Acts 5:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:30 presents the Apostle Peter's bold and unequivocal declaration before the Sanhedrin, asserting God's ultimate vindication of Jesus Christ through resurrection, while simultaneously holding the Jewish leaders accountable for their role in His crucifixion. This pivotal statement underscores the core apostolic message of a crucified and risen Messiah, directly challenging the authority of those who sought to silence the burgeoning Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Peter's second defense before the Sanhedrin, following his and the other apostles' miraculous release from prison and their continued public preaching in the temple courts. The Sanhedrin, infuriated by the apostles' disobedience to their previous command to cease preaching about Jesus, brings them back for interrogation. Peter's defiant declaration in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"), "We ought to obey God rather than men," sets the immediate stage for the stark accusation and theological proclamation of Acts 5:30. This passage highlights the escalating conflict between the early church and the Jewish authorities, showcasing the apostles' unwavering commitment to the Gospel despite severe threats.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme judicial and religious council of the Jewish people in Jerusalem, holding significant authority under Roman rule, particularly in matters of Jewish law and religion. Their power included the ability to arrest, interrogate, and condemn, though capital punishment required Roman approval. The accusation of "hanged on a tree" would have carried immense cultural weight for Jewish listeners, immediately evoking the Deuteronomic curse associated with public hanging ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Curse of Being Hanged on a Tree")). This was not merely a description of crucifixion but a theological indictment, implying that Jesus died a cursed death, a scandal to Jewish sensibilities. Peter's use of this phrase is a deliberate challenge, asserting that even this cursed death was part of God's plan, now vindicated by resurrection.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:30 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the Book of Acts. Firstly, it reiterates the **centrality of the resurrection** of Jesus as the cornerstone of the apostolic message, a truth boldly proclaimed despite opposition, as seen in Peter's earlier sermon in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's sovereign plan and faithfulness**, demonstrating that even human sin and opposition cannot thwart His purposes, as He "raised up Jesus" whom they "slew." This aligns with the theme of God working through history to fulfill His covenant promises to "the God of our fathers," a phrase also used in [Acts 3:13](/acts/3-13 "Acts 3:13 - The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **apostolic boldness and witness**, showing the apostles' unyielding commitment to proclaiming the truth of Christ, even when facing persecution, a characteristic evident throughout [Acts 4](/acts/4 "Acts 4 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb signifies to waken, rouse, or cause to rise, encompassing literal resurrection from death, but also figurative elevation from obscurity or inactivity. In the context of Jesus, it emphatically refers to His physical resurrection from the dead, demonstrating God's power over death and His divine vindication of Christ. It's a foundational term for the early Christian proclamation of the Gospel.
* **slew (Greek, _diacheirízomai'_):** Derived from words meaning "through" and "hand," this verb literally means "to handle thoroughly" or "to lay violent hands upon." It directly imputes responsibility for Jesus' death to the Sanhedrin, indicating their active role in orchestrating His execution. It's a strong, accusatory term highlighting their culpability.
* **hanged (Greek, _kremánnymi'_):** This verb simply means "to hang." When combined with "on a tree" (_epí xýlou_), it forms a potent phrase. While describing the physical act of crucifixion, its theological weight comes from its Old Testament allusion. It specifically evokes the image of public disgrace and divine curse associated with those executed and displayed on a tree, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Law Concerning Those Hanged on a Tree").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The God of our fathers":** Peter begins by identifying God in terms familiar and authoritative to his Jewish audience—the covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This immediately grounds Jesus' resurrection within the historical narrative of Israel's salvation history, emphasizing continuity with God's long-standing promises and His faithfulness to His chosen people. It implies that God's action concerning Jesus is not new or foreign, but rather the culmination of His ancient plan.
* **"raised up Jesus":** This is the central declaration of God's action. "Raised up" unequivocally refers to Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead, the ultimate sign of God's approval and vindication of Jesus' identity and mission. It counters any notion that Jesus' death was a final defeat, asserting instead that God powerfully intervened to exalt Him. This phrase also carries the nuance of God appointing or exalting Jesus, as seen in some prophetic contexts.
* **"whom ye slew":** This clause is a direct and unsparing accusation, holding the Sanhedrin and, by extension, the Jewish leadership, directly responsible for Jesus' death. Peter does not mince words; he attributes the act of killing Jesus to them, highlighting their active role in His crucifixion. This accusation is not merely historical but theological, emphasizing their rejection of God's Messiah.
* **"and hanged on a tree":** This phrase describes the specific manner of Jesus' death—crucifixion—but with profound theological implications. By using "hanged on a tree" (_epí xýlou_), Peter deliberately alludes to [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Curse of the Hanged Man"), which states that anyone "hanged on a tree is accursed of God." This was the most shameful and cursed form of death in Jewish thought. Peter's use of this language highlights the irony and scandal of the cross: what they intended as a public display of shame and divine rejection, God transformed into the very means of salvation and the ultimate display of His redemptive power.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's statement in [Acts 5:30](/acts/5-30 "Acts 5:30 - Peter's Accusation and Proclamation") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Foremost is **Allusion**, specifically to [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Law Concerning Those Hanged on a Tree"), through the phrase "hanged on a tree." This evokes the profound theological concept of a cursed death, transforming the historical event of crucifixion into a moment laden with Old Testament prophetic fulfillment and theological significance. The verse also utilizes stark **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition**: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus" is set directly against "whom ye slew and hanged on a tree." This contrast highlights the divine vindication of Jesus versus human culpability, demonstrating God's power to reverse and redeem the most heinous human acts. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in Peter's accusation; the very act intended to disgrace and destroy Jesus—a cursed death on a tree—is revealed by God's resurrection as the means of His exaltation and the foundation of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:30 encapsulates the core of the apostolic kerygma: God's decisive action in raising Jesus from the dead, despite human rejection and execution. This declaration firmly establishes Jesus as the promised Messiah, validating His claims and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises made to Israel's patriarchs. The phrase "hanged on a tree" is not merely a historical detail but a profound theological statement, signifying that Jesus bore the curse of the Law, becoming a propitiation for humanity's sin. This divine reversal of human condemnation underscores God's sovereign power to bring life out of death, blessing out of curse, and salvation out of apparent defeat, making the resurrection the ultimate proof of Jesus' divine authority and the foundation of Christian hope.

* [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "The Curse of the Hanged Man")
* [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse of the Law")
* [Acts 10:39](/acts/10-39 "Peter's Witness of Jesus' Crucifixion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:30 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering courage of the apostles and the non-negotiable truth of Jesus' resurrection. For believers today, it serves as a profound reminder that our faith is rooted not in a myth, but in the historical, verifiable act of God raising Jesus from the dead, an act that conquered sin, death, and all human opposition. This should embolden us to speak truth to power, even when it is unpopular or dangerous, trusting that God's ultimate vindication will prevail. Furthermore, the verse highlights God's incredible ability to redeem even the most egregious human acts, transforming a cursed death into the vehicle of salvation. This calls us to trust in God's redemptive power in our own lives, even amidst our failures and the world's brokenness, knowing that He can bring purpose and glory out of any situation. It also challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus: do we acknowledge Him as the One God raised up, or do we, like the Sanhedrin, reject His authority?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's courage in confronting the Sanhedrin inspire your own witness for Christ in challenging environments?**
* **In what ways does the truth of Jesus' resurrection, as proclaimed in this verse, strengthen your faith and hope today?**
* **How does God's ability to redeem the "cursed" act of the cross for salvation speak to His power to work in your own life's difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "hanged on a tree" so significant?**

Answer: The phrase "hanged on a tree" (Greek: _epí xýlou_) is profoundly significant because it is a direct [allusion](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Law Concerning Those Hanged on a Tree") to [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Curse of Being Hanged on a Tree") in the Old Testament, which states that anyone "hanged on a tree is accursed of God." For a Jewish audience, this was the most shameful and cursed form of death. By using this specific phrasing, Peter not only describes the manner of Jesus' execution (crucifixion) but also makes a powerful theological statement: Jesus, though innocent, bore the curse of the Law, becoming a curse for humanity. This concept is later developed by Paul in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse of the Law"), emphasizing that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. Thus, what was intended as a public display of Jesus' disgrace and divine rejection was, in God's sovereign plan, the very means of salvation and the ultimate demonstration of His redemptive power.

**What does Peter mean by "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus"?**

Answer: When Peter declares, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus," he is making a dual theological statement. Firstly, "The God of our fathers" connects Jesus directly to the covenant God of Israel—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Acts 3:13](/acts/3-13 "Acts 3:13 - The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")). This emphasizes that Jesus' story is not a new, isolated event but the culmination of God's long-standing promises and redemptive plan for His people, rooted in their shared heritage. Secondly, "raised up Jesus" primarily refers to Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). It signifies God's powerful act of vindicating Jesus, proving His divine identity as Messiah and Lord, and demonstrating His victory over sin and death. It also carries a secondary nuance of God "raising up" or appointing Jesus as the promised prophet and deliverer, as seen in [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Moses Prophesied a Prophet Like Him"). Both meanings underscore God's active involvement in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, confirming His divine approval and authority.

**Why did Peter so directly accuse the Sanhedrin of slaying and hanging Jesus?**

Answer: Peter's direct accusation, "whom ye slew and hanged on a tree," serves multiple purposes. Spirit-filled and emboldened, Peter's primary aim was to proclaim the truth of Jesus' identity and resurrection, and to call his hearers to repentance ([Acts 2:36-38](/acts/2-36-38 "Acts 2:36-38 - Peter's Call to Repentance")). By directly confronting the Sanhedrin with their culpability, Peter highlighted the profound irony and sin of their rejection of God's Messiah. This bluntness was not merely an insult but a prophetic indictment, holding them accountable for their actions and underscoring the gravity of their sin. It also served to emphasize God's power to overturn human evil; despite their efforts to eliminate Jesus, God powerfully "raised Him up." This directness was characteristic of the apostolic preaching, which consistently called for a clear decision regarding Jesus, as seen in [Acts 3:15](/acts/3-15 "Acts 3:15 - You Killed the Author of Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:30 profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The declaration that "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus" points directly to the resurrection as the cornerstone of the Gospel, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's triumph over death ([Psalm 16:10](/psalm/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Sheol")). Moreover, the stark accusation, "whom ye slew and hanged on a tree," finds its ultimate Christ-centered meaning in the theological truth that Jesus, though innocent, willingly became a curse for humanity. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse of the Law") powerfully states, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'" Thus, the cross, intended as a symbol of shame and divine rejection, became the very means by which Christ absorbed the curse of sin, establishing a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). His resurrection then sealed this victory, demonstrating His power over sin and death and His exaltation to God's right hand ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Him")). In Jesus, the "cursed" tree became the tree of life, and the human act of murder became the divine act of salvation, fulfilling God's eternal purpose to reconcile all things to Himself through His Son ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Galatians 3:13

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

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

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

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

Acts 13:29

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

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

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