Acts 13:30 – “But God raised him from the dead.”

Extended Explanation

This short but powerful verse is the turning point in Paul’s sermon at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Up until this point, Paul has been recounting the rejection, suffering, and burial of Jesus. But now, everything changes with two words: “But God.”

These words mark the moment when tragedy turns into triumph. Human leaders condemned Jesus, and He was buried in a tomb. But God had the final say. The resurrection was not a human act—it was an act of God. Jesus was not simply resuscitated; He was raised in power, never to die again.

This verse is the heart of the gospel. If Jesus had remained in the tomb, Christianity would be nothing more than another story of a good teacher who died. But because God raised Him from the dead, everything He said and did was proven true. The resurrection confirms that Jesus is the Son of God, that His sacrifice for sin was accepted, and that He reigns as the victorious King.

Historical Context

The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in human history. It happened three days after His crucifixion, on the first day of the week (Sunday). Jesus had been buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, and a Roman guard was placed there to ensure that His body would not be stolen (Matthew 27:62-66).

But early Sunday morning, the tomb was found empty. The angel declared, “He is not here; He has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6). Jesus appeared to many witnesses over the next 40 days, including Mary Magdalene, His disciples, and even a crowd of over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6).

The Jewish leaders tried to cover up the resurrection by bribing the guards to say the disciples stole the body (Matthew 28:11-15), but their efforts failed. The truth spread quickly—Jesus had risen, just as He had promised.

Theological Implications

This verse carries some of the most profound truths in Christianity:

1. God’s Power Over Death – Death could not hold Jesus. The resurrection proves that God has ultimate authority over life and death.
2. Jesus’ Victory Over Sin – Jesus’ resurrection confirms that His death was enough to pay for our sins. Without the resurrection, our faith would be useless (1 Corinthians 15:17).
3. The Resurrection Validates Jesus’ Identity – Jesus had predicted His resurrection multiple times (Mark 8:31, John 2:19-22). If He had stayed in the grave, He would have been just another religious leader. But because He rose, He proved He is the Son of God (Romans 1:4).
4. Hope for Believers – Jesus’ resurrection is a promise that those who trust in Him will also be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sermon in Acts 13 follows a clear pattern: he recounts Israel’s history, presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, describes His death, and then introduces the resurrection.

The phrase “But God” is especially significant. Throughout the Bible, these words often mark moments when human failure meets God’s grace and power (Genesis 50:20, Ephesians 2:4). Here, they signal that the story of Jesus did not end with the cross—God intervened in a miraculous way.

The words “raised him from the dead” are also important. This was not a symbolic resurrection or a spiritual event—it was a physical, bodily resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection was a real, historical event, witnessed by many people.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 16:10 – A prophecy that God would not let His “Holy One” see decay, fulfilled in Jesus’ resurrection.
• Isaiah 53:10-11 – A prophecy that the suffering servant would see life again after His death.
• Matthew 28:6 – The angel at the tomb announces, “He is not here; He has risen!”
• Acts 2:24 – Peter declares, “God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death.”
• Romans 6:9 – “Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul explains that Jesus’ death and resurrection are the core of the gospel.
• Revelation 1:18 – Jesus declares, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It means that death is not the end. Because Jesus rose, we have the promise of eternal life. No matter what we face in this world—suffering, loss, or death itself—we can have confidence that God’s power is greater.

This verse also reminds us that God is in control, even when things seem hopeless. The disciples thought all was lost when Jesus died, but God had a greater plan. In the same way, we can trust Him in our darkest moments, knowing that He can bring victory out of what looks like defeat.

Finally, this verse calls us to action. If Jesus really rose from the dead, then His message is true, and we must respond. We are called to live with boldness, share the good news, and trust in His promises.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is at the center of the resurrection. He did not leave Jesus in the grave, and He does not leave us in our sin and brokenness. Instead, He offers us new life through His Son.

The resurrection is proof that God keeps His promises. He had foretold that the Messiah would suffer, die, and rise again—and He fulfilled that promise completely. If God was faithful in raising Jesus, we can trust Him to be faithful in everything else.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus. It confirms:

1. Jesus is the Son of God – His resurrection proved that He was not just a man but the divine Savior (Romans 1:4).
2. Jesus’ Work on the Cross Was Enough – Because He rose, we know that His sacrifice for sin was accepted (1 Corinthians 15:17).
3. Jesus is Alive Today – He is not just a figure from history; He is a living King who reigns forever (Revelation 1:18).
4. Jesus’ Resurrection Gives Us Hope – Just as He was raised, all who believe in Him will be raised to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for your faith?
2. How does the phrase “But God” encourage you in difficult times?
3. Why is the resurrection essential to the gospel message?
4. How does knowing that Jesus is alive affect the way you live today?
5. In what ways can you share the hope of the resurrection with others?

This verse is the foundation of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave. Because He lives, we have hope, purpose, and eternal life. Let this truth shape how you live, trust, and share the gospel with the world.