And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
ACTS 13:32KJVWhat 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.