King James Version

What Does Acts 13:32 Mean?

Acts 13:32 in the King James Version says “And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,”

Acts 13:32 · KJV

Context

30

But God raised him from the dead:

31

And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. mercies: Gr. holy, or just things: which word the Septuagint in many places, uses for that which is in the Hebrew, mercies

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And we declare unto you glad tidings (εὐαγγελιζόμεθα, euangelizometha)—Paul uses the verbal form of 'gospel' to proclaim the good news. This is not human opinion but apostolic announcement of divine fulfillment.

The promise which was made unto the fathers refers to the patriarchal covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:3, 22:18, 26:4). Paul's sermon methodology moves from Jewish history (vv.16-25) through Christ's death and resurrection (vv.26-37) to application (vv.38-41). The 'promise' (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia) is singular—all Old Testament promises converge in the Messiah. This verse introduces the thesis statement of vv.32-37: Jesus's resurrection fulfills ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul delivered this sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (modern-day Turkey) during his first missionary journey around 47 AD. His audience included both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles familiar with Hebrew Scripture. This is Paul's first recorded sermon in Acts and establishes his evangelistic pattern: prove from Scripture that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's grounding of the gospel in Old Testament promises demonstrate the unity of Scripture and God's unchanging faithfulness?
  2. What 'promises to the fathers' from Genesis through Malachi find their ultimate yes and amen in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς2 of 10

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ὑμᾶς3 of 10

“unto you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εὐαγγελιζόμεθα4 of 10

“declare”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

τὴν5 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρὸς6 of 10

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς7 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρας8 of 10

“the fathers”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐπαγγελίαν9 of 10

“the promise”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

γενομένην10 of 10

“which was made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 4:13Acts 26:6Ezekiel 34:23Galatians 3:16-18Romans 9:4Jeremiah 23:5

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