Acts 2:25-28 25For David says about him, ‘I saw the Lord before me always, because he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; 26therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; and moreover, my flesh will live in hope, 27because you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28You have made known to me the ways of life, you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
Peter continues his sermon with another Scripture proof. Part of persuasive speech is using support that an audience will accept. In this case, Peter draws upon Psalm 16:8-11 (Luke quoting from the Septuagint Greek translation). Peter notes this psalm is from David. Noting David as the author connects these words to the forerunner of the Messiah, who was the royal descendant of David. David prophesied many centuries before about the Messiah. The original psalm speaks of how God would protect David and not let him see the corruption of the grave. Peter interprets this messianically, that the Messiah would not see the same type of decay.
Verse 25-26 refer to the close relationship of the Messiah to the Lord, referring to Yahweh, the almighty and only God. God would protect the Messiah. The Messiah had complete confidence in God. Jesus exemplified this confidence and hope in the garden in Gethsemane and as he talked with his disciples during their last meal. He went to the cross in complete faith in resurrection.
Verse 27 was likely the primary focus of Peter’s intention for quoting this psalm. Hades represents the place of the dead, or death itself, which was a common idea in Greek and Roman thought. Jews of the first century believed the soul remained with the body for three days and then departed. After three days, the body would begin decomposing, and thus, see corruption. Jesus was in the tomb for only a day and a half, from Friday evening to early Sunday morning. Therefore, in Jewish thought, his body did not see corruption. He never reached the three-day threshold in Jewish thinking. Yet, he was physically dead. Even the Romans confirmed this by piercing his side. In Peter’s mind, the Holy One clearly refers to Jesus, the Messiah. He will make the connection clear in the following verses.
Verse 28 implies resurrection. God would show the Messiah the way back to life. Jesus knew the paths of life because he is the “Way, Truth, and Life” (John 14:6) and the “author of life” (Acts 3:15). The last phrase could refer to Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of God’s thrown to be forever in the place of joy and gladness. The early Christians saw many Old Testament Scriptures as speaking about the coming Messiah and preached how Jesus fulfilled all of these. By quoting this passage, Peter had a strong foundation upon which to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and the salvation and eternal life he provides for all who believe in him.
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