Acts 13:17-22

Paul first reviewed God’s preparation for Israel’s redemption from Abraham through David (cf. Acts 7:2-50; Matthew 1:2-17). He highlighted five important points that the Jews often stressed in their confessions. God was the God of the Israelites (Acts 13:17). God chose the patriarchs (Acts 13:17). God created the Israelite nation, redeemed His people out of Egypt, and patiently led them through the wilderness (Acts 13:17-18). He then gave them Canaan as an inheritance (Acts 13:19). The "about" 450 years mentioned (Acts 13:19) probably refer to Israel’s 400 years in Egypt, the 40 years in the wilderness, and the 10 years of conquest and settlement in the Promised Land (1845-1395 B.C.; cf. Acts 7:6). [Note: See the diagram "References to Israel’s Years in Egypt" at my notes on 7:2-8. For a different explanation based on a different textual reading, see Eugene H. Merrill, "Paul’s Use of ’About 450 Years’ in Acts 13:20," Bibliotheca Sacra 138:551 (July-September 1981):246-57.] Finally God gave the Israelites faithful King David after a succession of lesser leaders (Acts 13:20-22). It was particularly David’s heart for God resulting in his carrying out God’s will that Paul stressed (Acts 13:22). These qualities marked David’s successor, Jesus Christ, too.