Acts 13:33 – “He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, explaining how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Paul is making the case that everything God promised to Israel’s ancestors has now been completed through Jesus Christ.

The phrase “He has fulfilled for us, their children” means that God’s promises to the Jewish people—especially the promise of a Savior—have now been realized. The waiting is over. Jesus is the one they had been anticipating.

Paul then specifically mentions “raising up Jesus.” This refers to Jesus’ resurrection, proving that He is truly the Messiah. Some also believe this could include God “raising Him up” to His role as the Savior (His coming into the world), but given the context of Paul’s sermon, it primarily points to His resurrection.

Paul supports his claim by quoting Psalm 2:7, which says, “You are my son; today I have become your father.” This Old Testament verse was traditionally understood as a promise to Israel’s king, but Paul explains that it was ultimately pointing to Jesus. Through His resurrection, Jesus is publicly declared as the Son of God and the rightful ruler over all.

Historical Context

Paul was speaking to a Jewish audience who knew the Old Testament well. They were familiar with God’s promises about a coming Messiah, and they were waiting for a King from David’s line to bring salvation.

Psalm 2 was originally a coronation psalm used for Israel’s kings, declaring them as God’s chosen rulers. But Paul reveals that this passage was not just about Israel’s earthly kings—it was ultimately about Jesus, who is the true and eternal King.

By pointing to Jesus’ resurrection, Paul was showing that God had confirmed Jesus as His Son in a unique and powerful way. Unlike human kings, Jesus did not just rule for a time and then die—He defeated death and reigns forever.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches us several important truths:

1. God Always Keeps His Promises – The long-awaited Messiah has come, just as God said He would.
2. Jesus is the True Son of God – The resurrection was God’s way of declaring that Jesus is His Son in a unique and powerful way (Romans 1:4).
3. The Resurrection Confirms Jesus’ Authority – Jesus is not just another religious figure; He is the reigning King over all.
4. Salvation is Found in Jesus Alone – If Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, then there is no other way to be saved except through Him (Acts 4:12).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sermon in Acts 13 follows a clear structure:

1. He recounts Israel’s history, showing how God has been working through time.
2. He points to Jesus as the fulfillment of all the promises.
3. He supports his claim with Scripture, proving that Jesus was always part of God’s plan.

By quoting Psalm 2:7, Paul connects Jesus to Israel’s royal tradition. The phrase “You are my son; today I have become your father” does not mean that Jesus “became” the Son of God at the resurrection. Rather, it means that through His resurrection, Jesus was publicly declared as the Son of God with power. This was God’s way of confirming His identity to the world.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 2:7 – The verse Paul quotes, originally used for Israel’s kings but ultimately pointing to Jesus.
• Isaiah 55:3 – Another prophecy about the Messiah, which Paul references in the next verse.
• Romans 1:4 – Jesus was “declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.”
• Hebrews 1:5 – Also quotes Psalm 2:7 to show that Jesus is superior to all others.
• Acts 2:24-32 – Peter also preaches that Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled God’s promises.
• Revelation 19:16 – Jesus is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that our faith is built on God’s faithfulness. What He promised, He has accomplished. If God fulfilled His promise about Jesus, then we can trust Him to fulfill His other promises—including eternal life for those who believe in Christ.

It also strengthens our confidence in Jesus. He is not just a good teacher or prophet—He is the risen Son of God, confirmed by His resurrection. Because of this, we can trust Him with our lives and our salvation.

Finally, it calls us to boldly share the gospel. Paul preached this message with confidence because he knew it was true. We, too, should not be afraid to tell others about Jesus, knowing that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He fulfilled His promises. He did not abandon His people or leave them in uncertainty—He provided a Savior and made it clear who He was.

This verse also reminds us that God’s love is personal. He did not just send Jesus to be a distant ruler; He calls Him “My Son.” This shows the deep, loving relationship within the Trinity and reveals how much God desires a relationship with us as well.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is entirely about Jesus:

1. Jesus is the Promised Son – His resurrection confirms that He is the one God has chosen.
2. Jesus is the King – Psalm 2 was originally about earthly kings, but Jesus is the ultimate King who rules forever.
3. Jesus is the Fulfillment of Scripture – Everything in the Old Testament was leading to Him.
4. Jesus’ Resurrection Proves His Authority – He is not just a historical figure—He is alive and reigning today.

Paul’s message is clear: Jesus is the fulfillment of all that God promised, and His resurrection proves it.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus was “raised up” as the fulfillment of God’s promise?
2. How does Jesus’ resurrection confirm His identity as the Son of God?
3. What does this verse teach us about God’s faithfulness?
4. How does knowing that Jesus is the true King change the way you live?
5. How can you share this “good news” with others in your daily life?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God has promised. His resurrection proves that He is the true Son of God, the rightful King, and the Savior of the world. Because He lives, we can have confidence, hope, and eternal life in Him.