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Acts 13:29

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

And {G1161} when {G5613} they had fulfilled {G5055} all {G537} that was written {G1125} of {G4012} him {G846}, they took him down {G2507} from {G575} the tree {G3586}, and laid {G5087} him in {G1519} a sepulchre {G3419}.

and when they had carried out all the things written about him, he was taken down from the stake and placed in a tomb.

When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.

Commentary

Acts 13:29 is part of Paul’s powerful sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, where he systematically presents the history of Israel, leading to the climactic arrival, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse specifically describes the burial of Jesus, emphasizing its prophetic significance.

Context

In this pivotal sermon (recorded in Acts 13:16-41), Paul traces God’s redemptive plan from Israel’s beginnings through King David, culminating in Jesus. He recounts the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, stating that those who condemned Him unknowingly fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Verse 29 immediately follows the description of Jesus' condemnation and execution, serving as a bridge to the declaration of His resurrection.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The phrase "all that was written of him" powerfully underscores the divine orchestration of Jesus' life, death, and burial. Every detail, even the seemingly tragic ones, was foretold by the prophets concerning the Messiah. This theme is central to the New Testament's understanding of Jesus, as seen when Jesus Himself explained how all things written about Him in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms must be fulfilled.
  • The Reality of Jesus' Death and Burial: The verse explicitly states that Jesus was "taken down from the tree" and "laid in a sepulchre." This confirms the physical reality of His death and burial, essential precursors to the resurrection. The burial, often carried out by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, secured His body in a tomb, preventing claims that He merely swooned or was never truly dead.

Linguistic Insight

The term "tree" (Greek: xylon) for the cross is significant. While literally meaning wood or timber, in this context it harks back to Deuteronomy 21:23, which states, "he that is hanged on a tree is accursed of God." Paul later uses this imagery in Galatians 3:13 to explain how Christ bore the curse of the Law for humanity by being crucified on a "tree."

Significance and Application

Acts 13:29 is a crucial link in the chain of the Gospel message. It confirms Jesus' true death and burial, which prepares the audience for the glorious truth of His resurrection, immediately proclaimed in Acts 13:30. For us today, this verse reinforces the reliability of God's Word and His sovereign control over history. Even in moments of apparent defeat—like the death of the Messiah—God's plan is perfectly unfolding, fulfilling every prophetic detail. It reminds us that God works through human actions, even those intended for evil, to accomplish His ultimate good and to bring about salvation for those who believe in the crucified and resurrected Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Luke 23:53 (7 votes)

    And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

  • John 19:28 (5 votes)

    After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

  • John 19:30 (5 votes)

    When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:4 (3 votes)

    And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

  • Matthew 27:57 (3 votes)

    ¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

  • Matthew 27:60 (3 votes)

    And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

  • Luke 24:44 (3 votes)

    And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.