Why does Paul refer to God’s dealings with the fathers?
Acts 13:17 (ESV)
17The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.
When Paul refers to the fathers he is referring to the patriarchal period.1 He does so in order to highlight the gracious actions of God towards Abraham and his descendants.2
17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.