Acts 2:23 - him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;
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What does "Acts 2:23" mean?
Acts 2:23 is a powerful and complex verse that speaks to the central event of Christianity: the crucifixion of Jesus. Let's break down each part to understand its meaning:
"Him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God..."
"Him": Refers to Jesus.
"Delivered up": This emphasizes that Jesus was handed over, betrayed, and given into the power of others.
"Determined counsel": This means God had a definite, pre-planned purpose and plan. "Counsel" indicates a well-thought-out decision. God wasn't reacting haphazardly, but acting according to a pre-established plan.
"Foreknowledge of God": God knew beforehand that Jesus would be delivered up and crucified. This isn't just passive awareness; it implies that God permitted and incorporated this event into His larger plan.
Together, "determined counsel and foreknowledge" stress the sovereignty of God. The crucifixion wasn't an accident or a defeat for God. It was part of His overarching plan for salvation. This part emphasizes God's sovereign control and purpose.
"...you have taken by the hand of lawless men..."
"You": This refers to Peter's audience, the Jewish people in Jerusalem, some of whom were complicit in Jesus's death.
"Taken": It suggests active involvement and responsibility in Jesus' arrest and trial.
"By the hand of lawless men": Refers to the Roman authorities (Pontius Pilate and his soldiers) who carried out the crucifixion. "Lawless" emphasizes that they acted unjustly and against God's law in condemning and crucifying Jesus, who was innocent. They were considered "lawless" because they were outside the Mosaic Law covenant. However, it can also refer to the Jewish leaders who pressured the Roman authorities, acting against their own laws to condemn Jesus.
"...crucified and killed;"
"Crucified": This points to the specific method of execution, a brutal and humiliating Roman punishment.
"Killed": This is a blunt statement of the result of their actions: Jesus died.
Together, these words underscore the brutality and finality of Jesus's death from a human perspective.
In Summary:
Acts 2:23 is a powerful statement that holds together two seemingly contradictory truths:
1. God's Sovereignty: God had a plan, and the crucifixion was part of that plan. It wasn't a random event but was ordained by God's determined counsel and foreknowledge.
2. Human Responsibility: The people who participated in Jesus's crucifixion were held accountable for their actions. They were not merely puppets acting out a divine script; they made choices that had consequences.
Theological Implications:
The Paradox of Free Will and Divine Sovereignty: This verse highlights the tension between human free will and God's sovereign control. How can God ordain something while still holding people responsible for their actions? This remains a complex theological question with various interpretations.
Atonement: While the verse doesn't explicitly mention atonement, it lays the groundwork for the concept. God used the evil act of crucifixion to bring about good—the salvation of humanity through Jesus's sacrifice.
Repentance: Peter's sermon in Acts 2 calls for repentance. Recognizing their role in Jesus's death is the first step towards receiving forgiveness and salvation.
In conclusion, Acts 2:23 is a crucial verse for understanding the crucifixion, the role of God's sovereignty, and human responsibility. It serves as a foundation for understanding the Christian message of repentance and salvation.
Acts 2:23 - him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;
What does "Acts 2:23" mean?
Acts 2:23 is a powerful and complex verse that speaks to the central event of Christianity: the crucifixion of Jesus. Let's break down each part to understand its meaning:
"Him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God..."
"Him": Refers to Jesus.
"Delivered up": This emphasizes that Jesus was handed over, betrayed, and given into the power of others.
"Determined counsel": This means God had a definite, pre-planned purpose and plan. "Counsel" indicates a well-thought-out decision. God wasn't reacting haphazardly, but acting according to a pre-established plan.
"Foreknowledge of God": God knew beforehand that Jesus would be delivered up and crucified. This isn't just passive awareness; it implies that God permitted and incorporated this event into His larger plan.
Together, "determined counsel and foreknowledge" stress the sovereignty of God. The crucifixion wasn't an accident or a defeat for God. It was part of His overarching plan for salvation. This part emphasizes God's sovereign control and purpose.
"...you have taken by the hand of lawless men..."
"You": This refers to Peter's audience, the Jewish people in Jerusalem, some of whom were complicit in Jesus's death.
"Taken": It suggests active involvement and responsibility in Jesus' arrest and trial.
"By the hand of lawless men": Refers to the Roman authorities (Pontius Pilate and his soldiers) who carried out the crucifixion. "Lawless" emphasizes that they acted unjustly and against God's law in condemning and crucifying Jesus, who was innocent. They were considered "lawless" because they were outside the Mosaic Law covenant. However, it can also refer to the Jewish leaders who pressured the Roman authorities, acting against their own laws to condemn Jesus.
"...crucified and killed;"
"Crucified": This points to the specific method of execution, a brutal and humiliating Roman punishment.
"Killed": This is a blunt statement of the result of their actions: Jesus died.
Together, these words underscore the brutality and finality of Jesus's death from a human perspective.
In Summary:
Acts 2:23 is a powerful statement that holds together two seemingly contradictory truths:
1. God's Sovereignty: God had a plan, and the crucifixion was part of that plan. It wasn't a random event but was ordained by God's determined counsel and foreknowledge.
2. Human Responsibility: The people who participated in Jesus's crucifixion were held accountable for their actions. They were not merely puppets acting out a divine script; they made choices that had consequences.
Theological Implications:
The Paradox of Free Will and Divine Sovereignty: This verse highlights the tension between human free will and God's sovereign control. How can God ordain something while still holding people responsible for their actions? This remains a complex theological question with various interpretations.
Atonement: While the verse doesn't explicitly mention atonement, it lays the groundwork for the concept. God used the evil act of crucifixion to bring about good—the salvation of humanity through Jesus's sacrifice.
Repentance: Peter's sermon in Acts 2 calls for repentance. Recognizing their role in Jesus's death is the first step towards receiving forgiveness and salvation.
In conclusion, Acts 2:23 is a crucial verse for understanding the crucifixion, the role of God's sovereignty, and human responsibility. It serves as a foundation for understanding the Christian message of repentance and salvation.