Acts 13:34

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

And {G1161} as concerning that {G3754} he raised {G450} him {G846} up {G450} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, now no more {G3371} to {G3195} return {G5290} to {G1519} corruption {G1312}, he said {G2046} on this wise {G3779},{G3754} I will give {G1325} you {G5213} the sure {G4103} mercies {G3741} of David {G1138}.

And as for his raising him up from the dead, to return to decay no more, he said,

‘I will give the holy and trustworthy things of David to you.’

In fact, God raised Him from the dead, never to see decay. As He has said: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.

Acts 13:34 is a pivotal verse within Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where he powerfully argues for Jesus' resurrection as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This verse emphasizes the permanent and incorruptible nature of Christ's resurrection, contrasting it with the temporary revivals seen elsewhere, and connects it directly to God's unwavering promises to David.

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul and Barnabas are on their first missionary journey, and Paul is addressing a mixed audience of Jews and God-fearers. His sermon in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:16-41) systematically traces God's redemptive plan from Israel's history through King David to the advent of Jesus as the promised Messiah. The core of his message is that Jesus' death and resurrection are the culmination of divine prophecy. The reference to the "sure mercies of David" would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience, recalling God's eternal covenant with David concerning his lineage and an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Psalm 89:3-4).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Uniqueness of Christ's Resurrection: The phrase "no more to return to corruption" is central. It highlights that Jesus' resurrection was not merely a resuscitation back to mortal life, like Lazarus' resurrection. Instead, Jesus was raised to an eternal, incorruptible life, signifying His victory over death and decay once and for all.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Paul explicitly links Jesus' resurrection to the Old Testament. The "sure mercies of David" is a quotation or paraphrase from Isaiah 55:3, which speaks of God's everlasting covenant and steadfast love. Paul interprets this promise as being perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, the true heir of David's throne, whose kingdom is eternal because He conquered death.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The term "sure mercies" underscores God's absolute reliability and covenant faithfulness. What God promises, He delivers. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sure mercies of David" in the Greek Septuagint (from which Paul quotes) is ta hosia David ta pista, which can be translated as "the holy things of David, the faithful ones" or "the holy and faithful promises of David." The KJV's "sure mercies" beautifully conveys the reliability and graciousness of these covenant promises. The word for "corruption" (Greek: diaphthora) specifically means decay, decomposition, or perishing, emphasizing that Jesus' resurrected body is immune to such processes.

Significance and Application

Acts 13:34 offers profound truths for believers today:

  • Hope Beyond Death: Because Jesus was raised "no more to return to corruption," His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection and eternal life for all who believe in Him. This provides immense comfort and hope in the face of mortality, as believers can anticipate incorruptible bodies.
  • Trust in God's Promises: The "sure mercies of David" remind us that God's promises are not fleeting but are utterly dependable. Whatever God has declared, He will bring to pass, especially those promises centered on Christ and His eternal kingdom.
  • The Centrality of Christ: This verse reinforces Jesus' unique position as the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes and prophecies. He is the living proof of God's faithfulness and the foundation of our eternal salvation.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 55:3

    Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

  • Psalms 89:2

    For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

  • Psalms 89:4

    Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

  • Romans 6:9

    Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

  • 2 Samuel 7:14

    I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

  • 2 Samuel 7:16

    And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

  • 2 Samuel 23:5

    Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.
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