Acts 3:13 – The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers,has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Peter continues speaking to the crowd in the temple after the miraculous healing of the lame man. Instead of taking credit for the miracle, Peter points to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the very God the Jewish people had always worshiped. He is making it clear that this miracle is not a new religion or strange teaching. Instead, it is the work of the same God their ancestors followed.

Peter then declares that this same God has glorified Jesus, identifying Him as God’s servant. By using the word “servant,” Peter connects Jesus to the prophecy in Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12, which describes the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of many.

Then Peter shifts to a hard truth: the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus and handed Him over to be killed, even though Pilate was willing to release Him. This was a direct challenge to the people listening. Many of them had been part of the crowd that demanded Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter is not softening the message—he is confronting them with their responsibility in Jesus’ death.

Historical Context

Peter’s audience consisted of devout Jews who gathered at the temple for prayer and worship. They revered Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the patriarchs of their faith. By starting with “The God of our fathers,” Peter is making it clear that Jesus was not some outsider or false prophet—He was sent by the very God they claimed to follow.

The phrase “glorified His servant Jesus” likely refers to Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand (Acts 2:33). In Jewish thought, to be glorified meant being honored by God, often after suffering. This connects to Jesus’ suffering and resurrection as God’s ultimate plan.

Peter then reminds them that Pilate was willing to release Jesus, but they rejected Him. This is an important historical fact recorded in the Gospels (Luke 23:13-24; John 19:12-16). Even though a Roman governor—who had no reason to defend Jesus—wanted to set Him free, the Jewish leaders insisted on His execution.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key theological truths:

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan. By referring to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Peter is showing that Jesus was always part of God’s purpose for Israel. Christianity is not a break from Judaism—it is its fulfillment.
2. God glorifies those who serve Him. Jesus suffered and was rejected, but God glorified Him in the resurrection. This is a reminder that suffering for God’s will is never in vain.
3. Human rejection does not stop God’s plan. The people rejected Jesus and handed Him over to be killed, yet God still raised Him up. No human decision can override God’s ultimate plan.
4. Sin must be confronted. Peter does not hesitate to tell the people that they were responsible for rejecting Jesus. This reminds us that the gospel is not just about comfort—it also calls people to repent of their sin.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a pattern of contrast and confrontation:

• Contrast – God glorified Jesus, but the people rejected Him.
• Confrontation – Peter directly tells them what they did, forcing them to face their role in Jesus’ death.

The phrase “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” serves to establish continuity. Peter is making it clear that Jesus is not separate from their faith—He is the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Peter’s use of “His servant Jesus” is also significant. The title “Servant” is deeply connected to Isaiah’s prophecy about the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:11-12) who would die for the sins of the people. Peter is showing that Jesus is that Servant.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 – The prophecy of the Suffering Servant, which Jesus fulfilled through His death and resurrection.
• John 19:12-16 – Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders demanded His crucifixion.
• Acts 2:36 – Peter had already told the crowd at Pentecost, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
• Philippians 2:9-11 – God exalted Jesus and gave Him “the name that is above every name” after His suffering.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to consider our response to Jesus. The Jewish leaders rejected Him, but what about us? Do we truly accept Him as Lord, or do we, in subtle ways, reject Him in our lives?

It also reminds us that suffering is not the end of the story. Jesus suffered and was glorified. As followers of Christ, we may face rejection or hardship, but God will ultimately bring honor to those who serve Him faithfully.

Additionally, this verse teaches us that the message of the gospel must be bold and truthful. Peter did not sugarcoat the truth. He spoke directly to the people’s sin, yet he did so in a way that pointed them toward God’s grace. We should do the same when we share our faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His faithfulness to His promises. He had a plan from the beginning, and Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled it.

This verse also shows that God is willing to confront sin in order to bring people to repentance. His love is not about making people feel comfortable—it is about leading them to the truth that saves them.

Even though the people rejected Jesus, God still offered them a chance to repent. This is the ultimate expression of His love—He does not give up on those who turn away from Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Peter clearly identifies Jesus as:

1. The Servant of God – Jesus fulfills the role of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah.
2. The One Whom God Glorified – Jesus was raised and exalted by God after His suffering.
3. The One Whom the People Rejected – Just as the Old Testament prophets were rejected, Jesus also faced rejection, yet He was still God’s chosen one.

This verse also highlights that Jesus’ crucifixion was not an accident—it was part of God’s plan. Though people rejected Him, God used their actions to accomplish His purpose of salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does my faith connect with the history of God’s work in the Bible? Do I see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises?
2. Are there areas in my life where I have rejected Jesus or resisted His authority?
3. Do I recognize that suffering for God’s purposes can lead to greater glory, as seen in Jesus’ life?
4. How can I share the truth of the gospel in a way that is bold yet loving, like Peter did?
5. What does it mean for me personally that Jesus is the Servant of God who was glorified after suffering?