God Has Been at Work to Bring Us to Jesus — Acts 13:16–25
Nov 3, 2026 2
Where is God taking Israel’s story?
Paul begins his sermon by retelling Israel’s history. God has been at work through it all, keeping his promises and leading his people to Jesus.
Acts 13:16–18, 22–23
[16] So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. [17] The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. [18] And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. […] [22] And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ [23] Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. (ESV)
God has been at work
Paul is speaking in a synagogue to Jewish people and to Gentiles who fear God. They already know Israel’s story. Paul gives them a quick overview, but notice who is the subject of almost every action: God (Acts 13:16–23).
God chose Israel’s ancestors, made them a great people, led them out of Egypt, and patiently put up with them in the wilderness. He gave them the land, gave them judges, and gave them Saul as king. Then God raised up David, and from David’s family he brought Israel the promised Saviour: Jesus (Acts 13:17–23).
Paul is not giving his listeners a list of Israel’s heroes. He is showing them God’s kindness. Israel’s story is the story of God at work, keeping his promises and moving history towards Jesus.
John the Baptist also knew he was not the one Israel was waiting for. He pointed ahead to the one who was coming after him. Paul’s introduction brings the story to its destination: Jesus, the Saviour God promised (Acts 13:24–25).
When we read the Old Testament, we can ask two questions: “What does this teach me about God?” and “How does this point me to Jesus?” This is why the Old Testament is not primarily a leadership manual or a collection of personal promises. It is the story of the same God who has been at work in Israel, showing grace and pointing his people to Jesus.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
The Good News is…
God has been at work through Israel’s story, keeping his promises and leading his people to Jesus. He chose Israel, rescued them from Egypt, patiently cared for them in the wilderness, and gave them leaders and a king. From David’s family, he brought the promised Saviour. God has kept his word. So we can trust him and look to Jesus with confidence.
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Further reading: Acts 13:16–25
Reflection
What does Paul’s summary show you about God? How does Israel’s story lead you to Jesus?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited