This research paper by Keith William Rose, submitted to Dr. Robert Cara for NT516 – Acts–Romans at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, analyzes Paul’s synagogue sermon in Acts 13:16–41 as a gospel proclamation structured around the Davidic Covenant. Rose argues that, unlike earlier Acts sermons emphasizing Abraham and Moses, Paul centers his historical survey on David to present Jesus as the promised king whose resurrection fulfills God’s oath.
Through a three-part movement—Israel’s history leading to David, Jesus’ rejection and resurrection, and the climactic call to forgiveness—Paul weaves together Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, and Psalm 16:10 to prove that the Holy One would not see decay. Rose shows how these texts, read through the covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7 and echoed in Psalm 89, frame the resurrection as the decisive confirmation of Jesus’ royal identity and the inauguration of His everlasting reign.
Finally, Rose explains Paul’s warning from Habakkuk 1:5 and the narrative epilogue (Acts 13:42–52) as signaling a turn to the Gentiles. The Davidic Covenant functions as a theological bridge: the promises made to Israel’s king expand to include the nations, so that justification and forgiveness are proclaimed to all who believe in the risen Son.
Course and semester: NT516 Acts–Romans — Spring 2018
