Acts 13:32

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

And {G2532} we {G2249} declare {G2097} unto you {G5209} glad tidings {G2097}, how that {G3754} the promise {G1860} which was made {G1096} unto {G4314} the fathers {G3962},

“As for us, we are bringing you the Good News that what God promised to the fathers,

And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers

And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers,

Commentary

Acts 13:32 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's powerful sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. Having recounted Israel's history from the Exodus to David, Paul now pivots to the core of his message: the declaration of the long-awaited Messiah.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended address to a Jewish and God-fearing Gentile audience. He has traced God's dealings with Israel, setting the stage for the announcement of Jesus Christ. The phrase "And we declare unto you glad tidings" signals the imminent revelation of the good news, which is rooted in God's historical faithfulness to His people. Paul is effectively saying, "Everything you've heard about our history culminates in this!"

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Promise: The central theme is that God's ancient promises to the patriarchs are now being fulfilled in Jesus. This connects the Old Testament prophecies directly to the New Testament reality of Christ.
  • The Gospel as "Glad Tidings": The phrase "glad tidings" is a direct translation of the Greek word euangelizomai, from which we get "evangelize" and "gospel." It signifies the proclamation of supremely good news. This good news is not just about a historical event, but about salvation and restoration.
  • God's Faithfulness: The verse implicitly highlights God's unwavering faithfulness. Despite centuries passing, God has not forgotten or abandoned the covenant He made with "the fathers."

Linguistic Insights

The term "glad tidings" (Greek: euangelizomai) is crucial. It means to "preach good news" or "announce good news." This is the very essence of the Christian message. Paul is presenting the climax of God's redemptive plan, a message of joy and hope. This is the same term used to describe the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, underscoring its significance.

Related Scriptures

Paul's declaration here directly references the ancient covenants, particularly the promise made to Abraham that all families of the earth would be blessed through him. This promise was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob and formed the bedrock of Israel's hope for a deliverer. Paul immediately elaborates on the ultimate fulfillment of these very promises in Jesus' resurrection.

The "glad tidings" Paul declares are the heart of the Gospel message, which he expounds further in his epistles, emphasizing its power for salvation to everyone who believes.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 13:32 serves as a powerful reminder of God's reliability and the continuity of His plan. The "glad tidings" are not just a historical announcement but a living truth that continues to transform lives. It encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Promises: If God was faithful to fulfill promises made thousands of years ago, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us today.
  • Embrace the Gospel: Recognize the incredible value and joy in the message of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
  • Share the Good News: Just as Paul declared "glad tidings," we are also called to share this transformative message with others, pointing them to Jesus as the hope for all generations.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 4:13

    For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

  • Acts 26:6

    And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

  • Ezekiel 34:23

    And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

  • Acts 13:38

    Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

  • Jeremiah 23:5

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Galatians 3:16

    Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  • Galatians 3:18

    For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.
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