Bible Question:
Where in the Bible did Peter say, “You have killed the King of Glory?”
Bible Answer:
That statement, “You have killed the King of Glory,” does not appear anywhere in the Bible.
King of Glory
The only passage in the Bible that contains the words “King of Glory” is found in Psalm 24. The title declares that our God is a king and the most glorious one.
Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah. Psalm 24:7-10 (NASB)
The passage gives honor to God. Yes, he is mighty and strong. Yes, He is the Lord of hosts, but He is also glorious (Revelation 4:1-11). He is the King of Glory.
Lord of Glory
Another title closely related to “King of Glory” is “Lord of Glory.” This title appears in 1 Corinthians 2:8 when the Apostle Paul says, “crucified the Lord of glory.” The title declares that Christ is our Lord and He is the most glorious Lord.
. . . but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written,
“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 (NASB)
The title also appears in James 2:1 in the ESV, NKJV, Darby KJV, RSV and few other Bibles.
You Have Killed
On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter reminded those who were listening to him that they had seen Jesus’ miracles, signs, and wonders. This was proof that He was of God. He told them that while Jesus’ death was according to God’s plan, they killed Him. Then he said this,
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified. Acts 2:36 (NASB)
What a strong statement to a group of men and women who had seen Jesus. Some or maybe many of them had seen Jesus dying on the cross. Imagine their emotion when they realized that their Messiah had to die in order to forgive their sins. They must have had a deep emotion and great joy when they realized that Jesus was their Messiah.
Conclusion:
The men and women to whom the Apostle Peter spoke were from many countries. Some knew Jesus and others had probably heard about Jesus. When they heard the following words they committed their lives to Jesus.
Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know – this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. (NASB) Acts 2:22-24
They believed in Jesus and repented of their sins.