Acts 2:23
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡρισμένῃ
by the determinate
G3724
ὡρισμένῃ
by the determinate
Strong's:
G3724
Word #:
3 of 15
to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify
βουλῇ
counsel
G1012
βουλῇ
counsel
Strong's:
G1012
Word #:
4 of 15
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
λαβόντες
ye have taken
G2983
λαβόντες
ye have taken
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
10 of 15
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
διὰ
and by
G1223
διὰ
and by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
χειρῶν
hands
G5495
χειρῶν
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
12 of 15
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἀνόμων
wicked
G459
ἀνόμων
wicked
Strong's:
G459
Word #:
13 of 15
lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked
Cross References
Luke 22:22And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!Acts 3:18But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.Acts 4:28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.Genesis 50:20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.1 Peter 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,Acts 13:27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.Matthew 26:24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.Acts 5:30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.Psalms 76:10Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.Romans 4:17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Historical Context
Peter addressed the same Jerusalem crowd complicit in Christ's execution 50 days prior. His bold accusation 'ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified' directly charged his hearers with deicide, yet offered hope through repentance (v. 38). This demonstrates law and gospel's proper distinction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you hold together God's sovereignty in salvation with human responsibility for sin?
- What comfort does God's 'determinate counsel' provide when facing evil and suffering?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus was 'delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God' - His crucifixion was ordained before creation (Revelation 13:8). Yet perpetrators acted 'by wicked hands' and are culpable. This mystery safeguards both God's absolute control over history and human moral accountability. The Greek 'horismene boule' (determinate counsel) indicates settled divine decree, not mere permission.