8 "Deuteronomy 26:8 - God Brought Us Out with a Mighty Hand")
* [Psalm 136:11-12](/psalms/136-11-12 "Psalm 136:11-12 - God's Steadfast Love in the Exodus")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9-10 "Isaiah 51:9-10 - The Arm of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:17 offers profound encouragement and a robust foundation for faith in the unchanging character of God. Just as God "chose our fathers" and faithfully guided Israel through their trials, He continues to be the God of election, providence, and powerful deliverance for His people today. This verse invites us to reflect on God's sovereign hand in our own lives and in the unfolding of history. It reminds us that our salvation is rooted entirely in His initiative and power, not in our merit or strength. When we face circumstances that feel like "dwelling as strangers" or being in "Egypt"—periods of vulnerability, oppression, or uncertainty—this passage assures us that God is capable of exalting us and bringing us out "with a high arm." It cultivates a deep trust in His ability to fulfill His promises, reminding us that no obstacle is too great for His irresistible might. Our hope is anchored in His proven faithfulness across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's historical faithfulness to Israel in Acts 13:17 strengthen your trust in His faithfulness to you personally today?**
* **In what "Egypts" or periods of "strangerhood" (vulnerability, oppression, uncertainty) have you experienced God's "exaltation" or "high arm" deliverance in your life?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereign choice ("chose our fathers") inform your understanding of salvation and grace?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Paul recounting Israel's history in his sermon?**

Answer: Paul's recounting of Israel's history in his sermon, particularly in Acts 13:17-25, is strategically significant for several reasons. First, it establishes common ground with his Jewish audience in the synagogue, reminding them of their shared heritage and God's consistent involvement in their story. This historical overview demonstrates God's faithfulness and sovereign plan over generations. Second, it serves as a theological and narrative bridge, showing how the long history of God's dealings with Israel—from their election and deliverance to the establishment of the monarchy—culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul systematically builds a case that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate expression of God's redemptive purpose for Israel and, by extension, for all humanity (see [Acts 13:32-33](/acts/13-32-33 "Acts 13:32-33 - God's Promise Fulfilled in Jesus")). By grounding his message in their sacred history, Paul presents Jesus not as a new or foreign concept, but as the anticipated climax of God's unfolding salvation narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:17, while recounting God's historical acts with Israel, profoundly foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "God of this people of Israel" who "chose our fathers" ultimately chose to send His Son, Jesus, as the ultimate "chosen one" (cf. [Luke 9:35](/luke/9-35 "Luke 9:35 - The Voice from the Cloud")). The theme of God "exalting the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt" points to Christ's own exaltation from the depths of human suffering and death to the highest place of honor. Just as Israel was exalted from slavery, Christ was "highly exalted" by God after His crucifixion, receiving "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Most significantly, the powerful deliverance "with an high arm brought he them out of it" finds its supreme expression in Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection. The Exodus was a physical deliverance from slavery, but Christ's death and resurrection constitute the spiritual Exodus, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death with an unparalleled display of divine power ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). He is the ultimate "arm of the Lord" ([Isaiah 53:1](/isaiah/53-1 "Isaiah 53:1 - Who Has Believed Our Report?")) through whom God accomplishes the final and complete salvation for all who believe, a salvation far greater than any physical liberation, leading to eternal life and freedom in Him ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:6

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:8

But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Acts 7:53

Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].

Psalms 105:23

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

Psalms 105:24

And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.