Legal Proof

Acts 13:27-29 (Paul continues his defense of the gospel.) “The 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. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Jesus executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb.”
 
AS we listen to Paul’s explanation and defense of Jesus here and in previous lessons, we should stop to understand he knows what he is saying. When Paul later defends his knowledge before a very hateful crowd in Jerusalem, he says in Acts 22:3: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” To be trained in the law means he has learned and taught God’s law; he also knows how to defend the gospel with the law. This is Paul’s defense of Jesus of Nazareth:
 
Acts 13:30 “But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.”
   A good lawyer has credible witnesses. Jesus’ resurrection is not a rumor or convenient lie to elevate his followers. In fact, their testimony that Jesus is alive threatens their lives. That is one way we know the resurrection is a historic event. People saw him, talked with him, learned from him and ate with him. They watched him ascend to heaven. Paul reminded the Jews of the witnesses to Jesus’ life.
   Paul also used Scripture to defend the gospel: Acts 13:32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written (Psalm 2:7): ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ 34 The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words (from Isiah 55:3): ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ 35 So it is stated elsewhere (Psalm 16:10): ‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.’ 36 For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.”
   The eyewitnesses tell the direct current message. And the scriptures of long ago promise the Holy One will live forever: “Today I have become your Father.” (Psalm 2:7)  Because “He will not see decay.” (Psalm 16:10)
   Paul’s summary is a four-part confession: Jesus was crucified, placed in a tomb, raised from the dead, and seen by many in the days that followed. (from The Life Application Commentary) The evidence is clear and proven. Believe and be saved.