Acts 2:25-35

David's Prophecies Concerning Christ

Peter quoted from Psalms 16:8-11, saying that in it David was speaking concerning the Christ. Jesus died and his body was lain in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, but his spirit, or soul, went to Paradise in Hades (Luke 23:43-56; Luke 16:19-31). However, our Lord trusted the Father to reunite his soul with his resurrected body in a powerful display intended to leave no doubt as to the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Referring to Psalms 16:8-11, Coffman says, "It is absolutely certain that this passage from the OT prophesies a resurrection of someone, for it is only by a resurrection that one could descend into the grave (Hades) and not see corruption" (Acts 2:25-28).

That David did not speak of himself is clearly seen in the fact that his body saw corruption and was still in its grave in the very city of Jerusalem where Peter spoke. Peter argued that David knew when he wrote of God's Holy One he was not speaking of himself but, through the voice of prophecy, was speaking of the promised King who would arise from among his offspring. Peter and the eleven who stood with him were witnesses of the very resurrection David had foretold. They had seen Jesus in his resurrected body (Acts 2:29-32)!

Peter could testify Jesus was now seated on his throne in heaven because the Holy Spirit had come. During his earthly ministry, Jesus had told his apostles, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you" (John 16:5-15, esp. 7). The apostle to the Jews used a further quotation from David to prove Jesus Christ was to be Lord over David and rule from his throne, not on earth, but in heaven (Acts 2:33-35; Psalms 110:1).