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

ACTS 13:32KJV
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Acts 13:32 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:32 mean?

Acts 13:32 says that the speakers are announcing good news: the promise God made long ago to the ancestors of the Jewish people has now been fulfilled. The verse highlights that what was once only a hope for earlier generations is now being declared as a reality.

In this setting, Paul is speaking in a synagogue to fellow Jews and those who worship God, explaining how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to their forefathers. Paul is connecting the message about Jesus to the long-standing hopes and expectations found in the Hebrew Scriptures, showing that God has kept His word to their ancestors.

The Greek behind Acts 13:32

  • The word εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizomai, "declare glad tidings") is often used for announcing important, joyful news, especially about what God has done. Here, it emphasizes that Paul’s message is not just information but a joyful proclamation.
  • The Greek word ἐπαγγελία (epangelia, "promise") refers to a specific commitment or assurance given by God. In this context, it points to the promises made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—about blessing and salvation.

Why Acts 13:32 matters

  • Acts 13:32 clarifies that the Christian message is rooted in the promises God made to Israel’s ancestors, not a new or unrelated teaching.
  • The verse stresses the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the message about Jesus, helping listeners see Jesus as the fulfillment of their own story.
  • This verse sets up Paul’s argument that God’s faithfulness is seen in how He has kept His promises, which is a central theme in the speech that follows.

Where else these words appear

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“declare” Greek G2097 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:(he is Lord of all:)
  • 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.