Chapter

Acts 2:30

ESV Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,
NIV But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
NASB So because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne,
CSB Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne.
NLT But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne.
KJV Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

What does Acts 2:30 mean?

God's oath to David is known as the "Davidic Covenant" (2 Samuel 7:1–17; 1 Chronicles 17:11–14; Psalm 132:11). God promised to David "your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). This is not a bilateral covenant, like the contract God made with Israel and their kings that if they obeyed Him, He would bless them (Deuteronomy 11:26–27). This is a unilateral covenant, like the one God made to Abraham, that Abraham's descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:1–3) and inherit a large territory (Genesis 15:18–21). There was nothing for Abraham and David to do to ensure God would fulfill His promises to them (2 Chronicles 6:16).

Much of God's oath to David applied to Solomon (2 Samuel 7:10–15). Solomon's reign was the grandest in Israel's history. He ruled over more land, accumulated more wealth, and experienced more peace than any other king (1 Kings 4:20–25; 10:23). But after him, the throne was split into northern and southern kingdoms (1 Kings 12:16–24). Jesus, who is descended from David both legally through Joseph (Matthew 1:6–16) and biologically through Mary (Luke 3:23–328), is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to David.

The manner of Jesus' place on the throne has been subject to much debate over the centuries. Suffice it to say that Jesus reigns in the hearts of His followers now. In the millennial kingdom, He will reign in Jerusalem. And He will reign ultimately in eternity.
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