Acts 13:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 13:17
17 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.
Chapter Context
Acts 13 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 13:17
17 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.
Analysis
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers—Paul begins his synagogue address at Pisidian Antioch by grounding Israel's identity in divine election (ἐξελέξατο, exelexato). This verb emphasizes God's sovereign choice, not human merit—the same election theology Paul develops in Romans 9-11.
Exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers (ὕψωσεν τὸν λαὸν ἐν τῇ παροικίᾳ, hypsōsen ton laon en tē paroikia)—God elevated Israel during their Egyptian oppression, multiplying them despite Pharaoh's genocidal policies (Exodus 1:7-12). With an high arm (μετὰ βραχίονος ὑψηλοῦ, meta brachionos hypselou) recalls the Exodus imagery of God's outstretched arm—divine power overcoming human tyranny. Paul's rehearsal of salvation history will climax in verses 38-39, showing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to the fathers.
Historical Context
Paul delivered this sermon around AD 47-48 during his first missionary journey. Speaking in a diaspora synagogue, he follows the synagogue homily pattern: recite salvation history, then apply it christologically. His Gentile audience ("those who fear God," v. 16) needed this redemptive-historical framework to understand Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah and Savior of the world.
Reflection
- How does Paul's emphasis on God's sovereign election in Israel's history challenge works-based religion?
- In what ways does your own spiritual journey reflect God exalting you 'when you dwelt as a stranger' in bondage to sin?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God