When the
Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord;
and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:48
Acts
13:48 is often referenced by Calvinists to support their concept of
unconditional election. They typically focus on the final phrase of the verse,
“been appointed to eternal life believed,” which seems to bolster their
viewpoint at first glance. Nevertheless, a more thorough examination reveals a
different interpretation. It’s essential to analyse the key term, τεταγμένοι
(tetagmenoi), translated as “appointed.” This Greek term is a verb in the
perfect passive form, plural and masculine of τάσσω (tassō). Its literal
interpretation includes “to arrange, assign, determine, or devote.” Since
tetagmenoi is middle rather than passive, a more precise translation would be
“disposed” or “inclined.” This suggests that the Gentiles mentioned in the
verse were already open to the salvation message, which explains their belief.
The passage indicates that the Jewish authorities dismissed the message
and reacted negatively to it. In contrast, the Gentiles were open to the
Gospel. However, Luke does not explain why these Gentiles aligned themselves
with God. Additionally, this verse does not address the complex issue of divine
sovereignty versus human free will. There is no indication that Luke implied an
absolute decree regarding personal salvation.
The context of Acts 13:42-48 suggests that individuals who were open to
the Gospel willingly accepted the message, whereas those who were resistant
turned it down. The text does not endorse the idea of a predetermined divine
plan for salvation. Instead, it highlights the voluntary response of those
ready to embrace the truth. This interpretation is consistent with other parts
of Scripture, indicating that God desires for everyone to be saved and to
attain the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). It also supports the belief
that whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13). If
Acts 13:48 suggested that God chose specific people while leaving others out,
it would be at odds with the verses above and many those verses and passages of
Scripture that teach God’s desire for all men to be saved. However, once we
interpret tetagmenoi as indicating a personal inclination towards the truth,
everything falls into place.
What is the conclusion? Acts 13:48 does not endorse the deterministic
perspective of election according to Calvinism. Rather, it affirms the concept
of positive volition—individuals who are already predisposed to accept the
truth chose to believe when it was presented. There is no force involved, nor
is there a predetermined faith. Eternal life is readily available, but it is
the will of man that influences the final outcome. God is not a cosmic
aggressor, imposing salvation upon a chosen few while excluding others. He has
made eternal life accessible to everyone (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9).
Anyone who desires it can receive it—provided they have faith in Christ.
Salvation is granted solely by grace through faith in Christ. There are no
tricks, no hidden conditions—only the genuine, unblemished grace of God.
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