God Raised Him Up!
Jeremy Bell
Acts 13:26-41
April 9, 2023
Sermon Audio
Sermon Recap PDF
Acts 13:26–41
[26] “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. [27] For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. [28] And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. [29] And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. [30] But God raised him from the dead, [31] and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. [32] And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, [33] this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,
“‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you.’[34] And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,
“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’
[35] Therefore he says also in another psalm,
“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’
[36] For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, [37] but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. [38] Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, [39] and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. [40] Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:
[41] “‘Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (ESV)
1. God raised Jesus from the dead
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still dead in your sins.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17
“And for many days He appeared to those who had come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people (verse 31).”
“… that you may have certainty regarding the things you have been taught” – Luke 1:3-4
2. The Resurrection is Good News!
“And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this He fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus (verses 32-33)”
“Through this man (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you (verse 38).”
“By Him everyone who believes is freed from everything which you could not be freed by the law of Moses (verse 39)”
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” — John 8:36
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.” — Augustine
Questions for Discussion/Application
- Re-read the text, Acts 13:26-41 What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage?
- The Apostle Paul says “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still dead in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17 ).” What does Paul mean by this?
- Had Jesus not been raised from the dead, what would that mean for us?
- What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for all who have put their faith in Christ? How is it good news for you personally?
- How does being reminded of the hope of all that Jesus’ resurrection secured for us serve as an encouragement towards evangelism?
- Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help each us to rest and rejoice in the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection and all it means for us. Pray also that God would help us to be faithful to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection to others.