Les Feldick Bible Study

What does the predetermined counsel and foreknowledge of God mean in Acts?

In Acts, the predetermined counsel and foreknowledge of God means the triune God consulted together and, without any outside counsel, put the whole plan together. It emphasizes that God's ways are far beyond human understanding and that He needed no advisers or cabinet.

Les explains that the verse in Acts about the predetermined counsel and foreknowledge of God pictures the triune God coming together. Without any outside counsel, they put the whole thing together. Unlike an earthly president or king who may depend on weak advisers, kitchen cabinets, or consulars to stay out of trouble, God has no such need. He is all the counseling He ever needed, and His ways are past human understanding.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

More Questions

Is the 'determinate counsel' in Acts 2:23 the same word as in Ephesians?

The phrase 'determinate counsel' in Acts 2:23 is the same word and language used in Ephesians about God's counsel and foreknowledge.