- Home
- Bible
- Acts
- Chapter 13
- Verse 13
Acts 13:27
Verse
Context
In Pisidian Antioch
26Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.28And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Because they knew him not - A gentle excuse for the persecuting high priests, etc. They did not know that Jesus was the Christ, because they did not know the prophets: and why did they not know the prophets, which were read every Sabbath day? Because they did not desire to know his will; and therefore they knew not the doctrine of God: nor did they know that, in condemning Christ, they fulfilled those very Scriptures which were read every Sabbath day in their synagogues.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, &c.--The apostle here speaks as if the more immediate guilt of Christ's death lay with the rulers and people of the metropolis, to which he fondly hoped that those residing at such a distance as Antioch would not set their seal.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him,.... When they had vilified and reproached him in the most opprobrious manner; buffeted and scourged him, and pierced his hands and his feet, by nailing him to the cross; when they had crucified him between two thieves, and parted his raiment and cast lots on his vesture; when they had pierced his side, and it was sufficiently evident that his life was taken from the earth; all which were written of him in the Psalms and Prophets: they took him down from the tree; the cross, on which he was crucified: it may be rendered impersonally, "he was taken down from the tree"; for not the same persons that desired he might be slain, and fulfilled all that was written of him, took him down, but others; though they were some of the rulers, as Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, yet such as did not consent to his death: and laid him in a sepulchre; in a new one, in which never man lay; a sepulchre which Joseph had hewed out of a rock for himself, and which was both sealed and guarded.
Acts 13:27
In Pisidian Antioch
26Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.28And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Word of God Searches the Heart
By B.H. Clendennen3.7K58:35ScripturesMAT 6:33ACT 13:27EPH 5:14HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God and the opportunity to open the Word of God. He focuses on Hebrews 4:12-13, emphasizing the power and significance of the Word of God. The preacher warns against carelessness and highlights the importance of being attentive to God's will. He emphasizes that the Word of God is alive and powerful, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we must be willing to allow the Word of God to wound and divide us in order for God to work in our lives.
(Europe 2008) Session 9 - a Closed Book
By B.H. Clendennen3.2K1:12:18ScripturesGEN 3:15MAT 6:33LUK 4:20ACT 13:27In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the importance of hearing the voice of God rather than just listening to sermons and words in church. He emphasizes that many people spend their lives in church but never truly hear the voice of God. The preacher shares his own experience of being captivated by a powerful sermon and highlights the significance of hunger for God's word. He then references the story of Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth, where he delivered his first message after being filled with the Holy Spirit. The preacher concludes by encouraging the audience to seek a deeper understanding of the scriptures and to be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
A Spiritual Leader
By Zac Poonen2.5K00:00Audio BooksMAT 6:33MAT 27:5LUK 10:37LUK 13:1JHN 13:27ACT 13:27GAL 1:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a strong and uncompromising leader for the next generation of believers. He urges listeners to take their calling seriously and to repent for any dishonor they may have brought to God's name in the past. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his time in the Navy, highlighting the responsibility and vigilance required of a leader. He also warns about the potential dangers of financial and music power in God's work. The sermon concludes with a reminder to evaluate one's ministry and live in a way that will minimize regret at the judgment seat of Christ.
The Final Judgement
By Zac Poonen2.4K56:29Judgement SeatACT 13:27ROM 2:16ROM 14:121CO 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with God's blueprint for us. He warns that on the day of judgment, all our actions, thoughts, and motives will be revealed, even the secrets we have hidden from others. The speaker highlights that many who are considered great in the eyes of others may be shocked to see the truth of their private lives and how they handled their resources. The sermon emphasizes the need to live in accordance with God's Word and to be mindful of our actions, as everything is recorded and will be judged by God.
Acts 13
By Robert F. Adcock94637:03ACT 11:29ACT 12:25ACT 13:2ACT 13:9ACT 13:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being used by God to witness to others about salvation. The story of Anne and her brother Brad is shared, where Anne prays for Brad to resist the negative influence of a man named Charlie. The speaker then discusses the responsibility of Christians to be witnesses for Jesus Christ in the world. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of choosing the broad road that leads to destruction and the importance of accepting Jesus as the only way to God.
The Cry of the Prophets for Holiness
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritHolinessPSA 119:75EZK 43:12MAT 16:18LUK 1:35ACT 2:16ACT 5:3ACT 13:27HEB 4:15HEB 9:141PE 1:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent call for holiness as expressed by the prophets, contrasting the old and new dispensations. He highlights how the early church was challenged to move beyond traditional mindsets and embrace the revolutionary work of the Holy Spirit, which requires a deep commitment to holiness. The tragic example of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the severe consequences of unholiness, as their deceit brought spiritual death and arrested the work of the Spirit. Sparks urges believers to confront their own unholiness and recognize the broader implications of their actions on the community and God's purposes. Ultimately, he calls for a sincere pursuit of holiness, aligning with the nature of Christ, to avoid the peril of spiritual stagnation.
The Voice of Jeremiah (Concluded) V
By T. Austin-Sparks02CH 36:22EZR 1:1ACT 7:52ACT 13:27ROM 9:27T. Austin-Sparks delves into the prophetic ministry, focusing on the inclusive and representative position of Jeremiah, highlighting the various characteristics and features of all the Prophets. The prophetic function stands at the center of the conflict between God's intentions and man's decline, emphasizing the unrelenting stand against spiritual decline and the loneliness and costliness of the prophetic ministry. Despite feelings of inadequacy, God's strength is made perfect in weakness, as seen in Jeremiah's ministry and sufferings being vindicated in the Remnant, both temporal and eternal.
The Voices of the Prophets
By T. Austin-Sparks0Hearing God's VoiceThe Role of ProphetsISA 6:9JER 1:5JER 2:13JER 2:23JER 2:35JER 7:28ACT 13:27HEB 1:1REV 2:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of recognizing the voices of the prophets, as many hear the Scriptures without understanding their deeper meaning. He warns that the tragic outcome of ignoring these voices leads to spiritual blindness and a failure to recognize Christ, the central message of the prophets. The sermon highlights the importance of spiritual hearing and the consequences of failing to discern God's voice, particularly in the context of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. Sparks draws parallels between Jeremiah's time of spiritual decline and the present day, urging believers to heed the warnings and messages of the prophets. Ultimately, the measure of our faith is determined by how much of Christ is reflected in our lives.
The Kingdom, and Entrance Into It
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 12:2MAT 3:2MAT 11:11LUK 16:16JHN 1:29JHN 3:2ACT 13:27GAL 4:6EPH 4:13HEB 12:28T. Austin-Sparks delves into the profound connection between the prophecies of the prophets and the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the pivotal role of John the Baptist as the turning point between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament reality of the Kingdom. He highlights that the Kingdom of Heaven is not merely a literal, earthly kingdom but a new life, relationship, constitution, vocation, and gravitation towards heaven, calling believers to a continuous and violent pursuit of God's full purpose. T. Austin-Sparks challenges listeners to be men and women of violence, meaning business with God and allowing nothing to hinder them from entering into and growing in the vast Kingdom of Heaven.
A Vision That Constitutes a Vocation
By T. Austin-Sparks0VisionVocationPSA 46:5ISA 25:7JER 22:28HOS 4:6MAT 16:28MAT 24:14ACT 13:27ROM 10:18GAL 1:15EPH 1:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of having a divine vision to fulfill one's vocation in Christ, arguing that the people of Jerusalem, despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, failed to grasp the deeper implications of the prophets' messages. He asserts that a lost vision leads to a missed vocation, as seen in Israel's history, where they were meant to be a powerful representation of God's presence among the nations. Sparks encourages believers to seek a growing vision of God's purpose, which is essential for effective service and to truly express the lordship of Christ in the world. He warns against relying on mere knowledge or emotional responses, stressing that true vocation is rooted in a personal revelation of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a corporate expression of God's presence, where the church embodies the reality of God's kingdom to the world.
The Voice of Jonah
By T. Austin-Sparks0PrejudiceGod's Grace2KI 14:25ISA 49:6MAT 12:41JHN 1:46ACT 13:27ACT 15:1ROM 10:12GAL 3:28EPH 2:141PE 2:9T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound implications of Jonah's prophetic voice, emphasizing that his mission to Nineveh was a radical departure from Israel's traditional beliefs and prejudices. He highlights how Jonah's reluctance and the subsequent events illustrate the dangers of exclusivism and the misinterpretation of God's election, which was meant to be a call to serve all nations rather than a means of exclusion. The sermon culminates in the assertion that Jesus, as 'A Greater Than Jonah,' embodies the fulfillment of Jonah's message, challenging the closed-mindedness of Israel and calling for a broader understanding of God's grace. Sparks urges listeners to confront their own prejudices and recognize the universal nature of God's love and mission. Ultimately, the voice of Jonah serves as a timeless warning against the perils of exclusivity in faith.
The Voice of Isaiah
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual BlindnessObedience to God's WordISA 6:1JHN 5:44JHN 12:36ACT 13:27ROM 10:21REV 5:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound difference between merely hearing the words of the prophets and truly understanding their significance, as illustrated by the tragic blindness of Israel to the presence of Jesus, the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies. He highlights three key factors leading to this spiritual blindness: prejudice, self-interest, and inaction, which prevent people from recognizing and responding to divine truth. Sparks connects Isaiah's vision of the Lord with the ultimate revelation of Christ as the Lamb, underscoring the importance of believing and acting upon the light we receive. The sermon serves as a warning against the dangers of hardening our hearts and neglecting the call to obedience. Ultimately, it points to the Lamb on the throne as the ultimate authority and fulfillment of God's promises.
The Voice of Micaiah
By T. Austin-Sparks0Truth vs. PopularityStanding Alone for God1KI 22:16JER 1:17EZK 2:6MAT 5:10LUK 6:26JHN 15:18ACT 13:272TI 4:3HEB 12:2REV 2:10T. Austin-Sparks explores the story of Micaiah, a minor prophet who stood alone against 400 false prophets, emphasizing the importance of truth over popularity. Micaiah's unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's word, despite the personal risks and the pressure to conform, illustrates the peril of self-will and the consequences of ignoring divine truth. The sermon highlights that true prophetic voices may often be marginalized but ultimately reveal the reality of God's will. Sparks draws parallels between Micaiah's experience and the life of Christ, who also faced rejection for speaking the truth. The message encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when it is unpopular.
The Menace of the Religious Movie
By A.W. Tozer0ACT 13:272CO 3:15EPH 3:4COL 4:16REV 1:3Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of anaginosko, emphasizing the importance of reading God's Word aloud in public worship. The sermon highlights the role of Scripture in the early church, the impact of public reading on believers, and the authority and transformative power of the Word. It stresses the need for all believers to hear and understand the Scriptures, encouraging a deep reverence for God's Word and a commitment to its public proclamation.
The Voice of Ezekiel
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual DiscernmentHearing God's VoiceISA 6:9JHN 3:5ACT 13:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of discerning the deeper voice behind the words of Scripture, particularly in the context of Ezekiel's prophecies. He highlights the tragedy of Israel's failure to hear the voice of the prophets, which leads to a lack of understanding and spiritual blindness. Sparks contrasts mysticism with true spirituality, asserting that genuine spirituality is practical and transformative, while mysticism often leads to deception. He calls for believers to cultivate an ear attuned to the Spirit, as the true message of Ezekiel and the prophets is often missed when only the literal words are heard. The sermon concludes with a plea for a deeper spiritual awareness, echoing the need for an open ear to God's whispers.
The Voice of Jeremiah
By T. Austin-Sparks0Faithfulness in MinistryGod's Sovereignty2CH 36:22JER 1:10JER 2:13JER 23:28JER 25:12JER 31:31JHN 4:14JHN 7:38ACT 13:27HEB 8:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the prophetic voice of Jeremiah, who, despite facing rejection and apparent failure, remained faithful to God's calling. Jeremiah's ministry highlighted the contrasts between reliance on God (the Fountain) versus human efforts (the cisterns), the true Word of God versus false teachings (the wheat and the chaff), and the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant. Sparks illustrates that while Jeremiah did not witness the fulfillment of his prophecies, God's sovereignty ensured that his message would ultimately be vindicated through history. The sermon calls believers to recognize the eternal significance of God's work through His prophets, even when it seems unacknowledged in their time. The enduring relevance of Jeremiah's voice serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness in ministry, regardless of immediate results.
Listening to God
By Zac Poonen0Listening to GodSpiritual GrowthGEN 1:3ISA 55:10LUK 10:42LUK 11:5LUK 13:1ACT 13:27REV 1:18REV 3:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of listening to God daily, illustrating that God's voice brought order and creation in Genesis. He warns against the danger of merely reading the Bible without truly hearing God's message, as exemplified by those who crucified Jesus despite their scriptural knowledge. Poonen encourages believers to adopt a listening posture like Samuel's, highlighting that God's word is powerful and transformative. He outlines various ways God communicates, including through His Word, circumstances, godly counsel, and communal fellowship. Ultimately, he stresses that developing the habit of listening to God is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness.
The Voice of Jeremiah (Continued) Iv
By T. Austin-Sparks0Surrender to GodSelf-InterestJER 6:10JER 45:5MAT 20:26LUK 9:23JHN 8:43ACT 13:272CO 11:3GAL 2:20PHP 2:31PE 1:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the peril of self-interest in his sermon 'The Voice of Jeremiah (Continued) IV', drawing from the experiences of Baruch and Jeremiah. He highlights how Baruch's loyalty to Jeremiah, despite immense personal cost, serves as a contrast to the self-seeking attitudes prevalent among the people of Israel and even the disciples of Jesus. The preacher warns against the dangers of seeking greatness for oneself, urging that true fulfillment comes from making Christ the center of our ambitions. He illustrates that while self-interest leads to loss, surrendering to God results in eternal gain. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep work of the Cross to eradicate selfhood and align our desires with God's purpose.
The Voice of Jeremiah (Continued) Iii
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Voice of GodSpiritual RebellionJER 36:23ACT 13:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the enduring significance of the voices of the prophets, particularly through the story of Jeremiah's two rolls. He illustrates how the first roll, representing God's original message, was destroyed by King Jehoiakim, yet God spoke again through the second roll, underscoring that divine truth cannot be extinguished. The sermon warns against the consequences of rejecting God's revelations, as seen in the historical context of Israel and the Apostle Paul's experiences. Sparks highlights that neglecting God's voice leads to judgment, while the re-emergence of His message calls for repentance and acknowledgment. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder that God's truth will always resurface, and our response to it determines our spiritual destiny.
The Voice of Ezekiel (Continued) I
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the ProphetHearing God's VoicePSA 8:4ACT 13:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of recognizing the deeper 'Voice' behind the familiar words of the prophets, particularly in the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. He highlights how Ezekiel, referred to as 'Son of Man', serves as a representative of God's sovereignty and the suffering aspect of the prophetic role. Sparks draws a connection between Ezekiel and Christ, noting that while Ezekiel was a 'Son of Man', Jesus is 'THE Son of Man', embodying the fullness of God's redemptive plan. He warns that the Jewish people's national prejudice and their unwillingness to accept a suffering Messiah blinded them to the true message of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper spiritual understanding to truly hear the voice of God amidst the familiar words of scripture.
Why the Prophet's Message Is Not Apprehended
By T. Austin-Sparks0Knowledge of the LordThe Offense of the CrossISA 53:1JER 9:23MAT 19:22LUK 18:24JHN 21:18ACT 13:272CO 3:14GAL 5:11EPH 1:191PE 1:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the message of the prophets was not apprehended by the people because they were unwilling to accept the concept of a suffering Messiah, which is central to the Gospel. He explains that the offense of the Cross leads to a personal and national rejection of the true nature of Christ, resulting in a lack of spiritual understanding. Sparks highlights that true knowledge of the Lord comes through the application of the Cross in our lives, which requires self-emptying and a willingness to let go of worldly desires. He urges believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, which is foundational for effective service in His Kingdom. Ultimately, the Cross is presented as essential for spiritual growth and understanding, leading to a more profound knowledge of the Lord.
The Voice of Isaiah (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual PerceptionThe Prophetic VoiceISA 6:9MAT 13:14ACT 13:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Prophet Isaiah's voice in the New Testament, noting that his prophecies are often linked to Israel's rejection of God's messengers, particularly Jesus Christ. He highlights the tragic irony that despite the frequent readings of Isaiah, many failed to perceive the truth of Christ's presence and message. Sparks warns that true understanding requires spiritual rebirth and the ability to hear with faith, contrasting the blindness of Israel with the enlightenment of those who accept the Holy Spirit's guidance. He challenges listeners to reflect on how the teachings of Isaiah and the prophets have transformed their lives, underscoring the importance of not just hearing but truly understanding and applying God's word. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the dual nature of prophetic voices, which can lead to both comfort and judgment.
The Contrast Between the Old Dispensation and the New
By T. Austin-Sparks0Old vs New CovenantThe Role of the Holy SpiritACT 1:6ACT 13:27REV 19:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significant contrast between the Old and New Dispensations, illustrating how the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem failed to recognize the deeper meaning of the Scriptures, despite their familiarity with them. He argues that the coming of the Holy Spirit introduced a new understanding and application of God's Word, moving beyond mere verbal statements to the living voice of God. Sparks highlights that true spiritual insight requires the Holy Spirit's guidance, which reveals the divine implications of Scripture, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ. He warns against the dangers of rigid adherence to tradition and the letter of the law, advocating for a dynamic relationship with the Spirit that fosters genuine spiritual growth and understanding. The sermon calls believers to yield to the Holy Spirit, ensuring that their inner lives align with God's eternal purpose.
The Voice of Ezekiel (Continued) Ii
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 12:6LUK 2:34JHN 1:1JHN 14:6ACT 13:27T. Austin-Sparks delves into the profound significance of God incarnating truth in His messengers, making them the message itself. He emphasizes the close identity between the person and ministry of God's servants, illustrating this through the lives of prophets like Ezekiel and apostles like Paul, Peter, and John. The sermon highlights how Jesus, as the ultimate representation of God, brought everything to a personal level, displacing fixed traditions and systems with His living presence. T. Austin-Sparks challenges believers to embody the truth rather than imitate it, emphasizing that true Christianity is the expression of the Living Son of God, not an organization or institution.
A Voice Which May Be Missed
By T. Austin-Sparks0DEU 28:13PRO 29:18ACT 13:27ROM 12:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and understanding the messages of the prophets, as seen in Acts 13:27, where the people of Jerusalem and their rulers failed to recognize the significance of what they heard, leading to their condemnation of Christ. He warns of the disastrous consequences of missing the voice behind the words of the prophets, highlighting the need for spiritual vision to grasp God's purposes and avoid self-destruction. The sermon underscores the critical role of vision in unifying God's people, providing purpose to life, and enabling growth and ascendancy, as demonstrated by the prophets in the Old and New Testaments.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Because they knew him not - A gentle excuse for the persecuting high priests, etc. They did not know that Jesus was the Christ, because they did not know the prophets: and why did they not know the prophets, which were read every Sabbath day? Because they did not desire to know his will; and therefore they knew not the doctrine of God: nor did they know that, in condemning Christ, they fulfilled those very Scriptures which were read every Sabbath day in their synagogues.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, &c.--The apostle here speaks as if the more immediate guilt of Christ's death lay with the rulers and people of the metropolis, to which he fondly hoped that those residing at such a distance as Antioch would not set their seal.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him,.... When they had vilified and reproached him in the most opprobrious manner; buffeted and scourged him, and pierced his hands and his feet, by nailing him to the cross; when they had crucified him between two thieves, and parted his raiment and cast lots on his vesture; when they had pierced his side, and it was sufficiently evident that his life was taken from the earth; all which were written of him in the Psalms and Prophets: they took him down from the tree; the cross, on which he was crucified: it may be rendered impersonally, "he was taken down from the tree"; for not the same persons that desired he might be slain, and fulfilled all that was written of him, took him down, but others; though they were some of the rulers, as Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, yet such as did not consent to his death: and laid him in a sepulchre; in a new one, in which never man lay; a sepulchre which Joseph had hewed out of a rock for himself, and which was both sealed and guarded.