Lord’s Library editors offer this Acts 13:38-39 meaning, with commentary and supporting Scriptures, for your edification.
To gain an Acts 13:38-39 meaning, see the verses: “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
These verses, spoken by the apostle Paul during his sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, cement how that salvation comes solely through Jesus Christ and not by adherence to the law. Paul proclaims that through Christ, forgiveness of sins is freely offered, and justification is granted to all who believe. This message is the heart of the Gospel of Christ—salvation by grace through faith in the Finished Work of Jesus on the Cross.
Paul first reveals that “through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” This statement shows that Jesus Christ alone is the means by which sins are forgiven. Throughout Scripture, forgiveness is consistently tied to faith in Christ’s atoning work. See Ephesians 1:7: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
As one can see, forgiveness is not earned through religious works, good deeds, or adherence to the law; it is a gift provided through the shed blood of Jesus. Hebrews 9:22 affirms it: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” The Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed the perfect and final sacrifice of Christ. John the Baptist said in John 1:29: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jesus’ death on the cross fully satisfied God’s justice, making forgiveness available to all who trust in Him.
Acts 13:38-39 Meaning
Paul then says: “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Justification, which means being declared righteous before God, is not achieved by works of the law but by faith in Christ alone. Romans 3:28 says it: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
See, the law of Moses could reveal sin but could never remove it. Se Romans 3:20: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” In this way, the law functioned as a schoolmaster to bring people to Christ, showing them their need for a Savior. See Galatians 3:24: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
No one could perfectly keep the law. See James 2:10: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Therefore, righteousness could never come through the law; it could only be imputed by grace through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul’s declaration that “by him all that believe are justified from all things” emphasizes that justification is based entirely on faith.
See also Romans 5:1: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” This peace is not something believers can earn; it is the result of Christ’s Blood Atonement. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains further: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Christ took upon Himself the penalty for sin, and in exchange, those who believe in Him receive His righteousness. This exchange is at the heart of salvation—it is not about what man can do but about what Christ has already done.
Paul’s message in Acts 13:38-39 is the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is summed up clearly in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The moment a sinner places their faith in Christ, they are justified before God – some call it “being saved.”
Colossians 2:13-14 provides a beautiful visual on this very thing: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;”
The law, which once condemned, has been fulfilled in Christ, and believers are no longer under its penalty. Praise God!
We will leave you with Hebrews 10:14: “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” There is nothing left for man to add to Christ’s finished work but to believe it in the heart. Jesus Himself declared on the cross, saying “It is finished” from John 19:30.
Those who believe in Him are fully justified, not by works, but by faith in what He has done.
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