Acts 2:30 - Printer Friendly

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;

NKJV: Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,

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.

Acts 2:14–36 transcribes the first sermon ever given by a Christian. The Holy Spirit that Jesus promised (John 14:16–17) has come upon 120 of His followers in Jerusalem (Acts 1:15; 2:1–4). They immediately start speaking in different languages, shocking a crowd of Jews and proselytes who are in town to celebrate Pentecost (Acts 2:5–11). Some of the crowd dismiss the speech as nonsense; others are very interested (Acts 2:12–13). Peter, combining his natural enthusiasm as spokesman for the group with wisdom from the Spirit, responds by obeying Jesus and being His witness (Acts 1:8).

Acts 2 describes the beginning of the church in three episodes. First, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Jesus-followers in Jerusalem, equipping them with the ability to teach the gospel in different languages (Acts 2:1–13). Second, Peter gives a public declaration using Old Testament prophecy to show Jesus is the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (Acts 2:14–36). Third, people believe. They repent, trust Jesus will forgive their sins, and agree to be baptized as a public sign that they are now Jesus-followers (Acts 2:37–47). That quickly, the church is born.

Acts 2 describes the creation of Jesus' church. Forty days after Jesus' resurrection He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9). One hundred and twenty disciples obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 2–15). In Acts 2, they receive the Holy Spirit and share the gospel with a crowd of people who have come to celebrate Pentecost. Three thousand believe, and the church comes to life. In the following chapters, Jesus-followers fulfill Jesus' promise that they will be His witnesses ''in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth'' (Acts 1:8).

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.