Acts 13:35 – “So it is also stated elsewhere: ‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, explaining how Jesus’ resurrection was prophesied in the Old Testament. He quotes Psalm 16:10, where David wrote, “You will not let your holy one see decay.”

Paul is making an important argument here. He is showing that this prophecy was not ultimately about David, because David died, was buried, and his body decayed. Instead, this verse was pointing to Jesus, whose body never saw decay because He was raised from the dead.

Paul’s point is clear: Jesus’ resurrection was not a random event—it was something God had already planned and revealed in Scripture. The fact that Jesus’ body did not decay is evidence that He is the true and eternal King.

Historical Context

Paul was speaking to a Jewish audience who knew the Old Testament well. They believed that King David was one of Israel’s greatest leaders and that God had made special promises to him.

Psalm 16, which Paul quotes, was written by David. Many Jews understood it as a Messianic prophecy, meaning it was pointing to the coming Savior. However, some may have thought it referred to David himself. Paul corrects this misunderstanding by pointing out that David’s body decayed in the grave, while Jesus’ did not.

At this time, Jesus’ resurrection was still a controversial topic among the Jews. Many of the religious leaders rejected it, even though eyewitnesses had seen the risen Jesus (Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Paul is proving from their own Scriptures that the resurrection was foretold by God.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths about God’s plan and Jesus’ identity:

1. The Resurrection Was Prophesied – Jesus’ resurrection was not an unexpected event. God had already revealed it through David in the Psalms.
2. Jesus is the True “Holy One” – The phrase “your holy one” refers not to David, but to Jesus, proving that He is the Messiah.
3. Jesus’ Resurrection Proves His Power Over Death – Unlike all other people who die and decay, Jesus conquered death completely.
4. God’s Word is Always Fulfilled – What God said in the past came true, showing that we can trust His promises for the future.

Literary Analysis

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

1. He reviews Israel’s history, showing how God was working through time.
2. He declares Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
3. He backs up his claims with Scripture, proving that Jesus’ resurrection was foretold.

The phrase “You will not let your holy one see decay” is critical. It shows that the Messiah would not stay dead. Paul uses this to differentiate Jesus from David—David was a great king, but he stayed in the grave, while Jesus rose again.

Paul’s argument is logical and Scriptural. He is not asking people to believe blindly—he is using their own Scriptures to prove that Jesus is the Messiah.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 16:10 – The original prophecy: “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your holy one see decay.”
• Acts 2:27-31 – Peter also quotes Psalm 16 to prove Jesus’ resurrection.
• 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – God’s promise to David that his descendant would reign forever.
• Isaiah 53:10-11 – A prophecy that the Messiah would suffer but would also “see the light of life” (a reference to resurrection).
• Romans 6:9 – “Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again.”
• 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

This verse is a powerful confirmation that our faith is built on solid truth. Jesus’ resurrection was not a myth—it was foretold in Scripture and confirmed by eyewitnesses.

It also gives us confidence in God’s promises. If God was faithful to fulfill this prophecy exactly, we can trust Him to keep all His other promises—including our future resurrection and eternal life in Christ.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to stand firm in our faith. Many people today doubt or reject the resurrection, just as some did in Paul’s time. But we do not believe blindly—our faith is based on God’s Word and historical evidence.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in several ways:

1. God Planned Salvation in Advance – He did not wait until Jesus’ time to decide what to do; He had already planned everything and revealed it in Scripture.
2. God Did Not Let His Son Remain in Death – Jesus’ resurrection shows God’s power over death and His love for His Son.
3. God Offers Eternal Life to Us – Because Jesus rose, we too can have eternal life (John 11:25-26). His resurrection is proof that death is not the end for those who trust in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus. It confirms that:

1. Jesus is the Promised Messiah – His resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
2. Jesus is the “Holy One” – He is set apart as the true Son of God.
3. Jesus Conquered Death – Unlike any other person in history, He never saw decay because He rose from the dead.
4. Jesus’ Resurrection is the Foundation of Our Faith – If Jesus had stayed dead, Christianity would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Jesus’ resurrection was foretold in the Old Testament?
2. How does this verse strengthen your confidence in the Bible?
3. Why do you think Paul used Scripture to prove Jesus’ resurrection instead of just his personal testimony?
4. How does knowing that Jesus’ body never saw decay give us hope for our own future resurrection?
5. In what ways can you share the truth of Jesus’ resurrection with others?