What does Acts 13:32 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]

Paul again starts a new section of his message by breaking through the narrative to grab his hearers' attention. He has shown how God saved the Jews throughout their history and promised them a Savior to come (Acts 13:16–25). Then he explained how that Savior came, was rejected and killed by the Jewish leaders, and was saved, Himself, when God resurrected Him (Acts 13:26–31). Now, he is going back to prophecy to show how the Savior's resurrection was always part of God's plan (Acts 13:32–37).

Paul will reveal the "good news" in Acts 13:38–39. This message is that, beyond prosperity and political independence for Israel, God offers forgiveness of sins through Jesus which obedience to the Mosaic law could never accomplish. Some of the Jews and many Gentiles will gladly accept this news. But, like the leaders in Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders of Pisidian Antioch won't be able to see past the popularity Paul and Barnabas receive from their message. They don't see how forgiveness from sins would be better than their position in the synagogue and the city.

They're not only rejecting Jesus, but they're also rejecting God's promises "to the fathers." God promised Abraham that He would bless the world through him (Genesis 12:3). He reiterated that promise to Isaac (Genesis 26:4) and to Jacob (Genesis 28:14). Further, God promised He would give His followers a heart that follows and loves Him (Deuteronomy 30:6). Through Ezekiel, God promised "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26).

It is this good news that is God's greatest gift of salvation, to the Jews and the Gentiles.