Acts 2:29
Verse
Context
Peter Addresses the Crowd
28You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’29Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let me speak freely - of the patriarch David - In Midris Tillin, it is said, in a paraphrase on the words, my flesh shall rest in hope, "Neither worm nor insect had power over David." It is possible that this opinion prevailed in the time of St. Peter, and, if so, his words are the more pointed and forcible; and therefore thus applied by Dr. Lightfoot: "That this passage, Thou shalt not leave my soul in hell, etc., is not to be applied to David himself appears in that I may confidently aver concerning him, that he was dead and buried, and never rose again; but his soul was left εις ᾁδου, in the state of the dead, and He saw corruption; for his sepulchre is with us to this day, under that very notion, that it is the sepulchre of David, who died and was there buried; nor is there one syllable mentioned any where of the resurrection of his body, or the return of his soul εξ ᾁδου from the state of the dead." To this the same author adds the following remarkable note: I cannot slip over that passage, Hieros. Chagig. fol. 78: Rab. Jose saith, David died at pentecost, and all Israel bewailed him, and offered their sacrifices the day following. This is a remarkable coincidence; and may be easily applied to him of whom David was a type.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
David . . . is . . . dead and buried, &c.--Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could be meant only of One other, even of Him whom David was taught to expect as the final Occupant of the throne of Israel. (Those, therefore, and they are many, who take David himself to be the subject of this Psalm, and the words quoted to refer to Christ only in a more eminent sense, nullify the whole argument of the apostle). The Psalm is then affirmed to have had its only proper fulfilment in JESUS, of whose resurrection and ascension they were witnesses, while the glorious effusion of the Spirit by the hand of the ascended One, setting an infallible seal upon all, was even then witnessed by the thousands who stood listening to Him. A further illustration of Messiah's ascension and session at God's right hand is drawn from Psa 110:1, in which David cannot be thought to speak of himself, seeing he is still in his grave.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you,.... The apostle calls the Jews, brethren, whom he before only styled men of Judea, and men of Israel, because they were his brethren according to the flesh, as many of them afterwards were in a spiritual relation; and the rather he adds this affectionate appellation to soften their minds, and prepare them to receive the account he was about to give of David, and of his prophecy of the Messiah, and his resurrection; in which he used much freedom of speech, consistent with truth, good sense, and strong reasoning; which he thought might be allowed to take, and they would not be displeased at, in discoursing to them of the patriarch David; who was a "head of the fathers", as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it; a prince of the tribes of Israel; one of the greatest kings the tribes of Israel ever had; and therefore this name well becomes him; though it is more commonly given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the heads of the twelve tribes: that he is both dead, and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day; it is a plain case, and a certain matter of fact, which nobody disputes or denies, that David really died, and was laid in the grave, and that his monument, or tomb, was still extant, so that he was not risen from the dead; and therefore the above citation could not respect him, but another, even the Messiah, and had been literally fulfilled in Jesus. The Jews say (z), that David died on the day of Pentecost; which was the very day on which Peter was now preaching; he was buried in Jerusalem, and his sepulchral monument was in being when Peter said these words. And Josephus relates (a), that the sepulchre of David was opened by Hyrcanus, who took out of it three thousand talents; and that it was afterwards opened by Herod (b): which, if true, may serve to render credible what Peter says concerning its continuance to that day. Though it may be questioned whether any such treasure was ever in it, or taken out of it; and still less credible is the account which R. Benjamin (c) gives of two men in his time, who, under the wall of Zion, found a cave, which led them to a large palace built on pillars of marble, and covered with gold and silver; and within it was a table, and a golden sceptre, and a crown of gold; and this, says the author, was the sepulchre of David, king of Israel, (z) T. Hieros. Chagiga, fol. 78. 1. (a) De Bello Jud. l. 1. c. 2. sect. 5. & Antiqu. l. 7. c. 15. sect. 3. (b) Ib. l. 16. c. 7. sect. 1. (c) Itinerar. p. 45, 46.
Acts 2:29
Peter Addresses the Crowd
28You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’29Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Shall I Do With Jesus?
By Leonard Ravenhill6857:24Eternal ConsequencesJesusDecision for ChristACT 2:29Leonard Ravenhill passionately addresses the pivotal question, 'What shall I do with Jesus?' by exploring the dilemma faced by Pontius Pilate during Christ's trial. He emphasizes the eternal significance of this question, urging the audience to consider their own response to Jesus, who is both Lord and Savior. Ravenhill draws parallels between Pilate's indecision and the modern-day struggles individuals face in accepting Christ, highlighting the consequences of rejecting Him. He calls for a deep introspection of one's relationship with Jesus, reminding listeners that neutrality is not an option. Ultimately, he challenges everyone to confront their choices and the impact they have on their eternal destiny.
Some Queries and Considerations Proposed to the Cavaliers
By Isaac Penington0GEN 14:202CH 19:8JHN 8:33ACT 2:29ACT 7:8HEB 7:4Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of the term 'patriarch' in Scripture, highlighting the role of important male ancestors as heads of families or tribes, such as Abraham, the 'first father' of the Jewish people. The preacher explores the authority and lineage represented by patriarchs, emphasizing the greatness of Melchizedek even above Abraham. Through various Bible verses and commentaries, the sermon discusses the concept of tithing and the recognition of superior spiritual status, challenging listeners to acknowledge and honor God's appointed leaders.
Exposition on Psalm 89
By St. Augustine0PSA 88:1PSA 89:34MAT 5:14MAT 23:38ACT 2:29ROM 11:1ROM 15:81CO 4:13GAL 3:11St. Augustine preaches about the faithfulness of God's promises, despite the challenges faced by His people. He highlights the change brought by Christ's resurrection and the reproaches endured by Christians. The Psalmist calls on God to remember the rebukes His servants faced and to uphold His Anointed. Despite blasphemies, the blessing of the Lord endures forever, and believers express gratitude for His mercy. St. Augustine urges unity in faith and respect for the Church as the Mother of believers, emphasizing the importance of honoring both God and His Church.
Homily 71 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 6:1MAT 22:37JHN 21:16ACT 2:291CO 13:4John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves, highlighting how these commandments sum up the entire law and prophets. He emphasizes that true charity does not seek recognition or praise from others but is a mystery that should be done in secret to receive God's approval. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of vainglory, especially in acts of mercy like almsgiving, and encourages seeking God's praise alone to avoid losing eternal blessings. He teaches that true mercy is a sacred act that should be kept hidden, as God sees and rewards what is done in secret.
Homily 26 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0NUM 12:13ISA 37:35JER 8:4MAT 3:9MAT 8:5MAT 8:10MAT 8:13LUK 7:2LUK 7:9ACT 2:291CO 10:12John Chrysostom preaches on the story of the centurion who displayed great faith in Jesus, believing in His authority to heal his servant with just a word. Chrysostom highlights the humility and faith of the centurion, contrasting it with the lack of faith shown by others. He emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus' power and authority, even in the face of great challenges and doubts. Chrysostom uses the example of the centurion to encourage his listeners to have unwavering faith and humility in approaching Jesus for healing and salvation.
Concerning the Resurrection of the Messiah.
By John Gill0Prophecy of the MessiahResurrectionPSA 16:10ACT 2:29John Gill preaches on the resurrection of the Messiah, emphasizing the prophetic scriptures that foretell this pivotal event. He discusses various Old Testament passages, such as Psalms 16:10 and Isaiah 26:19, which clearly indicate that the Messiah would not see corruption and would rise from the dead. Gill argues that the apostles used these prophecies to affirm Jesus' resurrection, demonstrating that it was a fulfillment of God's promises. He highlights the significance of the resurrection as a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing evidence of Jesus as the true Messiah. The sermon concludes by affirming that belief in the resurrection is essential for salvation.
A Brief Account of Some Reasons Why the Quakers Cannot Do Some things...
By Isaac Penington0JHN 7:13JHN 7:26ACT 2:29COL 2:15HEB 4:16HEB 10:191JN 2:281JN 4:171JN 5:14Warren Wiersbe discusses the concept of confidence (parrhesia) in the Bible, emphasizing the freedom of speech and lack of fear that comes with it. He highlights the boldness and assurance believers can have when approaching God's throne of grace, not based on their own merits but on the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Wiersbe encourages Christians to maintain this confidence in all circumstances, placing their trust in Jesus who never fails.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let me speak freely - of the patriarch David - In Midris Tillin, it is said, in a paraphrase on the words, my flesh shall rest in hope, "Neither worm nor insect had power over David." It is possible that this opinion prevailed in the time of St. Peter, and, if so, his words are the more pointed and forcible; and therefore thus applied by Dr. Lightfoot: "That this passage, Thou shalt not leave my soul in hell, etc., is not to be applied to David himself appears in that I may confidently aver concerning him, that he was dead and buried, and never rose again; but his soul was left εις ᾁδου, in the state of the dead, and He saw corruption; for his sepulchre is with us to this day, under that very notion, that it is the sepulchre of David, who died and was there buried; nor is there one syllable mentioned any where of the resurrection of his body, or the return of his soul εξ ᾁδου from the state of the dead." To this the same author adds the following remarkable note: I cannot slip over that passage, Hieros. Chagig. fol. 78: Rab. Jose saith, David died at pentecost, and all Israel bewailed him, and offered their sacrifices the day following. This is a remarkable coincidence; and may be easily applied to him of whom David was a type.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
David . . . is . . . dead and buried, &c.--Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could be meant only of One other, even of Him whom David was taught to expect as the final Occupant of the throne of Israel. (Those, therefore, and they are many, who take David himself to be the subject of this Psalm, and the words quoted to refer to Christ only in a more eminent sense, nullify the whole argument of the apostle). The Psalm is then affirmed to have had its only proper fulfilment in JESUS, of whose resurrection and ascension they were witnesses, while the glorious effusion of the Spirit by the hand of the ascended One, setting an infallible seal upon all, was even then witnessed by the thousands who stood listening to Him. A further illustration of Messiah's ascension and session at God's right hand is drawn from Psa 110:1, in which David cannot be thought to speak of himself, seeing he is still in his grave.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you,.... The apostle calls the Jews, brethren, whom he before only styled men of Judea, and men of Israel, because they were his brethren according to the flesh, as many of them afterwards were in a spiritual relation; and the rather he adds this affectionate appellation to soften their minds, and prepare them to receive the account he was about to give of David, and of his prophecy of the Messiah, and his resurrection; in which he used much freedom of speech, consistent with truth, good sense, and strong reasoning; which he thought might be allowed to take, and they would not be displeased at, in discoursing to them of the patriarch David; who was a "head of the fathers", as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it; a prince of the tribes of Israel; one of the greatest kings the tribes of Israel ever had; and therefore this name well becomes him; though it is more commonly given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the heads of the twelve tribes: that he is both dead, and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day; it is a plain case, and a certain matter of fact, which nobody disputes or denies, that David really died, and was laid in the grave, and that his monument, or tomb, was still extant, so that he was not risen from the dead; and therefore the above citation could not respect him, but another, even the Messiah, and had been literally fulfilled in Jesus. The Jews say (z), that David died on the day of Pentecost; which was the very day on which Peter was now preaching; he was buried in Jerusalem, and his sepulchral monument was in being when Peter said these words. And Josephus relates (a), that the sepulchre of David was opened by Hyrcanus, who took out of it three thousand talents; and that it was afterwards opened by Herod (b): which, if true, may serve to render credible what Peter says concerning its continuance to that day. Though it may be questioned whether any such treasure was ever in it, or taken out of it; and still less credible is the account which R. Benjamin (c) gives of two men in his time, who, under the wall of Zion, found a cave, which led them to a large palace built on pillars of marble, and covered with gold and silver; and within it was a table, and a golden sceptre, and a crown of gold; and this, says the author, was the sepulchre of David, king of Israel, (z) T. Hieros. Chagiga, fol. 78. 1. (a) De Bello Jud. l. 1. c. 2. sect. 5. & Antiqu. l. 7. c. 15. sect. 3. (b) Ib. l. 16. c. 7. sect. 1. (c) Itinerar. p. 45, 46.