Christ or Christians in Acts 13:47 Reference

Acts 13:47 and the Identity of "You"

The verse Acts 13:47 reads, "For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou mayest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth" (KJV) ^[1]. This passage is part of Paul's sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, where he outlines the history of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ.

Literary Context

Acts 13:47 is situated within Paul's address to the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. The larger context is Paul's missionary journey, where he preaches to both Jews and Gentiles. The sermon in Acts 13 is significant because it marks one of the earliest recorded instances of Paul's preaching to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles ^[2].

Historical Setting

The historical setting of Acts 13 is the early Christian church's expansion into Gentile territories. Paul and Barnabas's mission to Antioch of Pisidia is part of this broader movement. The audience is primarily Jewish, but there are also Gentiles present, as indicated by the response to Paul's message ^[2].

Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions

The phrase "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles" is a quotation from Isaiah 49:6. The pronoun "thee" is crucial for understanding the verse. The referent of "thee" is Jesus Christ or the servant figure described in Isaiah, but its application in Acts 13:47 is to Paul and his mission, or more broadly, to the Christian community ^[3].

The interpretation hinges on whether "thee" refers directly to Christ or to the disciples/Christians as representatives of Christ. John Calvin interprets this as referring to Christ, with the understanding that believers are "members of Christ" and thus share in this mission ^[4]. In contrast, some patristic interpretations directly apply the "light to the Gentiles" to the apostles or the church, seeing themselves as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy ^[5].

Range of Interpretations

The understanding of "you" or "thee" in Acts 13:47 varies among commentators. Some see it as directly referring to Christ, emphasizing the christological aspect of the mission ^[4]. Others interpret it as referring to the apostles or the early Christian community, highlighting their role in fulfilling the prophecy ^[5].

Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, tends to see the reference as ultimately christological, with the mission of the church being a participation in Christ's mission ^[4]. The patristic tradition, as seen in the writings of Augustine, also emphasizes the christological aspect but often applies the mission directly to the apostles and the church ^[5].

Function in Tradition

Acts 13:47 has played a significant role in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about mission and the inclusion of Gentiles. It has been used to justify the expansion of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots. The verse is also significant in discussions about the identity of the servant in Isaiah and how this figure is understood in the New Testament ^[3].

The application of Isaiah 49:6 to the Christian community or to Paul and his companions underscores the universal scope of the Christian message. It highlights the transition from a primarily Jewish audience to a broader, Gentile inclusion, reflecting a pivotal moment in early Christian theology and practice ^[2].

The interpretation of Acts 13:47 continues to influence Christian thought on mission and identity. The verse remains a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament era, particularly in the context of Gentile inclusion.

The diverse interpretations of "you" or "thee" in Acts 13:47 reflect broader theological debates about christology, ecclesiology, and the nature of Christian mission. As such, the verse remains a subject of ongoing exegesis and theological reflection across various Christian traditions ^{[4, 5]}.