Acts 2:23

KJV

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

KJV (with Strong's)

Him {G5126}, being delivered {G1560} by the determinate {G3724} counsel {G1012} and {G2532} foreknowledge {G4268} of God {G2316}, ye have taken {G2983}, and by {G1223} wicked {G459} hands {G5495} have crucified {G4362} and slain {G337}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This man was arrested in accordance with God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and, through the agency of persons not bound by the Torah, you nailed him up on a stake and killed him!

Berean Standard Bible

He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

American Standard Version

him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:23, a cornerstone of Peter's Pentecost sermon, profoundly articulates the dual reality of the crucifixion: it was simultaneously the fulfillment of God's eternal, sovereign plan for salvation and a heinous act of human wickedness for which those involved were fully accountable. This verse encapsulates the tension between divine foreknowledge and human responsibility, presenting the cross not as an unfortunate accident but as the divinely purposed means of redemption, executed by sinful human hands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within Peter's inaugural sermon on the Day of Pentecost, delivered immediately after the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit described in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit"). Having explained the miraculous phenomena of tongues as a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, Peter transitions to the core of the apostolic kerygma: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He directly confronts his Jewish audience in Jerusalem, many of whom were eyewitnesses or participants in the events leading to Jesus's crucifixion, with their culpability. This sermon serves as a foundational example of early Christian evangelism, demonstrating how the apostles proclaimed the Gospel by connecting Old Testament prophecy to the historical events of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, culminating in a call to repentance and faith. The verse sets the stage for the powerful conviction that falls upon the hearers, leading to thousands being added to the church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sermon is delivered in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious and political life, during the Feast of Pentecost, which drew devout Jews from across the Roman world. The audience would have been intimately familiar with the recent events of Jesus's trial and crucifixion, which occurred just weeks prior. The "wicked hands" primarily refer to the Roman authorities (specifically Pontius Pilate and the Roman soldiers) who carried out the execution, although they acted under the instigation and pressure of the Jewish religious leadership (the Sanhedrin and the crowds). Crucifixion was a brutal Roman method of execution reserved for the worst criminals or rebels, designed to inflict maximum pain and public humiliation. Peter's bold accusation would have resonated deeply within this context, challenging the audience to re-evaluate their understanding of Jesus, whom they had seen crucified as a common criminal, against the backdrop of God's divine plan. The cultural expectation of a conquering Messiah, rather than a suffering one, also forms a crucial backdrop to Peter's reinterpretation of these events.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:23 powerfully articulates several interconnected themes central to biblical theology. The primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that Jesus's death was not a random tragedy but was meticulously woven into God's eternal, predetermined plan for salvation. The phrase "determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God" underscores that God knew and ordained these events from eternity, highlighting His ultimate control over history and His redemptive purposes, even in the face of human wickedness. This concept is foundational to understanding God's work in history, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - Declaring the End from the Beginning"). Simultaneously, the verse asserts **Human Responsibility**, unequivocally stating, "ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." This holds the human agents—both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities—fully accountable for their sinful actions. It illustrates the profound biblical tension where God's sovereign will coexists with genuine human freedom and moral culpability, a paradox evident throughout Scripture (e.g., [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words to His Brothers")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus's death was the ultimate culmination of numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and sacrifice. Peter's sermon frequently points to these prophetic fulfillments, such as those found in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - Prophecy of Resurrection") regarding resurrection and [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant") concerning the Suffering Servant, confirming that these events were not accidental but part of God's long-revealed plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Greek, _boulḗ'_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to will" or "to wish," this term refers to God's deliberate purpose, advice, or settled intention. It signifies a divine decree or plan that is fixed and purposeful, not merely a passive observation. In Acts 2:23, it emphasizes that Jesus's crucifixion was not an unforeseen event but a specific, intentional decision within God's eternal will.
* **Foreknowledge (Greek, _prógnōsis'_):** This word denotes knowing beforehand or forethought. In theological contexts, it refers to God's perfect and comprehensive knowledge of all future events, including the specific actions of individuals. When combined with "determinate counsel," it underscores that God did not merely foresee the crucifixion but actively purposed it within His divine plan, demonstrating His omniscient and sovereign control over history.
* **Wicked (Greek, _ánomos'_):** Literally meaning "lawless" or "without law," this term describes those who act in defiance of divine or moral law. In this context, it refers to the Gentile (Roman) hands that physically carried out the crucifixion, acting in a manner contrary to justice and righteousness, even though they were instruments in God's larger plan. The term highlights the sinful nature and moral culpability of their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God":** This initial clause establishes the divine initiative and sovereignty behind the crucifixion. The phrase "being delivered" (G1560, _ékdotos_, "given out or over, i.e. surrendered") indicates that Jesus was handed over, not by accident, but according to a pre-ordained divine plan. "Determinate counsel" (G3724, _horízō_, "to mark out or bound, to appoint, decree") and "foreknowledge" (G4268, _prógnōsis_, "forethought") combine to assert that God's will was not merely permissive but actively purposed the crucifixion. This means God had a specific, unchangeable plan for Jesus's death, known and decreed before it occurred.
* **"ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain":** This second clause shifts focus dramatically to human agency and responsibility. Peter directly accuses his audience ("ye have taken") of complicity, implying their active role in demanding Jesus's death. The phrase "by wicked hands" (G459, _ánomos_, "lawless"; G5495, _cheír_, "hand") specifically refers to the Gentile (Roman) executioners who carried out the crucifixion, highlighting the sinful, unjust, and lawless nature of their actions. The verbs "crucified" (G4362, _prospḗgnymi_, "to fasten to, to impale") and "slain" (G337, _anairéō_, "to take away violently, to murder") vividly describe the brutal and murderous act. This part of the verse firmly holds human beings accountable for their moral choices, even as those choices unwittingly fulfilled God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:23 is rich in rhetorical and literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent device is **Antithesis**, which juxtaposes God's perfect, predetermined plan ("determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God") with the wicked, lawless actions of humanity ("ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain"). This stark contrast highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a central paradox in biblical theology. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: the most heinous act in human history—the murder of God's Son—is simultaneously the very means by which God accomplishes His greatest act of salvation. The "wicked hands" that sought to destroy God's plan unwittingly became the instruments of its fulfillment. Furthermore, the phrase "wicked hands" employs **Metonymy**, where "hands" stand in for the people who performed the action, emphasizing the instrument and the nature of the deed itself, rather than merely stating "wicked people." This specific phrasing underscores the brutal and unjust nature of the execution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:23 stands as a foundational text for understanding the intricate relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a paradox that runs throughout biblical theology. It asserts that God's plan for redemption through Christ's death was not a reaction to human sin, but an eternal, pre-ordained decree. Yet, this divine blueprint does not negate human culpability; those who participated in the crucifixion acted out of their own sinful will and are held morally accountable. This verse assures believers that even the darkest events in history, and indeed in their own lives, are not outside of God's ultimate control and redemptive purposes. It underscores the profound truth that God can use the most wicked human actions to accomplish His perfect will, transforming evil into a means for ultimate good and salvation. The cross, therefore, is not a tragic accident, but the divinely orchestrated epicenter of God's redemptive work.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words to His Brothers")
* [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Lord's Will to Crush Him")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience Unto Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:23 offers a profound lens through which to view both the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan and the personal realities of human choice and suffering. For the believer, it provides immense comfort and assurance: even in the face of the most heinous acts of evil, God remains sovereign, His purposes are unthwarted, and His ultimate plan for good will prevail. This truth can anchor our faith when confronted with suffering, injustice, or seemingly meaningless tragedies, reminding us that God is working all things together for His glory and our good, even when His methods are beyond our comprehension. Simultaneously, the verse delivers a sobering challenge regarding human responsibility. It unequivocally states that despite God's overarching plan, individuals are fully accountable for their sinful choices. This calls us to a deep introspection of our own actions, recognizing that our choices have real moral weight and consequences before a holy God. It also underscores the centrality of the cross as the divinely appointed means of salvation, prompting us to respond with repentance and faith to the sacrifice made by Christ for our sins.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in Acts 2:23 shape your understanding of suffering and evil in the world?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to take personal responsibility for your actions, even as you trust in God's overarching plan?**
* **How does knowing that Jesus's death was part of God's "determinate counsel and foreknowledge" deepen your appreciation for the cross and God's love?**

### FAQ
**Does Acts 2:23 mean God caused people to sin by crucifying Jesus?**

Answer: No, Acts 2:23 does not mean God caused people to sin. Instead, it presents the profound biblical truth that God's sovereign plan incorporates and even utilizes the free, yet sinful, choices of human beings without coercing them to sin. The verse states that Jesus was "delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God," indicating that the crucifixion was part of God's pre-ordained redemptive plan. However, it immediately adds, "ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain," clearly attributing moral culpability to the human agents involved. God's foreknowledge and counsel mean He knew what would happen and purposed it for His redemptive ends, but He did not force the human will to act wickedly. The hands that crucified Jesus were "wicked" or "lawless" because their actions were genuinely sinful and unjust, freely chosen by them. This concept is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose Through Evil"), where Joseph tells his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good." God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility; rather, it demonstrates His ability to work His purposes even through human sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:23, while articulating the paradox of divine sovereignty and human culpability, ultimately points with laser focus to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's eternal plan for salvation. The "Him" at the beginning of the verse is Jesus of Nazareth, the very Messiah whom God "delivered" according to His "determinate counsel and foreknowledge." This highlights that Jesus's death was not a tragic defeat but the divinely appointed means by which God would redeem humanity. He was the [Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World"), whose sacrifice was foreordained to atone for sin. The "wicked hands" that crucified Him, though acting in profound sin, unwittingly served as instruments in God's ultimate act of love and justice. Through this horrific yet purposeful event, Jesus became the [propitiation for our sins](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, Our Propitiation"), fulfilling the Old Testament types and prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")). His crucifixion, therefore, is the very heart of the Gospel, demonstrating God's righteousness and His love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love While We Were Still Sinners")), providing a way for reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The resurrection, which Peter immediately proclaims after this verse, validates Jesus as the Christ and confirms the efficacy of His divinely purposed death, leading to the [forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance").

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 22:22

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Acts 3:18

But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,