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 13:17KJV
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Acts 13:17 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“strangers” Greek G3940 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

“arm” Greek G1023 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  • John 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

“high” Greek G5308 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
  • Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

“he” Greek G1806 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
  • Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.