Verse 16
Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken: the God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.
Men of Israel ... ye that fear God ... The glory of ancient Israel was their relationship to God; and, by such a beginning, Paul assured himself of the favorable attention of his audience.
Chose our fathers ... God's choice of Israel, making them the "chosen people," was not a capricious or partial act. The purpose of choosing Israel was that "all the families of the earth" might be blessed (Genesis 12:3); but, historically, the people of Israel did not appreciate this, falling into a state of self-righteousness in which they despised the Gentiles.
Exalted the people ... This exaltation resulted in a fantastic multiplication of their numbers and their deliverance from the slavery imposed upon them by the Egyptians.
With a high arm ... has the meaning of irresistible power and dramatic deliverance provided by God through his servant Moses in order to lead the people out of Egypt.
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