The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

ACTS 3:13KJV
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Acts 3:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:13 mean?

Acts 3:13 says that the God worshiped by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of the Jewish ancestors—honored Jesus by raising Him up, even though the people handed Jesus over and rejected Him before Pilate, who wanted to release Him. The verse highlights both God’s action in glorifying Jesus and the people’s choice to deny Him.

Peter is speaking to a crowd at the temple in Jerusalem after healing a man who could not walk. He connects Jesus to the God of their ancestors, making it clear that Jesus is not a stranger to their faith. Peter also points out that, despite Pilate’s willingness to let Jesus go, the people chose to reject Jesus, emphasizing their responsibility in what happened.

The Greek behind Acts 3:13

  • θεός (theos, G2316): This word means "God." Peter repeats it to stress that the same God the Jewish people have always worshiped is the one acting through Jesus.
  • ἐδόξασεν (edoxasen, G1392): This word means "glorified" or "honored." It suggests that God lifted up Jesus’ reputation and status, especially after His suffering.
  • παιδός (paidos, G3816): Often translated "servant" or "child," here it refers to Jesus as God’s chosen servant, echoing language from Isaiah about the suffering servant.
  • παρεδώκατε (paredōkate, G3860): This means "delivered up" or "handed over." It highlights the active role the people played in Jesus’ arrest.
  • ἠρνήσασθε (ērnēsasthe, G720): This means "denied" or "rejected." It shows a strong turning away from Jesus, not just a passive mistake.

Why Acts 3:13 matters

  • Acts 3:13 clarifies that Jesus’ story is rooted in the same God and promises as the Jewish faith, not a new or foreign idea.
  • The verse makes clear that the people’s rejection of Jesus was not forced by Pilate or outsiders; it was a conscious choice, even when Pilate wanted to release Him.
  • By calling Jesus "God’s servant," Peter connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecies, helping listeners see continuity between their Scriptures and Jesus’ life.

Where else these words appear

“Isaac” Greek G2464 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

“Son” Greek G3816 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
  • Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

“Jacob” Greek G2384 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Acts 7:15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

“denied” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
  • Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.