Acts 13:30

KJV

But God raised him from the dead:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} God {G2316} raised {G1453} him {G846} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“But God raised him from the dead!

Berean Standard Bible

But God raised Him from the dead,

American Standard Version

But God raised him from the dead:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:30 stands as a pivotal declaration within Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch, succinctly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This concise statement is the theological and historical linchpin of the gospel message, asserting God's ultimate power and faithfulness in raising Jesus from the dead, thereby validating His messianic identity and the efficacy of His atoning work. It transforms a narrative of human rejection and death into one of divine triumph and eternal hope, forming the very bedrock of Christian faith and apostolic proclamation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:30 is embedded within Paul's inaugural recorded sermon in a synagogue, delivered to a mixed audience of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch. This sermon, spanning [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's Sermon in Pisidian Antioch"), meticulously traces salvation history from Israel's origins, through the judges and kings, to the coming of John the Baptist and, ultimately, Jesus as the promised Messiah. Paul highlights how Jesus, though innocent, was condemned and executed by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophetic scriptures ([Acts 13:27-29](/acts/13-27-29 "Jesus' Condemnation and Burial")). Immediately following this account of Jesus' death and burial, verse 30 dramatically introduces the divine counter-action: God's resurrection of Jesus. This statement serves as the climactic turning point of Paul's historical argument, pivoting from human failure and sin to God's sovereign intervention and redemptive power, establishing the resurrection as the irrefutable proof of Jesus' messianic claims.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon took place in a synagogue, a common setting for early Christian evangelism, where the apostles could leverage the shared heritage of the Old Testament to introduce Jesus as its fulfillment. The audience, familiar with Jewish history and messianic expectations, would have understood the profound implications of a resurrection claim. In the Greco-Roman world, while stories of gods or heroes returning from the dead existed, the concept of a bodily resurrection of an individual, especially one crucified, was often met with skepticism or ridicule (cf. [Acts 17:32](/acts/17-32 "Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill and the Resurrection")). However, within a Jewish context, the resurrection was a recognized eschatological hope for the righteous (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel's Prophecy of Resurrection")). Paul's declaration of Jesus' resurrection, therefore, was not merely a historical report but a radical theological assertion that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, inaugurating the new age and fulfilling God's ancient promises.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Paul's sermon in [Acts 13](/acts/13 "Acts 13 - Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch") is the **fulfillment of God's promises** through Jesus Christ. Acts 13:30 specifically underscores the **resurrection of Jesus** as the central event confirming His identity as the Son of God and Messiah. This divine act demonstrates **God's sovereignty and power** over death and sin, emphasizing that Jesus' resurrection was not a natural event but a direct intervention by God. It also highlights the **validation of the gospel message**, as the resurrection served as the irrefutable proof for the apostles' proclamation, giving their message authority and credibility (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection")). Furthermore, the resurrection introduces the theme of **new life and hope** for believers, as Jesus' triumph over death foreshadows the future resurrection and eternal life available to all who believe in Him (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life through Christ's Resurrection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term, referring to the supreme Divinity, is crucial here. It emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection was not a natural occurrence, nor was it accomplished by human effort or a self-resurrection. Instead, it was a direct, powerful act of the one true God. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in the redemptive plan, asserting divine agency as the ultimate cause of Jesus' return to life.
* **raised (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb signifies "to waken," "to rouse," or "to cause to rise." Its use here strongly conveys an active, causative action. It implies a deliberate and powerful intervention by God to bring Jesus out of the state of death. This is not merely a passive reanimation but a forceful, life-giving act that demonstrates God's victory over the grave and His power to restore life.
* **from (Greek, _ek'_):** As a primary preposition denoting origin or the point from which action proceeds, "from" (or "out of") here emphasizes the distinct separation of Jesus from the realm of the dead. It confirms that Jesus was truly dead, among the deceased, and God brought Him out of that state. This preposition underscores the reality of His death and the miraculous nature of His departure from the domain of death, distinguishing Him as uniquely resurrected.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** This adjective, used here substantively ("the dead ones"), refers to those who are deceased, literally or figuratively. Its presence confirms the absolute reality of Jesus' death. He was not merely unconscious or in a coma; He was truly counted among the dead. The phrase "from the dead" therefore emphasizes the complete victory over the ultimate consequence of sin, making the resurrection all the more profound and miraculous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But God":** This opening phrase, introduced by the adversative particle "but," creates a dramatic contrast with the preceding verses (Acts 13:27-29) which describe Jesus' condemnation, crucifixion, and burial by human hands. It immediately shifts the focus from human failure and sin to divine power and purpose. "God" identifies the ultimate agent of this transformative event, emphasizing His sovereign initiative and omnipotence.
* **"raised him":** This clause directly states the miraculous action. The verb "raised" (from _egeírō_) signifies an active, causative bringing forth from a state of inactivity or death. The object "him" refers unequivocally to Jesus, confirming that it was the very person who had been crucified and buried who was now brought back to life. This is the central declaration of the verse, asserting the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
* **"from the dead":** This prepositional phrase clarifies the state from which Jesus was raised. It confirms that Jesus was truly deceased, counted among those who had died. The phrase "from the dead" emphasizes His complete victory over the power of death and the grave, distinguishing His resurrection as unique and triumphant, not merely a resuscitation but a definitive return from the realm of the departed.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:30 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the "But God" immediately juxtaposes human condemnation and death with divine intervention and life. This creates a dramatic shift in narrative direction and theological emphasis, highlighting God's ultimate authority over human actions and even death itself. There is also a strong element of **Assertion** and **Declaration**, as the statement presents the resurrection as an undeniable fact, rather than a speculative idea. This declarative tone imbues the verse with authoritative weight, essential for its role as the bedrock of the apostolic message. Furthermore, the phrase "from the dead" functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the entirety of the state of death, from the grave to the realm of the departed, signifying a complete and total victory over it. The concise nature of the statement, despite its profound implications, also demonstrates **Brevity for Impact**, ensuring its immediate and unforgettable resonance within Paul's sermon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:30 is not merely a historical report but a profound theological statement that underpins the entirety of Christian doctrine. It asserts God's ultimate power and faithfulness, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by human sin or death. The resurrection of Jesus is God's definitive "Amen" to Jesus' life, ministry, and atoning sacrifice, validating His claims to be the Son of God and the Messiah. It transforms the cross from a symbol of defeat into a pathway to victory, proving that sin's power is broken and death's sting is removed. This divine act establishes the basis for the new covenant, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe, and serving as the firstfruits of the resurrection for all believers.

* [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message: Death, Burial, Resurrection")
* [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power in Christ's Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth proclaimed in Acts 13:30—that God raised Jesus from the dead—is not an archaic historical fact but a living reality that profoundly impacts our faith and daily lives. It assures us that our hope is not in vain, for the same God who conquered death on behalf of His Son is active and powerful in our lives today. This divine act provides an unshakeable foundation for our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, confirming His authority and the efficacy of His sacrifice. It empowers us to live with courage in the face of life's challenges, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to God. Furthermore, it instills a living hope for our own future resurrection and eternal life, transforming our perspective on suffering and death. The resurrection calls us to live lives that reflect this new reality, walking in the power of the Spirit and sharing the life-giving message of Christ with a world desperately in need of hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God raising Jesus from the dead personally strengthen your faith and hope today?**
* **In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus empower you to face the challenges and uncertainties of life?**
* **If the resurrection is the cornerstone of the gospel, how effectively are you proclaiming this central truth in your words and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why is the resurrection of Jesus so crucial to the Christian faith?**

Answer: The resurrection of Jesus is absolutely crucial because it serves as God's divine authentication of Jesus' identity and claims. Without it, Jesus would merely be another historical figure who died, and His teachings would lack ultimate authority. As Paul states in [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - If Christ Has Not Been Raised"), "if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." The resurrection proves Jesus' victory over sin and death, validates His atoning sacrifice, and guarantees the hope of eternal life for believers. It is the cornerstone upon which all Christian doctrine and hope are built.

**Did anyone else witness Jesus after His resurrection, besides the apostles?**

Answer: Yes, the New Testament records multiple appearances of the resurrected Jesus to various individuals and groups, demonstrating the reality and breadth of His post-resurrection presence. Besides the apostles, He appeared to Mary Magdalene ([John 20:11-18](/john/20-11-18 "John 20:11-18 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene")), other women ([Matthew 28:9-10](/matthew/28-9-10 "Matthew 28:9-10 - Jesus Appears to the Women")), two disciples on the road to Emmaus ([Luke 24:13-35](/luke/24-13-35 "Luke 24:13-35 - On the Road to Emmaus")), and significantly, to more than five hundred brothers at one time ([1 Corinthians 15:6](/1_corinthians/15-6 "1 Corinthians 15:6 - Jesus Appears to Over 500")). These numerous and diverse eyewitness accounts provide strong historical testimony to the resurrection event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:30, proclaiming that "God raised him from the dead," is the very heartbeat of Christ-centered fulfillment, for it reveals Jesus as the victorious Messiah, the Lord of life, and the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest need. The Old Testament, with its prophecies of a suffering servant and a reigning king, finds its ultimate resolution in the resurrected Christ. Jesus' resurrection is the divine vindication of His claims, proving that He is indeed the Son of God with power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). His triumph over death means that His atoning sacrifice on the cross was fully accepted by the Father, providing complete forgiveness for sins and breaking the power of sin and death over believers ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Furthermore, Jesus' resurrection is the "firstfruits" of those who sleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future resurrection and eternal life for all who are "in Christ." Through His resurrection, Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")) and reigning as Lord over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Exaltation and Headship")). Thus, Acts 13:30 points directly to Jesus as the living hope, the conqueror of death, and the one through whom all God's promises find their glorious "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Acts 4:10

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

John 10:17

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

John 2:19

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.