Does the phrase "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" in Acts 3 include any Gentiles?
No. In Acts 3, the phrase “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers” does not include Gentiles. The context says it is Jew only and identifies Israel’s covenant, prophetic program. Peter remains focused on Israel, not a Gentile message.
Les explains that Acts chapter 3 follows shortly after the Pentecostal sermon of Acts chapter 2. Peter is still aware of nothing but the covenant prophetic program promised to Israel. When Peter says, “He is the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,” Les asks whether that includes Gentiles, and answers, “Not a one.” He says this is so Jew only that you cannot escape it. In the same passage Peter speaks of the one “whom you delivered up, and you denied him in the presence of Pilate,” and “you killed the prince of life.” Les contrasts that with the message to us: “God loved us, and He gave Himself for us.” Peter says, “You killed him,” meaning your Messiah, your King. Peter also notes their ignorance, which under Israel’s law was sort of a loophole.
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
More Questions
What does 'the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' tell us about the apostles in Acts 3?
In Acts 3, Peter's reference to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob shows that their heritage going back to Abraham and the covenant men Isaac and Jacob was the engine of everything the apostles were doing.
Why did Peter use the phrase 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' when speaking to Israel?
The title 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' speaks uniquely to Jewish people because Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the beginning of their nation and received the covenant promises repeated almost word for word.
Why did Peter's reference to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob matter to his Jewish audience?
The title 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' meant nothing to Gentiles—Romans could not have cared less who came from Abraham—but to the Jews it meant everything that they were the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
What does Peter mean by 'the God of our fathers hath glorified His Son Jesus' in Acts 3?
Peter is saying that the same God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and of the fathers—has glorified His Son Jesus.