Acts 3:18

But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.

Study Bible

But in this way
This phrase introduces the divine orchestration of events. The Greek word "houtōs" (in this way) emphasizes the method or manner in which God has chosen to fulfill His plans. It suggests a divine intentionality and purpose, reminding us that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of prophecy and fulfillment, where God's plans unfold in ways that may be unexpected to human observers.

God has fulfilled
The Greek word "plēroō" means to fill or complete. This indicates that God's promises and prophecies are not left hanging or incomplete. The fulfillment is not partial but total, underscoring the faithfulness of God to His word. This fulfillment is a central theme in the New Testament, where the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are seen as the culmination of Old Testament prophecies.

what He foretold
The Greek word "prokatangellō" means to announce beforehand. This highlights the prophetic nature of God's revelation. The foretelling is not vague or ambiguous but specific and clear, demonstrating God's sovereignty and omniscience. The historical context here is the Jewish expectation of a Messiah, which was deeply rooted in their scriptures and traditions.

through all the prophets
The phrase underscores the comprehensive witness of the Old Testament prophets. The Greek word "dia" (through) indicates that the message was conveyed by means of the prophets. This collective testimony of the prophets points to a unified message about the coming Messiah. The historical context is the rich tapestry of prophetic writings that span centuries, all pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment.

saying that His Christ
The term "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." This title is significant as it identifies Jesus as the long-awaited deliverer. The phrase "His Christ" emphasizes the divine ownership and appointment of Jesus as the Messiah. This reflects the Jewish expectation of a divinely anointed leader who would bring salvation.

would suffer
The Greek word "paschō" means to suffer or endure pain. This was a radical concept for the Jewish people, who expected a triumphant Messiah. The suffering of the Messiah is a theme found in passages like Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant. This suffering was necessary for the redemption of humanity, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission. Theologically, it underscores the paradox of the cross, where victory is achieved through apparent defeat.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign deity who orchestrates the fulfillment of prophecy.

2. Prophets
Messengers of God who foretold the coming and suffering of the Messiah.

3. Christ (Messiah)
Refers to Jesus, the anointed one, who fulfills the prophecies through His suffering.

4. Peter
The apostle speaking in this passage, addressing the crowd after healing a lame man.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events and Peter's speech take place.

Teaching Points

Fulfillment of Prophecy
God's plan is sovereign and unfolds according to His divine will. The suffering of Christ was not an accident but a fulfillment of what was foretold.

Understanding Scripture
Believers are encouraged to study the Old Testament prophecies to see how they point to Christ, deepening their understanding of God's redemptive plan.

The Necessity of Suffering
Christ's suffering was essential for the salvation of humanity. Believers can find purpose in their own suffering, knowing it can be used for God's glory.

God's Faithfulness
The fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives.

Witnessing with Boldness
Like Peter, believers are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, using Scripture to explain and validate their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ's suffering strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty?

2. In what ways can you see the connection between Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillment in your personal Bible study?

3. How can the knowledge of Christ's necessary suffering help you find purpose in your own trials and challenges?

4. What are some promises of God that you can hold onto, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them as He did with the prophecies about Christ?

5. How can you use the example of Peter's boldness in Acts 3 to share your faith with others in your community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 53
This chapter prophesies the suffering servant, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as Peter references in Acts 3:18.

Luke 24:25-27
Jesus explains to His disciples how the Scriptures foretold His suffering and resurrection, aligning with Peter's message.

1 Peter 1:10-11
Peter writes about the prophets who searched and inquired about the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.

Psalm 22
A messianic psalm that describes the suffering of the Messiah, which is fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion.

Hebrews 2:10
Discusses the necessity of Christ's suffering to bring many sons to glory, connecting to the fulfillment of prophecy.