The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
ACTS 13:17KJVWhat does Acts 13:17 mean?
Acts 13:17 describes how God chose the ancestors of the Israelites, honored the people while they lived as foreigners in Egypt, and powerfully led them out of Egypt. The verse highlights God’s initiative and strength in shaping Israel’s history, especially during their time of oppression.
In this verse, Paul is speaking in a synagogue to a Jewish audience in Antioch of Pisidia. He is summarizing Israel’s early history to show how God was actively involved with their ancestors. Paul’s words remind his listeners that God’s relationship with Israel began with His choice and continued through acts of deliverance and care, setting the stage for the message he is about to share.
The Greek behind Acts 13:17
- ἐξελέξατο (exelexato, “chose”): This word emphasizes God’s deliberate choice of the ancestors of Israel, underlining that their story began with God’s initiative, not their own merit.
- ὕψωσεν (hypsōsen, “exalted”): The Greek here carries the sense of lifting up or honoring. Paul is pointing out that God raised the people up even while they were in a lowly position as strangers in Egypt.
- μετὰ βραχίονος ὑψηλοῦ (meta brachiōnos hypsēlou, “with a high arm”): This phrase is often understood as a picture of great power or a mighty display of strength, echoing Old Testament language about God’s deliverance from Egypt.
Why Acts 13:17 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that Israel’s story began with their own efforts; it stresses that God’s choice and actions are central.
- Paul’s summary connects his audience’s identity directly to God’s saving acts, preparing them to hear about Jesus as the fulfillment of this story.
- The reference to God’s “high arm” ties Paul’s message to familiar Old Testament themes, helping his listeners see continuity between their history and the gospel he is about to explain.