The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter highlights the stark contrast between Pilate's judgment that Jesus was innocent and the people's own rejection of Him. By calling Jesus "his servant," Peter deliberately echoes Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, subtly reminding them of what they had refused.
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter has just healed a man lame from birth, and the crowd is amazed, looking at him and John as if they performed the miracle by their own power. Peter seizes this moment to preach, reminding the people that the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the one who has now glorified Jesus. He directly confronts them, accusing them of handing Jesus over and denying him, even when Pilate recognized his innocence and intended to release him.
Peter starts by invoking a familiar name: 'The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' What's the big deal about calling God by these ancient names?
A Covenantal Connection
When Peter calls God 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,' he's not just listing names. He's reminding his listeners of God's enduring covenant promises made to their ancestors. This wasn't a new god or a new religion they were hearing about; it was the same God who had guided and blessed their forefathers.
More Than Just a Title
This title signifies God's faithfulness and commitment. He didn't just interact with these patriarchs; He remained their God, and by extension, the God of their descendants. This established a historical and relational link, grounding Peter's message in their shared heritage and God's consistent character.
Peter boldly declares that the God of their fathers has 'glorified his servant Jesus.' But then he pivots, pointing out that they delivered and denied Him. How does this contrast shape the message?
God's Servant Glorified
Peter proclaims that God has glorified His servant, Jesus. This wasn't just a human achievement; it was God's divine act of honor and vindication. The term used here, often translated 'Son' or 'Child,' is also powerfully rendered as 'Servant' (especially in reference to Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah). This highlights Jesus' role as God's chosen agent to accomplish His redemptive work.
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The People's Rejection
The contrast is stark: God glorifies Jesus, yet 'you delivered him up and denied him.' Peter directly accuses the crowd of handing Jesus over and disowning Him, even when Pilate, the Roman governor, found no fault and intended to release Him. This highlights their active role in Jesus' rejection, directly opposing God's plan and honor for His Servant.
Understand the original words
doxazō · Greek Verb
The act of exalting, manifesting the glory of, or confirming the divine status of someone; specifically refers to God vindicating Jesus through the resurrection.
pais · Greek Noun
A title for the Messiah, often associated with the 'Suffering Servant' prophecy in Isaiah, emphasizing Christ’s role as the obedient agent of God’s redemptive plan.
arneomai · Greek Verb
To reject, disown, or refuse to acknowledge the true identity and authority of someone, specifically used of Israel's rejection of Jesus.
Peter's powerful words connect the miracle at hand to the God of Israel's ancient promises, while simultaneously indicting his audience for rejecting the very Servant God has now glorified.
c. 2000 BC - 1500 BC
Patriarchal Era
The foundational period of Israelite history, characterized by God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as a nation and reaffirming His covenant promises.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital, and the temple is planned, solidifying national identity and worship.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Jerusalem falls, the Temple is destroyed, and many Israelites are deported to Babylon, a period of national trauma and spiritual reflection.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Jesus, the promised Messiah, teaches, performs miracles, is crucified under Pontius Pilate, and is raised from the dead.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and Early Church
The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' followers, leading to the preaching of the Gospel in Jerusalem and the establishment of the early church.
c. AD 31— this verse
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth in Jesus' name at the Temple gate, drawing a large crowd.
This verse directly echoes Peter's declaration, showing God's enduring covenant relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thus grounding Jesus' ministry in the same divine lineage.
Isaiah 42:1The original Greek word for 'servant' in Acts 3:13 is the same used in this prophecy, strongly linking Jesus to the 'Servant of the Lord' foretold to bring justice and salvation.
Matthew 12:18This passage explicitly applies the 'Servant' prophecy from Isaiah 42:1 to Jesus, reinforcing the connection Peter is making in Acts 3:13 between the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' identity.
John 19:15This verse highlights the crowd's denial of Jesus as king in favor of Caesar, directly illustrating the 'denial' Peter is accusing them of in Acts 3:13, despite Pilate's willingness to release him.
Acts 7:52Stephen also accused the leaders of betraying and murdering the 'Righteous One,' echoing Peter's strong condemnation and reminding us of the consistent message about their rejection of God's messengers.
vincentActs 3:13: "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go."
His son (παῖδα)Rightly, servant, as Rev. See on Luke 1:54. The A. V. renders, in Matthew 12:18, servant, quoting from Isaiah 42:1; but elsewhere, where applied to Jesus, son or child, which Rev. in every case has changed to servant. The word is continually used, like the Latin pue…
cambridgeActs 3:13: "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go."
13 . hath glorified his Son Jesus ] The Greek is not υἱός but παῖς , and should be rendered Servant , and this would carry the mind back, as St Peter no doubt intended, to Isaiah 42:1 , “Behold my servant whom I uphold,” a passage which St Matthew ( Matthew 12:18 ) applies to Jesus…
Peter highlights the stark contrast between Pilate's judgment that Jesus was innocent and the people's own rejection of Him. By calling Jesus "his servant," Peter deliberately echoes Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, subtly reminding them of what they had refused.
Peter has just healed a man lame from birth, and the crowd is amazed, looking at him and John as if they performed the miracle by their own power. Peter seizes this moment to preach, reminding the people that the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the one who has now glorified Jesus. He directly confronts them, accusing them of handing Jesus over and denying him, even when Pilate recognized his innocence and intended to release him.
Peter has just healed a man lame from birth, and the crowd is amazed, looking at him and John as if they performed the miracle by their own power. Peter seizes this moment to preach, reminding the people that the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the one who has now glorified Jesus. He directly confronts them, accusing them of handing Jesus over and denying him, even when Pilate recognized his innocence and intended to release him.
"The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him." — Peter highlights the stark contrast between Pilate's judgment that Jesus was innocent and the people's own rejection of Him. By calling Jesus "his servant," Peter deliberately echoes Old Testament pr…
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Last reviewed October 2026