What does Acts 13:29 mean?
Paul is explaining to the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch how Jesus fits into God's continual plan of salvation for His people. We tend to think of "salvation" in terms of God forgiving our sins and living with us for eternity in heaven. In the Bible, "salvation" generally means "being saved." So, when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and sent judges and kings to save them from their enemies, He was giving them salvation (Acts 13:17–22).God also promised an ultimate Savior through the prophecies of David and John the Baptist (Acts 13:23–25), not to mention many others (Acts 13:27). The priests, scribes, and elders who made up the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, had opportunity to hear the prophets read at least once a week. But instead of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah in those prophecies, they fulfilled the prophecies by killing Him.
The first "they" is the Sanhedrin who orchestrated Jesus' death and Pilate who ordered it. Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, including:
- Pierced for transgressions: Isaiah 53:5; John 20:25
- Died with wicked: Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:38
- Buried in a rich man's tomb: Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57–60
- Lots cast for clothing: Psalm 22:18; John 19:24