Acts 13:29

KJV

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G5613} they had fulfilled {G5055} all {G537} that was written {G1125} of {G4012} him {G846}, they took him down {G2507} from {G575} the tree {G3586}, and laid {G5087} him in {G1519} a sepulchre {G3419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and when they had carried out all the things written about him, he was taken down from the stake and placed in a tomb.

Berean Standard Bible

When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

American Standard Version

And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:29 encapsulates the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and the immediate aftermath of His crucifixion, specifically detailing His burial. Paul, in his sermon at Pisidian Antioch, highlights how this event, seemingly a defeat, was in fact the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This verse serves as a critical bridge between the crucifixion and the glorious truth of the resurrection, affirming the physical reality of Christ's death and His subsequent interment, all according to God's predetermined plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:29 is embedded within Paul's inaugural recorded sermon in Pisidian Antioch, delivered in a synagogue (Acts 13:16-41). This sermon is a masterful theological exposition, tracing God's redemptive history from Israel's exodus, through the judges and kings (especially David), to the climactic arrival of Jesus as the promised Savior. Paul systematically presents the Jewish leaders' rejection and crucifixion of Jesus (Acts 13:27-28) not as a failure, but as the unwitting fulfillment of prophetic scripture. Verse 29 immediately follows the description of Jesus' condemnation and execution, providing the crucial detail of His burial, which then sets the stage for the triumphant declaration of His resurrection in the very next verse (Acts 13:30), forming the bedrock of the apostolic kerygma.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The burial practices in first-century Judea, particularly for those executed, were often swift and simple, especially if the deceased was considered a criminal. However, Jewish law (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) mandated that bodies not remain exposed overnight. For crucified individuals, the Roman custom was often to leave the bodies on the cross as a public deterrent, but Jewish custom required burial before sundown. The account of Jesus' burial, facilitated by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:38-42), involved wrapping the body in linen cloths with spices and placing it in a new, rock-hewn tomb. Paul's audience in the synagogue, being Jewish, would have understood these customs and the significance of a proper burial, especially for someone they had just heard proclaimed as the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, emphasizing that every detail of Jesus' life, death, and burial was divinely orchestrated and foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul repeatedly underscores this, as seen in his later defense before Agrippa where he states that he is simply proclaiming "nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen" [Acts 26:22](/acts/26-22 "Acts 26:22 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"). Another key theme is the **Reality of Jesus' Death and Burial**, which serves as an undeniable historical fact essential for the resurrection's significance. The physical burial in a tomb, as recounted in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 27:57-61](/matthew/27-57-61 "Matthew 27:57-61 - Jesus' Burial by Joseph of Arimathea")), countered any potential claims of Jesus merely swooning or His body being stolen, thus validating the empty tomb. Finally, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is evident, as God's plan unfolds perfectly through human actions, even those intended for evil, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _teléō'_):** This verb signifies bringing something to an end, completing, executing, or accomplishing a task or obligation. Here, it underscores the idea that the events surrounding Jesus' death were not random occurrences but the precise execution of a divine plan. It implies a purposeful completion of what was predetermined and foretold, emphasizing God's active role in bringing His redemptive purposes to fruition through the actions of men.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave," especially to write, or figuratively, to describe. In this context, it refers to the Old Testament scriptures, highlighting the prophetic nature of Jesus' suffering and death. The phrase "all that was written of him" points to the extensive body of Messianic prophecy that found its ultimate and complete realization in Christ, affirming the continuity between the Old and New Covenants.
* **tree (Greek, _xýlon'_):** While literally meaning "wood" or "timber," in this context, _xýlon_ specifically refers to the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Its use here, rather than the more common _stauros_ (cross), carries significant theological weight, echoing the language of Deuteronomy 21:23, which states, "he that is hanged on a tree is accursed of God." This linguistic choice powerfully connects Jesus' crucifixion to the Old Testament curse, setting the stage for Paul's later theological exposition in Galatians 3:13, where he explains that Christ "became a curse for us" by hanging on a tree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine orchestration of the events surrounding Jesus' death. "They" refers to the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities who condemned and crucified Jesus. Paul asserts that their actions, though seemingly driven by human malice and ignorance, unwittingly served to "fulfill" (accomplish) every detail that had been "written" (prophesied) about the Messiah in the Old Testament scriptures. This highlights God's sovereign hand working through human history to bring about His redemptive plan, even through acts of injustice.
* **"they took [him] down from the tree,"**: This describes the physical act of removing Jesus' body from the cross. The "tree" (Greek, _xýlon_) is a deliberate choice of word, linking Jesus' crucifixion to the Old Testament concept of a cursed death (Deuteronomy 21:23). The act of taking Him down signifies the completion of the crucifixion itself, marking the end of His suffering on the cross and affirming the reality of His death. This action was likely performed by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, as recorded in the Gospels.
* **"and laid [him] in a sepulchre."**: This final clause details Jesus' burial. A "sepulchre" (Greek, _mnēmeîon_) refers to a tomb or grave, typically a rock-hewn chamber. The act of laying Him in a sepulchre confirms the physical reality of His death and burial, which is a crucial historical and theological fact. This burial was not merely a customary act but a necessary step in the divine plan, preparing for the triumphant resurrection and providing undeniable proof that Jesus truly died before being raised to life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Fulfillment** is a dominant theme, as Paul explicitly states that the actions of those who crucified Jesus "fulfilled all that was written of him." This emphasizes the precise and intentional nature of God's plan, demonstrating how Old Testament prophecies found their ultimate realization in Christ. **Symbolism** is also present, particularly in the use of "tree" (_xýlon_) for the cross. This term is not merely descriptive but carries a rich theological resonance, evoking the curse of the Law from Deuteronomy 21:23 and foreshadowing Paul's later theological development of Christ becoming a curse for humanity on the cross. The sequence of events—crucifixion, removal from the tree, and burial—demonstrates **Narrative Progression**, serving as a crucial transitional point in Paul's sermon, moving from the historical account of Jesus' death to the climactic proclamation of His resurrection, which immediately follows in the next verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:29 is a pivotal verse in the apostolic proclamation of the Gospel, serving as the essential bridge between the crucifixion and the resurrection. Theologically, it underscores the meticulous precision of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that even the seemingly tragic events of Jesus' death and burial were not accidental but divinely ordained and prophetically foretold. This fulfillment of prophecy validates Jesus' identity as the Messiah and affirms the trustworthiness of God's Word. Furthermore, the explicit mention of Jesus being "taken down from the tree" and "laid in a sepulchre" firmly establishes the historical reality of His death and burial, which is foundational to the Christian faith. Without a real death and burial, the resurrection would lose its power and significance, as it would not be a victory over actual death. This verse thus lays the necessary groundwork for understanding the power and truth of Christ's triumph over death in the resurrection.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Burial")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel: Christ Died, Was Buried, and Rose")
* [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains Prophecy Fulfillment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:29 invites us to ponder the profound depth of God's sovereignty and the meticulous nature of His redemptive plan. In a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that even in the darkest moments—like the death of the Messiah—God is perfectly in control, orchestrating every detail to accomplish His ultimate purposes. For believers, this instills immense confidence in God's faithfulness; if He fulfilled every prophecy concerning His Son, He will certainly fulfill His promises to us. Practically, this verse challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching plan, even when it involves suffering or apparent defeat. It calls us to recognize that God works through all things, good and bad, to bring about His good will. Moreover, the emphasis on Jesus' real death and burial strengthens our faith in the resurrection. If Jesus truly died and was buried, then His rising again is an undeniable miracle, offering hope for our own resurrection and eternal life. This should motivate us to live lives that reflect the transforming power of the crucified and resurrected Christ, sharing the good news that even death could not hold our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' death and burial strengthen your trust in God's Word and His sovereign plan for your life?**
* **What significance does the physical reality of Jesus' death and burial hold for your understanding of the resurrection and your own hope for eternal life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to see God's hand at work, and how might the truth of Acts 13:29 encourage you to trust His perfect timing and purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why is it important that Jesus was "taken down from the tree" and "laid in a sepulchre"?**

Answer: It is critically important because these actions confirm the physical reality of Jesus' death and burial, which are foundational truths of the Christian faith. The phrase "taken down from the tree" (referring to the cross) signifies the completion of His crucifixion and the cessation of life. "Laid in a sepulchre" (a tomb) provides undeniable proof that He was truly dead and interred, preventing any later claims that He merely swooned or that His body was stolen. This historical fact is essential for the resurrection to be a genuine triumph over death, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel Message"), where he states that Christ "died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." Without a real death and burial, the resurrection would lose its power and meaning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:29, though describing a moment of profound sorrow and apparent defeat, is deeply Christ-centered, revealing the meticulous unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus. The "tree" upon which Jesus was crucified is not merely a historical detail but a profound symbol of the curse of the Law (as seen in [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - The Curse of Hanging on a Tree")). Christ, by being "taken down from the tree," signifies that He bore the full weight of humanity's sin and the curse of the Law upon Himself, fulfilling the prophetic declaration that He would be "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")). His burial in a "sepulchre," as described here, is not an end but a necessary step in His victory over death, confirming the reality of His death and setting the stage for His glorious resurrection. This act of being laid in the tomb foreshadows our own spiritual burial with Christ through baptism, where we are "buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried and Raised with Christ")). Thus, Acts 13:29 points directly to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfilled prophecy, bore our curse, truly died, and through His burial, prepared the way for the ultimate triumph of resurrection life, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.

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

Luke 23:53

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

John 19:28

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Matthew 27:57

¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Luke 24:44

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.