God does not abandon his holy one
Peter and Paul read the psalm as bearing witness to Jesus' resurrection.
Historical context
The psalmist expresses confidence in God's presence, preservation from death, and the path of life.
Tradition note
Read the unity of Scripture in Christ while attending to the Old Testament's literal setting and the New Testament's use of it. Fulfillment can include a renewed historical pattern, not only an isolated prediction; this collection is a study guide rather than an exhaustive doctrinal catalogue.
Avoid overclaiming
The psalm's original expression of trust has its own literary setting. Acts explicitly argues from David's death and Jesus' resurrection; the map presents that apostolic interpretation rather than implying an uncontested reading across religions.
Key points
- New Testament application
- Acts 2:25–32 (New Testament application) — Peter quotes the psalm and argues that David spoke concerning the Messiah's resurrection.
- Acts 13:35–37 (New Testament application) — Paul contrasts David's bodily decay with the one God raised who did not undergo decay.
Doctrinal connections
- Peter quotes the psalm and argues that David spoke concerning the Messiah's resurrection. Paul contrasts David's bodily decay with the one God raised who did not undergo decay.
Scripture
- Psalm 16:8–11 — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's presence, preservation from death, and the path of life.
- Acts 2:25–32 — Peter quotes the psalm and argues that David spoke concerning the Messiah's resurrection.
- Acts 13:35–37 — Paul contrasts David's bodily decay with the one God raised who did not undergo decay.