Acts 13:22 Study Bible: When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'

◄ Acts 13:22 ►

After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.'

Study Bible

After removing Saul,

This phrase refers to God's rejection of Saul as king over Israel due to his disobedience and failure to follow God's commands (1 Samuel 15:26-28). Saul's removal signifies a divine intervention in the leadership of Israel, emphasizing God's sovereignty in appointing and deposing kings. This act underscores the importance of obedience to God’s will, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

1Sa 15:26-28 “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied.…
1Sa 13:13 “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared.…

He raised up David as their king

David's anointing as king is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the transition from Saul's failed monarchy to a dynasty that would be characterized by a heart aligned with God. David was chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). This choice highlights God's preference for inner character over outward appearance, as David was initially overlooked by his own family.

1Sa 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in.…
2Sa 5:2-3 Even in times past, while Saul was king over us,…

and testified about him:

God's testimony about David is significant, as it reflects divine approval and endorsement. This divine testimony is recorded in 1 Samuel 13:14 and 16:7, where God emphasizes David's heart and character. It serves as a reminder that God sees beyond human limitations and recognizes the potential for faithfulness and leadership.

1Sa 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, How long are you going to mourn…
Psa 78:70-72 He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;…

‘I have found David son of Jesse

David's identification as the son of Jesse roots him in the tribe of Judah, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy that the scepter would not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10). This lineage is crucial for the messianic prophecies, as Jesus Christ is later identified as a descendant of David (Matthew 1:1). David's humble beginnings as a shepherd boy contrast with his future role as king, illustrating God's ability to elevate the lowly.

Psa 89:20-21 I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil…
1Sa 17:58 “Whose son are you, young man?” asked Saul.…

a man after My own heart;

This phrase is central to understanding David's unique relationship with God. It indicates a deep alignment with God's values and desires, despite David's human flaws and failures. David's psalms and his repentance after sinning (e.g., Psalm 51) exemplify his sincere devotion and pursuit of God's heart. This characteristic sets David apart and foreshadows the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ.

1Sa 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought…
1Ki 15:5 For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD…

he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

David's commitment to fulfilling God's will is seen throughout his reign, as he sought to establish a kingdom that honored God. His desire to build a temple (2 Samuel 7:1-17) and his efforts to unite the tribes of Israel under God's covenant reflect this dedication. David's life, though imperfect, points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's will through Jesus Christ, who perfectly accomplished the Father's will (John 6:38).

Psa 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; …
Heb 10:7 Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by disobedience to God's commands, leading to his removal as king.

2. David
The son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be king after Saul. Known for his deep faith and devotion to God, David is described as "a man after God's own heart."

3. Jesse
The father of David, from the tribe of Judah. Jesse's lineage is significant in biblical history, as it leads to Jesus Christ.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, over which Saul and then David reigned as king. Israel's history is central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

5. God's Testimony
The divine declaration about David, highlighting his heart and willingness to fulfill God's will.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God is actively involved in the leadership of His people, removing and raising up leaders according to His purposes. We should trust in His sovereign choices and seek His guidance in our own leadership roles.

Heart Alignment with God
Being "a man after God's own heart" involves aligning our desires and actions with God's will. This requires a heart that seeks God earnestly and obeys His commands.

Obedience to God's Will
David's life exemplifies a commitment to doing God's will. As believers, we are called to discern and follow God's will in our daily lives, even when it challenges us.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite David's failures, his willingness to repent and seek God's forgiveness is a model for us. God values a contrite heart and offers restoration to those who turn back to Him.

Legacy of Faith
David's legacy is not just his kingship but his faithfulness to God. Our legacy should be one of faith and obedience, impacting future generations for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the removal of Saul and the raising up of David demonstrate God's sovereignty in leadership? Reflect on a time when you have seen God's hand in leadership changes in your life or community.

2. What does it mean to be "a man after God's own heart"? How can you cultivate a heart that seeks to align with God's desires and purposes?

3. In what ways can David's commitment to doing God's will inspire you in your own walk with God? Identify specific areas where you need to seek God's will more earnestly.

4. How does David's example of repentance and restoration encourage you in your own spiritual journey? Are there areas in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and restoration?

5. Considering David's legacy, what kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave for future generations? How can you begin to build that legacy today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 13:14
This verse introduces the concept of a man after God's own heart, referring to David, and contrasts him with Saul's disobedience.

1 Samuel 16:1-13
The anointing of David by Samuel, signifying God's choice of David as king over Israel.

Psalm 89:20
A psalm that speaks of God's covenant with David, affirming his chosen status and the promise of an everlasting kingdom.

Matthew 1:1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which traces His lineage back to David, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises through David's line.

Sermons

The Character of David	R.A. Redford	Acts 13:22
Abandonment of Missionary Work	W. Walters.	Acts 13:13-52
Antioch in Pisidia	W. Denton, M. A.	Acts 13:13-52
I Will Make You Fishers of Men	Lisco.	Acts 13:13-52
John Mark	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Acts 13:13-52
Paul At Antioch	R. A. Bertram.	Acts 13:13-52
Paul At Antioch	W. G. Sperry.	Acts 13:13-52
Paul in His Introductory Discourse Already a Complete Paul	K. Gerok.	Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First Reported Sermon	D. Thomas, D. D.	Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First, Recorded Speech	J. Parker, D. D.	Acts 13:13-52
Paul's Missionary Discourse At Antioch in Pisidia	E. Johnson	Acts 13:13-52
Perga in Pamphylia	Bp. Jacobson.	Acts 13:13-52
The Continental Mission	M. C. Hazard.	Acts 13:13-52
The Defection of Mark	J. S. Howson, D. D.	Acts 13:13-52
The Departure of Mark and the Continuance of the Apostles	S. S. Times	Acts 13:13-52
Another Faithful Sermon to the Jew	P.C. Barker	Acts 13:14-41
The Christian Faith	W. Clarkson	Acts 13:14-41
Paul's Sermon in the Synagogue At Antioch	R.A. Redford	Acts 13:16-43
Christ, the World's Saviour	Lisco.	Acts 13:17-41
The History of the Kingdom of God	K. Gerok.	Acts 13:17-41
The Hours on the World's Clock	K. Gerok.	Acts 13:17-41
The Providence of God in the History of Israel	Lisco.	Acts 13:17-41
Christ, the Son of David, More than David	K. Gerok.	Acts 13:22-23
David	Homiletic Monthly	Acts 13:22-23
The Ability to See the Beautiful	The Sunday School Times	Acts 13:22-23
The Sins of the Saints	J. Forfar.	Acts 13:22-23

People

Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, Simeon

Places

Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian Antioch

Topics

Bare, Bearing, Bore, Commands, David, Dear, Fulfil, Fulfill, Heart, Jesse, Love, Obey, Pleasure, Raise, Raised, Removed, Removing, Saul, Saying, Testified, Testimony, Witness

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Acts 13:22

     1175   God, will of
     1210   God, human descriptions
     5013   heart, divine
     8164   spirituality

Acts 13:14-45

7505 Jews, the

Acts 13:22-23

     5089   David, significance
     5366   king
     5369   kingship, divine
     8427   evangelism, kinds of

Library

Easter Tuesday
Text: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

John Mark
'... John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.' --ACTS xiii. 13. The few brief notices of John Mark in Scripture are sufficient to give us an outline of his life, and some inkling of his character. He was the son of a well-to-do Christian woman in Jerusalem, whose house appears to have been the resort of the brethren as early as the period of Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison. As the cousin of Barnabas he was naturally selected to be the attendant and secular factotum of Paul and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Unworthy of Life
'... Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiii. 46. So ended the first attempt on Paul's great missionary journey to preach to the Jews. It is described at great length and the sermon given in full because it is the first. A wonderful sermon it was; touching all keys of feeling, now pleading almost with tears, now flashing with indignation, now calmly dealing with Scripture prophecies, now glowing as it tells the story of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
'And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. That joy was as strange as a garden full of flowers would be in bitter winter weather. For everything in the circumstances of these disciples tended to make them sad. They had been but just won from heathenism, and they were raw, ignorant, unfit to stand alone. Paul and Barnabas, their only guides, had been hunted out of Antioch by a mob, and it would have been no wonder if these disciples had felt as if they had been …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Why Saul Became Paul
'Saul (who also is called Paul)' ...--ACTS xiii. 9 Hitherto the Apostle has been known by the former of these names, henceforward he is known exclusively by the latter. Hitherto he has been second to his friend Barnabas, henceforward he is first. In an earlier verse of the chapter we read that 'Barnabas and Saul' were separated for their missionary work, and again, that it was 'Barnabas and Saul' for whom the governor of Cyprus sent, to hear the word of the Lord. But in a subsequent verse of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

To the Regions Beyond
'Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. A. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching in Asia Minor
'Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gospel Missions
I SHALL not confine myself to the text. It being an old custom to take texts when we preach, I have taken one, but I shall address you, at large, upon a subject which I am sure will occupy your attention, and has done for many days and years past--the subject of gospel missions. We feel persuaded that all of you are of one mind in this matter, that it is the absolute duty as well as the eminent privilege of the Church to proclaim the gospel to the world. We do not conceive that God will do his own …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

His Own Funeral Sermon
* This sermon was preached on the Lord's-day evening after Mr. William Olney "fell on sleep." Long before the beloved preacher was "called home," it was selected for publication this week. Mrs. Spurgeon feels that her dear husband could not have delivered a more suitable discourse for "his own funeral sermon." She has, therefore, given it that title in the hope that many will be blessed by the message which "he, being dead, yet speaketh." Believing that many friends will wish to have this sermon …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen . . . and Saul. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia" (Acts 13:1-4). In the story …
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In...
In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. We frequently read (they say) of the prayers of angels, and not only so, but the prayers of believers are said to be carried into the presence of God by their hands. But if they would compare saints who have departed this life with angels, it will be necessary to prove that saints are ministering spirits, to whom has been delegated the office of superintending our salvation, to whom has been assigned …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. MR. MOODY.--Mr. Rainsford, how can one make room in their heart for Christ? Rev. M. Rainsford.--First, do we really want Christ to be in our hearts? If we do, the best thing will be to ask Him to come and make room for Himself. He will surely come and do so. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Without Me ye can do nothing." Mr. M.--Will Christ crowd out the world if He comes in? Mr. R.--He spake a parable to that effect. "When a strong man armed …
Dwight L. Moody—Sovereign Grace

The Man after God's Own Heart
"A man after mine own heart, who shall fulfil all my will."--ACTS xiii. 22. A BIBLE STUDY ON THE IDEAL OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE No man can be making much of his life who has not a very definite conception of what he is living for. And if you ask, at random, a dozen men what is the end of their life, you will be surprised to find how few have formed to themselves more than the most dim idea. The question of the summum bonum has ever been the most difficult for the human mind to grasp. What shall a man …
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Via Dolorosa
We have finished the first part of our theme--the Trial of Jesus--and turn now to the second and more solemn part of it--His Death. The trial had been little better than a mockery of justice: on the part of the ecclesiastical authority it was a foregone conclusion, and on the part of the civil authority it was the surrender of a life acknowledged to be innocent to the ends of selfishness and policy. But at last it was over, and nothing remained but to carry the unjust sentence into execution. …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the …
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

First Missionary Journey Scripture
STUDY III FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 13:1-14:26 INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS Before taking up the study of the first missionary journey, attention is called to certain points which should be considered in regard to all three of them (Acts 13:1-21:17). We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth Paul, his labors, his disputes, his speeches, occupy …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Paul's Missionary Labors.
The public life of Paul, from the third year after his conversion to his martyrdom, a.d. 40-64, embraces a quarter of a century, three great missionary campaigns with minor expeditions, five visits to Jerusalem, and at least four years of captivity in Caesarea and Rome. Some extend it to a.d. 67 or 68. It may be divided into five or six periods, as follows: 1. a.d. 40-44. The period of preparatory labors in Syria and his native Cilicia, partly alone, partly in connection with Barnabas, his senior …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

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