Acts 13:33

KJV

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {G2316} hath fulfilled {G1603} the same {G5026} unto us {G2254} their {G846} children {G5043}, in that he hath raised up {G450} Jesus {G2424} again {G450}; as {G5613} it is {G1125} also {G2532} written {G1125} in {G1722} the second {G1208} psalm {G5568}, Thou {G4771} art {G1488} my {G3450} Son {G5207}, this day {G4594} have I {G1473} begotten {G1080} thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he has fulfilled for us the children in raising up Yeshua, as indeed it is written in the second Psalm,

‘You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.’

Berean Standard Bible

He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’

American Standard Version

that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:33 stands as a profound declaration within Paul's sermon at the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, asserting that God has definitively fulfilled His ancient promises to Israel through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This pivotal verse not only proclaims Jesus' triumph over death but also directly links this event to the messianic prophecy of Psalm 2:7, thereby affirming Jesus' divine Sonship and His inauguration as the promised King. It underscores the culmination of God's redemptive plan, revealing the resurrection as the ultimate validation of Jesus' identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:33 is embedded within Paul's extensive sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, a foundational example of early Christian kerygma (proclamation). Beginning in [Acts 13:16](/acts/13-16 "Acts 13:16 - Paul's Sermon Begins"), Paul meticulously traces God's redemptive history, starting with the Exodus, through the period of the judges, and culminating in the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. He emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant with King David, promising a descendant who would be a savior ([Acts 13:23](/acts/13-23 "Acts 13:23 - A Savior from David's Line")). Paul then transitions to John the Baptist's preparatory ministry and Jesus' life, death, and crucially, His resurrection. Verse 33 serves as the scriptural proof for the resurrection, presenting it as the fulfillment of promises made to "their children," referring to the descendants of Israel and the patriarchs, particularly the Davidic covenant. This sermon sets the stage for the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as seen later in [Acts 13:46-47](/acts/13-46-47 "Acts 13:46-47 - Turning to the Gentiles").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon takes place in a synagogue, a common setting for early Christian evangelism, particularly to Jewish audiences and "God-fearers" (Gentiles who adhered to Jewish monotheism and ethical practices). For this audience, the Old Testament Scriptures were authoritative, and the concept of a Messiah was deeply ingrained, though often misunderstood in a political or military sense. Paul's strategy was to demonstrate how Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled these long-awaited prophecies, particularly those concerning the Davidic King. Quoting [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - God's Son and King") would have resonated powerfully, as Psalm 2 was widely understood as a messianic psalm, speaking of God's anointed King. The resurrection, in this context, was not just a miraculous event but a theological necessity, validating Jesus' claims and God's promises in a way that crucifixion alone could not.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. The primary theme is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, where God's ancient promises, particularly the Davidic covenant and messianic prophecies, find their ultimate "Yes" in Jesus' resurrection. This is not a mere coincidence but a divine orchestration. Another crucial theme is the **Resurrection as Divine Affirmation and Vindication**. Jesus' resurrection is God's definitive declaration of His Sonship and His status as the promised Messiah and King. It is the ultimate proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be, validating His entire ministry, teachings, and sacrificial death. This divine declaration of Sonship through resurrection is a recurring theme, as seen in [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). Finally, the verse highlights **Jesus' Unique Sonship and Enthronement**. The quotation from [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The Anointed King") ("Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee") applied to the resurrection signifies not His eternal divine begetting or His virgin birth, but rather His public inauguration, enthronement, and declaration as King and Son of God through His victory over death. The resurrection marked a new phase of His Sonship, where His kingly authority was fully revealed and established, fulfilling the royal enthronement context of Psalm 2.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _ekplēróō'_):** Derived from "ek" (out of) and "plēróō" (to fill), this verb means "to accomplish entirely" or "to fill up completely." In Acts 13:33, it emphasizes that God has brought His promises to their absolute and perfect completion. It's not a partial or temporary fulfillment, but a definitive and exhaustive one through Jesus' resurrection.
* **raised up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb means "to stand up," "to arise," or "to raise up (again)." While it can refer to raising up a prophet or ruler, in this context, especially with the adverb "again" (implied by the context of death and resurrection), it unequivocally points to the physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It signifies God's powerful act of restoration and vindication.
* **begotten (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This verb means "to procreate," "to bear," or "to beget." In the context of Psalm 2:7 and its application to Jesus' resurrection in Acts 13:33, it does not refer to Jesus' eternal pre-existence as the Son of God, nor to His miraculous virgin birth. Instead, it refers to a public, declarative act of God. Through the resurrection, God publicly "begot" or "declared" Jesus as His Son, inaugurating Him into His full messianic and kingly office. It signifies a new phase of His relationship with humanity and His exercise of power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children,"**: Paul declares that God has brought to complete fruition the promises made to the ancestors of Israel, specifically those concerning the Messiah, for the benefit of "us their children"—meaning the present generation of Jews and, by extension, all who would believe. The "same" refers to the promises of a Savior and King from David's line, culminating in the resurrection.
* **"in that he hath raised up Jesus again;"**: This clause identifies the specific act by which God fulfilled these promises: the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The resurrection is presented not merely as a historical event but as the decisive, divine act that validates Jesus' messianic claims and brings God's redemptive plan to its climax. It is the ultimate proof that Jesus is the promised deliverer.
* **"as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee."**: Paul provides scriptural warrant for his assertion by quoting [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The King on Zion"). By applying this psalm to Jesus' resurrection, Paul interprets the "begetting" not as a physical birth, but as a public declaration and inauguration of Jesus into His full messianic Sonship and kingly authority. The "this day" refers to the day of His resurrection, which marked His enthronement as Lord and Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's sermon in Acts 13:33 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to the verse is **Quotation**, specifically from [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - God's Anointed King"), which serves as a powerful **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecy. By quoting this psalm, Paul establishes a direct link between the ancient prophetic word and the contemporary event of Jesus' resurrection, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises across history. The use of **Fulfillment Language** ("God hath fulfilled the same") underscores the certainty and intentionality of God's plan, presenting the resurrection not as an accident but as the divinely appointed culmination of redemptive history. Furthermore, Paul engages in **Theological Interpretation**, re-contextualizing the meaning of "this day have I begotten thee" from its original context of a king's enthronement to apply it to Jesus' resurrection. This reinterpretation highlights the resurrection as Jesus' ultimate enthronement and public declaration of His divine Sonship, thereby transforming a historical event into a profound theological statement of Christ's identity and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:33 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that God's faithfulness to His covenant promises culminates in the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is not merely a historical event but the definitive divine act that declares Jesus to be the Son of God with power, inaugurating His messianic reign. This "begetting" on "this day" signifies His public vindication and enthronement, establishing His supreme authority over all creation. It underscores the truth that God's redemptive plan, meticulously laid out in the Old Testament, finds its perfect and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, offering the ultimate hope for humanity.

* [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")
* [Hebrews 1:5](/hebrews/1-5 "Hebrews 1:5 - God's Son, Superior to Angels")
* [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon me to the grave")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:33 offers profound reassurance and a solid foundation for Christian faith. It reminds us that God is a promise-keeping God, meticulously working through history to bring His redemptive plan to fruition. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God's faithfulness and power, demonstrating that even death cannot thwart His purposes. For believers, this means our hope is not built on wishful thinking but on the historical reality of a risen Savior who has been publicly declared God's Son and King. This truth provides unwavering certainty in Jesus' identity, the authority of His word, and the efficacy of His atoning work. It empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our lives, fulfilling His promises to us and guaranteeing our own future resurrection and eternal life. This certainty should inspire us to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus, the resurrected Lord, to a world desperately in need of His hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the resurrection of Jesus, as God's fulfillment of prophecy, strengthen your faith in God's promises today?**
* **In what ways does understanding Jesus' "begotten" status as an inauguration rather than a birth deepen your appreciation for His unique Sonship and authority?**
* **How can the truth of Acts 13:33 empower your witness to others about who Jesus is and what God has done?**

### FAQ
**What does "this day have I begotten thee" mean in the context of Jesus' resurrection?**

Answer: In Acts 13:33, Paul quotes [Psalm 2:7](/psalms/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The King on Zion") and applies it to Jesus' resurrection. This phrase does not refer to Jesus' eternal divine begetting (His timeless relationship with the Father as God the Son), nor to His miraculous virgin birth. Instead, "this day have I begotten thee" signifies a public, declarative act of God, inaugurating Jesus into His full messianic and kingly office. The "this day" refers to the day of His resurrection, which served as His public vindication and enthronement as Lord and Christ. Through the resurrection, God publicly declared Jesus to be His Son with power, establishing His supreme authority and demonstrating the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. This interpretation aligns with the theme of enthronement found in [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Anointed King"), where the king is "begotten" or formally installed on the day of his coronation. Other New Testament passages, like [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection"), reinforce this understanding, stating that Jesus "was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:33 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's central role in God's redemptive plan. The "fulfillment" spoken of here is entirely Christ-centered, for it is in Jesus that God's ancient promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen," as [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ") proclaims. Jesus' resurrection is the divine vindication of His identity as the promised Messiah and the Son of God, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. This "begetting" on the "this day" of His resurrection signifies His enthronement as the reigning Lord, fulfilling the royal aspirations of [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Anointed King") and establishing His universal dominion. Because He was raised, we have the assurance that He is indeed the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits"), guaranteeing the future resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel, the proof that He truly is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the living hope for all humanity.

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

Psalms 2:7

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Hebrews 5:5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

Hebrews 1:5

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.