New Testament
Acts 13:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After removing him, God raised up David to be their king. He testified about him, saying, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will carry out all my will.'
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And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
What Acts 13:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a significant shift in leadership. God decided to remove the previous king and chose David, the son of Jesse, to lead His people. This choice was not random; God recognized something special in David. He described David as a man after His own heart, indicating a deep connection and alignment with God's desires. David was not perfect, but his heart was devoted to fulfilling God's will. This highlights the importance of inner character over outward appearances. God values those who seek to understand and carry out His plans. David's story reminds us that true leadership comes from a place of genuine faith and commitment. It encourages us to reflect on our own hearts and motivations, asking ourselves if we are pursuing what truly matters to God. David's legacy is one of passion and purpose, showing that anyone can be chosen for greatness if they align their heart with God's intentions. His life serves as an inspiration for us to strive for a similar relationship with the divine.
How to apply Acts 13:22 to your life
Consider what it means to have a heart aligned with God's will. Reflect on your own motivations and desires. Are you pursuing what truly matters? Strive to cultivate a heart that seeks to understand and fulfill God's plans in your life. This can lead to a more meaningful existence and impact on others' lives. Embrace the journey of faithfulness and purpose in your daily actions and decisions.
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: A Light for the Gentiles (Acts 13:13–52)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Acts 13:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 13:22 mean?
Acts 13:22 describes how God chose David as king after removing the previous leader. It emphasizes that God saw something special in David, calling him a man after His own heart, which indicates a deep connection and commitment to fulfilling God's will.
How does Acts 13:22 relate to the theme of leadership?
Acts 13:22 illustrates that true leadership is chosen by God and is based on the character and heart of the individual. It suggests that effective leaders are those who are devoted to understanding and executing God's will.
What can we learn from David's example in Acts 13:22?
From David's example in Acts 13:22, we learn the importance of having a heart that seeks to align with God's desires. His story encourages us to reflect on our motivations and strive for a genuine relationship with God in our own lives.
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