Acts 13:27
The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.
The people of Jerusalem and their rulers
This phrase refers to the Jewish inhabitants and their leaders in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Historically, Jerusalem was the religious and political center of Jewish life. The rulers included the Sanhedrin, the chief priests, and the Pharisees, who held significant influence over the people. The Greek word for "rulers" (ἄρχοντες, archontes) implies those with authority and power. Despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, they failed to see Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting a tragic irony in their spiritual blindness.

did not recognize Jesus
The Greek word for "recognize" (γινώσκω, ginōskō) implies a deep, intimate understanding. The people and their leaders were unable to perceive Jesus' true identity as the Messiah. This lack of recognition was not due to a lack of evidence but rather a spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. This phrase underscores the theme of missed opportunity and the fulfillment of prophecy despite human failure.

yet in condemning Him
The act of condemning Jesus was a grave injustice, as He was sinless and righteous. The Greek word for "condemning" (κατακρίνω, katakrinō) means to judge against or to sentence. This condemnation was a fulfillment of God's sovereign plan, demonstrating how human actions, even when evil, can be used by God to accomplish His purposes. It reflects the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

they fulfilled the words of the prophets
This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The prophets, inspired by God, had foretold the suffering and rejection of the Messiah. The Greek word for "fulfilled" (πληρόω, plēroō) means to complete or bring to realization. This fulfillment is a testament to the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture, showing that God's word is true and unchanging.

that are read every Sabbath
The Jewish practice of reading the Scriptures every Sabbath in the synagogues is highlighted here. The Greek word for "read" (ἀναγινώσκω, anaginōskō) means to know again or to recognize. Despite the regular reading and familiarity with the prophetic texts, the people failed to see their fulfillment in Jesus. This serves as a warning against mere ritualistic reading of Scripture without understanding or application. It calls believers to approach God's word with open hearts and minds, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for true comprehension and transformation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The People of Jerusalem
The inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were central to the events of Jesus' crucifixion. They were the ones who, despite their religious practices, failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

2. The Rulers
The Jewish religious leaders and authorities who played a significant role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus. They were responsible for interpreting the Scriptures but missed the fulfillment of the prophecies in Jesus.

3. Jesus
The central figure of Christianity, whose life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In this context, He is the one whom the people and rulers failed to recognize.

4. The Prophets
Refers to the Old Testament prophets whose writings foretold the coming of the Messiah. Their words were read every Sabbath in the synagogues, yet were not understood in their fulfillment in Jesus.

5. The Sabbath
The weekly day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition, during which the Scriptures were read. It highlights the irony that the very words predicting Jesus' coming were regularly read but not comprehended.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
The people and rulers of Jerusalem were well-versed in the Scriptures, yet they failed to recognize Jesus. This highlights the need for spiritual discernment and openness to God's revelation.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The events of Jesus' life and death were not random but were the fulfillment of God's plan as revealed through the prophets. This underscores the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture.

The Danger of Religious Routine
Regularly hearing the Scriptures without understanding or applying them can lead to spiritual blindness. We must engage with God's Word actively and seek to understand its implications for our lives.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Even in the rejection and condemnation of Jesus, God's sovereign plan was being fulfilled. This reassures us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem contrary to His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we ensure that we are not like the people of Jerusalem, who failed to recognize Jesus despite their knowledge of the Scriptures?

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life strengthen your faith in the reliability of the Bible?

3. Reflect on a time when you may have been caught in religious routine. How can you cultivate a more active and discerning engagement with Scripture?

4. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the events of Jesus' life help you trust Him in your current circumstances?

5. What steps can you take to improve your spiritual discernment and recognize God's work in your life and the world around you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 24:44-47
Jesus explains to His disciples how everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy.

John 1:10-11
Describes how Jesus came into the world He created, yet the world did not recognize Him, paralleling the theme of unrecognized fulfillment.

Isaiah 53
A prophetic chapter that describes the suffering servant, which is often seen as a direct prophecy of Jesus' suffering and rejection.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing sorrow over their failure to recognize Him and the consequences of their actions.
Abandonment of Missionary WorkW. Walters.Acts 13:13-52
Antioch in PisidiaW. Denton, M. A.Acts 13:13-52
I Will Make You Fishers of MenLisco.Acts 13:13-52
John MarkA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul At AntiochR. A. Bertram.Acts 13:13-52
Paul At AntiochW. G. Sperry.Acts 13:13-52
Paul in His Introductory Discourse Already a Complete PaulK. Gerok.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First Reported SermonD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First, Recorded SpeechJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's Missionary Discourse At Antioch in PisidiaE. Johnson Acts 13:13-52
Perga in PamphyliaBp. Jacobson.Acts 13:13-52
The Continental MissionM. C. Hazard.Acts 13:13-52
The Defection of MarkJ. S. Howson, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
The Departure of Mark and the Continuance of the ApostlesS. S. TimesActs 13:13-52
Another Faithful Sermon to the JewP.C. Barker Acts 13:14-41
The Christian FaithW. Clarkson Acts 13:14-41
Paul's Sermon in the Synagogue At AntiochR.A. Redford Acts 13:16-43
Christ, the World's SaviourLisco.Acts 13:17-41
The History of the Kingdom of GodK. Gerok.Acts 13:17-41
The Hours on the World's ClockK. Gerok.Acts 13:17-41
The Providence of God in the History of IsraelLisco.Acts 13:17-41
Ignorance of ProphecyPasteur Hirsch.Acts 13:27-32
Messianic Prophecy: its CharacteristicsPrincipal Cairns.Acts 13:27-32
Messianic Prophecy: its FulfilmentCredo.Acts 13:27-32
Necessity of an Unprejudiced Study of ProphecyBp. Chr. Wordsworth.Acts 13:27-32
The Rejection of ChristJ. W. Burn.Acts 13:27-32
The Voices of the ProphetsH. McNeile, D. D.Acts 13:27-32
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
Actually, Chiefs, Condemning, Didn't, Dwell, Dwelling, Ears, Effect, Fulfill, Fulfilled, Ignorance, Jerusalem, Judged, Judgement, Judging, Predictions, Pronounced, Prophets, Recognize, Recognizing, Rulers, Sabbath, Sayings, Understand, Utterances, Voices, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 13:27

     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     5175   reading
     5509   rulers
     7430   Sabbath, in NT

Acts 13:14-45

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 13:27-28

     6126   condemnation, human

Acts 13:27-29

     2525   Christ, cross of
     2545   Christ, opposition to

Acts 13:27-30

     6708   predestination

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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