We sometimes use the word “savior” with glib familiarity. We may refer to someone who has bailed us out of an embarrassing situation as having “saved our life.” Paul, in Acts 13:23, was not talking about a hero who rescues us in this life, but one who has the power to forgive sin and make us right with God.
Paul was on his first missionary journey and speaking to “men of Israel and you who fear God” (Acts 13:16). Those “who fear God” is a reference to Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel but had not become converts to Judaism. Paul begins with a brief survey of Israel’s history. If you read the entire thirteenth chapter, you will notice that the pace of the retelling of Israel’s history dramatically slows with the mention of David.
David is described as a man after God’s heart. But Paul’s real interest was the promise made to David. In 2 Samuel 2:12-16 God promises that the one whose kingdom will last forever will come from David’s lineage. Paul declared that this promise has been fulfilled. “From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought forth a Savior, Jesus” (13:23).
Paul survey the story of Jesus and then declared—“Through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (13:38). No one can forgive sins but an eternal Savior.
Prayer: Thank You for sending Jesus to forgive our sin and make us right with You. Amen.