Acts 13 32

Acts 13:32 kjv

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

Acts 13:32 nkjv

And we declare to you glad tidings? that promise which was made to the fathers.

Acts 13:32 niv

"We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors

Acts 13:32 esv

And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,

Acts 13:32 nlt

"And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors,

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 32 Meaning

This verse succinctly encapsulates the core message of Paul and Barnabas's sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch: they are proclaiming the good news that God has fulfilled His ancient promises, which were originally made to the patriarchs of Israel, primarily Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This good news centres on Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and the bringer of salvation.

Acts 13 32 Context

Acts 13 begins with Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Upon arriving in Pisidian Antioch, they enter the synagogue on the Sabbath. Following the reading of the Law and the Prophets, they are invited to speak. Acts 13:16-41 records Paul's extensive sermon, a foundational piece of early apostolic preaching. He recounts Israel's history from the Exodus to the anointing of David, emphasizing God's continuous work. The immediate verse (13:32) marks a pivotal transition, introducing the arrival of the promised Deliverer. Paul declares that God's long-standing promises to the Jewish patriarchs are now being fulfilled, shifting the audience's focus from historical expectation to the contemporary reality of Jesus Christ. This declaration prepares the ground for Paul to then assert that Jesus is the Christ, crucified, resurrected, and the one through whom forgiveness of sins is now available (13:33-39). The sermon masterfully connects the present Christian message with the sacred history and prophetic hopes of Israel.

Acts 13 32 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction, yet significant here as it connects Paul's present proclamation to the historical narrative and prophetic fulfilments he has just outlined (Acts 13:16-31). It bridges the past expectation with the present declaration.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): Refers to Paul and Barnabas as the authoritative messengers. This highlights their apostolic commission and shared testimony of Jesus. It implies their message is not new speculation but a divine disclosure entrusted to them.
• declare to you the good news (εὐαγγελιζόμεθα ὑμῖν - euangelizometha hymin):
  • declare good news (euangelizometha): This verb means "to evangelize," "to proclaim good tidings," or "to preach the gospel." It is the root of the English word "evangelize." It conveys an active, intentional, and public proclamation of incredibly welcome news. The present tense indicates ongoing action.
  • to you (hymin): The direct address emphasizes that this good news is personal and relevant to the Jewish and God-fearing audience in the synagogue. It is an invitation to receive.
  • This phrase emphasizes the very essence of their mission: delivering a message that brings joy and salvation.
• of the promise (τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν - tēn epangelian):
  • the (tēn): The definite article points to a specific, well-known promise. This is not just any promise, but THE promise central to Israel's identity and hope.
  • promise (epangelian): Refers to a divine assurance or pledge, especially one given by God, often tied to a covenant. It speaks of God's unilateral commitment and faithfulness, a pre-existing reality to which their current message corresponds. It suggests continuity between God's ancient plan and its present unfolding.
• made (γενομένην - genomenēn): A participle from ginomai, meaning "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." In this context, it describes the origin of the promise – it came into being from God. It highlights that the promise was already a concrete, established fact long ago.
• to the fathers (πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας - pros tous pateras): This clearly designates the patriarchs of Israel, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul explicitly roots the good news in the foundational covenants God made with these forefathers, thereby legitimizing the message to his Jewish audience and demonstrating that Christianity is not a deviation but the climax of their sacred history.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And we declare to you the good news": This entire phrase asserts the apostolic commission to proclaim a transformative message. It is an authoritative, Spirit-empowered delivery of beneficial, joyous news directly to the listeners, implying a call to hear and respond. This highlights the communicative aspect of salvation—God reveals Himself and His plan.
• "of the promise made to the fathers": This phrase ties the new revelation of Christ to the long-standing covenant history of Israel. It emphasizes that what Paul is declaring is not arbitrary but is the ultimate fulfillment of divine commitment initiated generations prior. It underscores God's faithfulness, consistency, and the pre-planned nature of His redemptive work through history, establishing Jesus Christ not as an interruption but as the capstone of God's promises.

Acts 13 32 Bonus section

• Continuity of God's Plan: This verse powerfully illustrates the consistent and unfolding nature of God's redemptive plan across both Testaments. It demonstrates that the Gospel is not an afterthought but the consummation of what God began with Abraham.
• Targeted Proclamation: Paul’s deliberate linkage of the Gospel to the promises to the patriarchs was a strategic rhetorical move, designed to resonate deeply with his Jewish audience who revered these foundational figures and the covenants made with them.
• Beyond National Fulfillment: While the promises were made to the fathers, their fulfillment in Christ expands far beyond national Israel, as indicated by the Abrahamic promise that "all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" through his seed (Gen 22:18; Gal 3:8). The "good news" ultimately becomes universal.
• Pre-existing Reality: The use of "promise made" (γενομένην) indicates that this promise was not just a hope or a prophecy but a definite commitment and established reality from God's perspective, awaiting its divine timing for ultimate revelation.

Acts 13 32 Commentary

Acts 13:32 serves as a critical bridge in Paul's sermon at Pisidian Antioch, linking the expectation of the Old Testament with its fulfillment in the New Testament. By declaring "the good news of the promise made to the fathers," Paul masterfully contextualizes Jesus within the sacred narrative of Israel. This isn't just about providing information; it's about announcing a cosmic shift – the very core of God's ancient covenant with Abraham, refined through Moses and prophets, has finally materialized in Jesus Christ. This verse subtly highlights God's unwavering faithfulness across generations. The patriarchs looked forward to a promised offspring and a land; now, Paul declares, this promise, in its broadest redemptive sense, is manifested in the resurrection of Jesus (as explicitly stated in the very next verse, 13:33). For Paul's Jewish audience, this statement validates the Gospel by grounding it in their most revered traditions and deepest spiritual longings. It emphasizes that salvation through Christ is not a radical departure from their heritage but its ultimate, divinely ordained climax, extended through Christ to all who believe, fulfilling the promise to bless "all the families of the earth."