Acts 13:18

"The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it."

Key Reflection

The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it. For the original audience, this verse would have resonated deeply with their own history and faith. The narrative of divine election and deliverance from slavery in Egypt was a central part of Israelite identity, emphasizing that God's favor and intervention were not just past events but ongoing realities. This passage connects the historical Exodus to the present situation, reinforcing the idea that God remains actively involved in his people’s lives, leading them out of oppression and into freedom once again.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. And about the time of forty years. They were this time going from Egypt to the land of Canaan, Ex 16:35; Nu 33:38. Suffered he their manners. This passage has been very variously rendered. See the margin. Syriac, "He nourished them," etc. Arabic, He blessed them, and nourished them," etc. The word is not elsewhere used in the New Testament. The word properly means, to tolerate, or endure the conduct of any one, implying that that conduct is evil, and tends to provoke to punishment. This is doubtless its meaning here. Probably Paul referred to the passage in De 1:31: "The Lord thy God bare thee." But instead of this word, etropoforhsen, many Mss.

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