King James Version

What Does Acts 13:28 Mean?

Acts 13:28 in the King James Version says “And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.”

Acts 13:28 · King James Version

Context

26

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27

For 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.

28

And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29

And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30

But God raised him from the dead:

Read Acts 13 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And though they found no cause of death in him (αἰτίαν θανάτου, aitian thanatou)—Paul emphasizes the judicial innocence of Jesus. Despite rigorous examination by both Jewish and Roman authorities, no legitimate capital charge could be substantiated. This echoes Pilate's threefold declaration "I find no fault in him" (Luke 23:4, 14, 22) and fulfills Isaiah 53:9, "he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth."

Yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain (ᾐτήσαντο Πιλᾶτον ἀναιρεθῆναι αὐτόν, ētēsanto Pilaton anairethēnai auton)—The verb ᾐτήσαντο (ētēsanto, "demanded") implies persistent, forceful petition. Despite Jesus's legal innocence, the religious leaders manipulated political pressure to secure crucifixion. This reveals the depth of human depravity: they murdered the sinless Son of God while releasing Barabbas, a murderer. Peter makes the same charge in Acts 3:13-15, highlighting the paradox of rejecting the Holy and Just One.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch (c. AD 47-48), his first recorded sermon in Acts. He's recounting salvation history to a Jewish audience, demonstrating how Israel's leaders fulfilled prophecy through their rejection of Jesus. The legal innocence of Jesus was crucial apologetically—the crucifixion wasn't execution for crimes but the predetermined plan of God (Acts 2:23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's judicial innocence intensify both the guilt of his murderers and the wonder of his substitutionary atonement for guilty sinners?
  2. What does the religious establishment's rejection of an innocent man reveal about humanity's moral capacity apart from God's grace?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μηδεμίαν2 of 9

“no”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

αἰτίαν3 of 9

“cause”

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

θανάτου4 of 9

“of death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

εὑρόντες5 of 9

“though they found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ᾐτήσαντο6 of 9

“in him yet desired they”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

Πιλᾶτον7 of 9

“Pilate”

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

ἀναιρεθῆναι8 of 9

“should be slain”

G337

to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

αὐτόν9 of 9

“that he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:4Luke 23:21-25Matthew 27:22-25Luke 23:14-16John 18:38Luke 23:4-5

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