Acts 2:23
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 2:23
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have crucified and slain. Peter asserts that Jesus’ crucifixion occurred within God’s sovereign plan, yet it was carried out by human hands in a culpable act. This verse elegantly holds divine sovereignty and human responsibility in tension, a hallmark of biblical narrative.
The verse articulates the mystery of divine providence in concert with human agency. It upholds the doctrine of the cross as central to salvation, while acknowledging the culpability of those who opposed Jesus. It also sets the stage for the gospel’s call to repentance and trust in God’s redemptive plan.
Recognize that painful events in life can be woven into God’s larger story. When facing injustice or personal failure, trust that God can redeem even the darkest moments. For us, this means accepting responsibility for our actions, seeking forgiveness, and choosing faithfulness, knowing God’s plan remains intact.
Cross-References: Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:18-20; Acts 4:27-28; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53