Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

The God {G2316} of our {G2257} fathers {G3962} raised up {G1453} Jesus {G2424}, whom {G3739} ye {G5210} slew {G1315} and hanged {G2910} on {G1909} a tree {G3586}.

The God of our fathers raised up Yeshua, whereas you men killed him by having him hanged on a stake.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree.

Commentary

Acts 5:30 captures a pivotal moment in early Christian history, as the Apostle Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly confronts the powerful Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, with the truth of Jesus Christ's resurrection and their culpability in His death.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's courageous defense after he and the other apostles were arrested for continuing to preach the Gospel of Jesus, despite being explicitly commanded by the Sanhedrin not to. Peter's defiant declaration, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), sets the stage for this direct and unwavering accusation. His words in Acts 5:30 not only challenge his accusers but also proclaim God's ultimate vindication of Jesus.

Key Themes

  • God's Covenant Faithfulness: Peter begins by referencing "The God of our fathers." This phrase immediately connects Jesus to the historical God of Israel, emphasizing that His raising from the dead was not an anomaly but the fulfillment of God's long-standing promises and covenant plan for His people.
  • The Centrality of the Resurrection: The core message is that God "raised up Jesus." The resurrection was the foundational truth proclaimed by the apostles. It validated Jesus' claims as Messiah and Lord, proving His victory over sin and death, and serving as the bedrock of Christian hope and salvation.
  • Direct Accusation and Culpability: Peter pulls no punches, stating, "whom ye slew and hanged on a tree." This is a public and direct indictment of the Jewish leaders for their role in orchestrating Jesus' crucifixion. The phrase "hanged on a tree" is highly significant, drawing from Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which decreed that anyone hanged on a tree was under God's curse. By using this language, Peter implies that though they sought to shame Jesus with a cursed death, God transformed that very act into the means of salvation, demonstrating His power to redeem even the darkest human actions.

Linguistic Insights

The expression "hanged on a tree" (Greek: epi xylou) is a deliberate and powerful Old Testament allusion, particularly to Deuteronomy 21:23. This specific phrasing was consistently used by Peter (Acts 10:39) and later by Paul (Galatians 3:13) to describe Jesus' crucifixion. It underscores the theological truth that Jesus took upon Himself the curse of the Law, becoming a curse for humanity, thereby providing atonement and redemption.

Practical Application

Acts 5:30 serves as a profound example of apostolic courage and conviction. It reminds believers of the non-negotiable truth of Jesus' resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith and the power of God over all human opposition. For those who hear the Gospel, it calls for a personal response to Jesus – acknowledging His identity as Lord and Savior and repenting of any rejection. The verse also highlights God's incredible ability to work His perfect plan, even through the sinful actions of humanity, ultimately bringing about His redemptive purposes.

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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

  • Galatians 3:13 (13 votes)

    Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • 1 Peter 2:24 (11 votes)

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Acts 10:39 (10 votes)

    And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

  • Acts 13:28 (7 votes)

    And though they found no cause of death [in him], yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

  • Acts 13:29 (7 votes)

    And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre.

  • Acts 4:10 (4 votes)

    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 4:11 (4 votes)

    This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.