Excellent question — and one that opens a window into how the earliest Christians read the Hebrew Scriptures as pointing to Christ.
In Acts 17:2–3, we read:
“Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.’”
Luke doesn’t specify which verses Paul used, but from the broader context of Acts and Paul’s letters, we can identify several Old Testament passages that he likely drew from to demonstrate (1) that the Messiah must suffer and rise, and (2) that Jesus fulfilled those prophecies.
1. Passages showing the Messiah would suffer
These were crucial because most Jews expected a triumphant king, not a suffering one.
Isaiah 53 – The Suffering Servant:
“He was pierced for our transgressions… the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
→ Paul could argue Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilled this.
Psalm 22 – The righteous sufferer:
“They pierce my hands and my feet… they divide my garments among them.”
→ Strong parallels with Jesus’ crucifixion.
Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on me, the one they have pierced.”
→ Interpreted as the nation’s mourning over rejecting the Messiah.
2. Passages showing the Messiah would rise
Resurrection was central to Paul’s preaching (Acts 17:31).
Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let your Holy One see decay.”
→ Peter also quotes this in Acts 2:25–31, showing early Christian use.
Isaiah 53:10–11 – After suffering, “he will see his offspring and prolong his days.”
→ Suggests vindication and life beyond death.
3. Passages identifying the Messiah as David’s promised heir
Paul often emphasized Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to David.
2 Samuel 7:12–16 – God promises David an eternal throne.
→ Fulfilled in Jesus’ eternal reign.
Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand…”
→ Used in the early church to show Messiah’s divine exaltation (cf. Acts 2:34–36).
4. Summary of Paul’s likely argument
Paul would have reasoned roughly along these lines:
“The Scriptures show that the Messiah had to suffer (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22), die and rise again (Psalm 16, Isaiah 53:10–11), and that he would be exalted to David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7, Psalm 110). Jesus of Nazareth fits all these prophecies — therefore, he is the Christ.”
Would you like me to create a table or chart showing these Old Testament passages alongside the New Testament fulfillments Paul might have cited (as in Acts, Romans, etc.)? It’s a great visual study tool.
Yes.
Excellent — here’s a clear comparison chart showing the Old Testament prophecies Paul likely used and their New Testament fulfillment or reference (especially in Acts and Paul’s letters).
🕎 Paul’s Scriptural Proofs for Jesus as the Messiah
Old Testament Prophecy (Hebrew Scripture)
Fulfillment / Use in New Testament
Theme
Key Verse(s)
Paul’s Likely Point
Messiah’s Suffering and Death
The Suffering Servant
Isaiah 53:3–7 – “He was despised and rejected... pierced for our transgressions.”
Acts 8:32–35 – Philip explains this passage about Jesus; Paul would do the same.
The Messiah’s suffering was not failure but divine plan.
The Righteous Sufferer
Psalm 22:16–18 – “They pierced my hands and feet… they divide my garments.”
Matthew 27:35; echoed in Acts 2.
Jesus’ crucifixion matches David’s prophetic words.
The Pierced One
Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on me, the one they have pierced.”
John 19:37, Revelation 1:7.
Even rejection of Jesus was foreseen by Scripture.
Resurrection and Victory over Death
God’s Holy One Will Not Decay
Psalm 16:10 – “You will not let your Holy One see corruption.”
Acts 2:25–31, Acts 13:34–37 – both Peter and Paul use this text.
Messiah’s body would not rot—proof of resurrection.
Servant Vindicated After Death
Isaiah 53:10–11 – “After he suffers, he will see the light of life.”
Romans 4:25; Acts 13:37.
Jesus’ resurrection vindicated His mission.
Davidic Kingship
God’s Covenant with David
2 Samuel 7:12–16 – “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
Acts 13:22–23 – Paul says Jesus fulfills God’s promise to David.
Jesus is the eternal King promised to David’s line.
The Lord’s Exalted King
Psalm 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand.’”
Acts 2:34–36, Hebrews 1:13.
The Messiah shares God’s authority and reigns now.
Universal Salvation
Light to the Nations
Isaiah 49:6 – “I will make you a light for the Gentiles.”
Acts 13:47 – Paul directly quotes this verse.
The Messiah’s mission extends beyond Israel.
💡 Summary:
Paul’s core message in synagogues (Acts 17:2–3; 18:4, 28) was:
“The Scriptures foretold that the Messiah must suffer, rise from the dead, and reign forever.
Jesus of Nazareth fulfills all these prophecies.”
Would you like me to make this chart into a printable study card (PDF) with attractive layout and Bible verse references for devotional or teaching use?
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