“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.”– Acts 13:38 (KJV)
“Brothers, listen! In this man, Jesus, there is forgiveness for your sins.”– Acts 13:38 (NLT)
“The good news is that there is now no charge against you, for you are free in this Man!”– Acts 13:38 (MSG)
What Does Acts 13:38 Mean?
Acts 13:38 delivers a profound message about the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us that God offers us an opportunity for redemption and a fresh start in life through Christ. It tells us that our past mistakes and failures do not define our future. Instead, through faith in Jesus, we can have our sins forgiven. This is crucial because it allows us to connect with God and live a life filled with hope and purpose.
The context of this verse is important. The apostle Paul was sharing the gospel message in a synagogue. He spoke to a group of people who were familiar with the Jewish laws and rituals. Paul explained how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. He emphasized the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how it paved the way for salvation for all who believe. When we grasp the meaning behind this verse, we realize that the offer of forgiveness is not limited to a few but extended to all of humanity.
Acts 13:38 Explanation and Commentary
In Acts 13:38, we see Paul addressing the need for forgiveness, which is a universal human experience. We all have moments when we feel guilt, shame, or regret for things we have done or failed to do. The beauty of this verse lies in its simplicity and transformative message. By proclaiming that forgiveness is made available through Jesus, Paul reassures us that no matter how far we may have strayed, we can always return to God.
This is illustrated powerfully in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). In that story, a young man wastes all his inheritance on foolish living but realizes his mistakes and returns to his father. The father, filled with compassion, welcomes him home without hesitation. This illustrates the heart of God, who eagerly awaits us to turn back to Him so He can forgive us and restore us.
Furthermore, the act of forgiving others is a crucial component of this message. Just as we receive God’s grace and forgiveness, we are called to extend that same grace to others. Holding onto grudges or resentment not only affects our relationships with others but also distances us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love in our lives. Paul models this by reminding us as believers that we can free ourselves and others by choosing forgiveness.
Acts 13:38 encourages us to embrace our identity in Christ. We are not defined by our past but by the love and acceptance found in Him. Each day is a new opportunity to walk in this truth, knowing we have been forgiven. Our journey is not about being perfect but rather about embracing a relationship with Jesus that transforms our hearts and lives from within.
Context of Acts 13:38
To fully appreciate Acts 13:38, we must look at its broader context within the book of Acts. This entire book chronicles the early church’s growth and the spread of the gospel. Paul, along with Barnabas, embarked on missionary journeys to share the good news about Jesus, and in Acts 13, we find him in Pisidian Antioch, preaching to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul’s sermon in this chapter outlines the historical narrative of God’s people leading up to Jesus. He highlights the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment of God’s promise. Paul emphasizes that through Jesus, believers can have salvation and forgiveness, opening a path to eternal life. This was revolutionary, as it shifted the understanding of salvation from strictly following the law and rituals to a relationship built on faith in Christ.
Within this context, Acts 13:38 serves as a clarion call for all people to find hope in God’s mercy. It also reflects the inclusive nature of the gospel — that all, regardless of background, can experience redemption through Christ. Paul’s role as a messenger of this great news is critical, as he reflects the heart of God, who desires for us to find forgiveness and grace.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 13:38
In this verse, there are several key phrases that deserve our attention. Let’s explore them together. First, “Be it known unto you”—this phrase serves as a powerful introduction. Paul is urging his listeners to pay attention. He is about to share an important message that is not just for the Jews but for everyone. This shows us how urgent and necessary it is to understand the significance of forgiveness through Jesus.
Next, Paul says, “through this man.” Here, he emphasizes Jesus as the one who brings forgiveness. It is crucial for us to recognize that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the bridge that reconnects us with God, allowing our sins to be washed away.
The phrase “forgiveness of sins” is at the core of the gospel message. This is not merely the absence of guilt but the positive assurance of being made right with God. It reminds us that we are not merely forgiven for the things we have done but that we have been redeemed and restored to a place of favor in God’s eyes. This restoration enables us to live in freedom—free from the chains of guilt and shame that sin can bring.
Finally, we need to consider the response that this message calls for. When we recognize that forgiveness is offered to us, a natural response is to accept it, resulting in gratitude and a desire to share this good news with others. As we accept forgiveness, we are also called to carry that message to our families, friends, and communities, spreading the hope we have found in Christ.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 13:38
Acts 13:38 teaches us several valuable lessons. One of the most profound lessons we can take away is that forgiveness is a gift, not something we earn. We cannot achieve salvation through good works or religious rituals; it comes through faith in Jesus alone. This core truth is empowering as it relieves us of the burden of trying to earn God’s favor.
Another key lesson is that forgiveness is transformative. When we accept God’s forgiveness, our perspective changes. We can let go of the past and embrace the future God has for us. This empowers us to live with purpose and mission. Just as Paul shared this message with others, we are called to do the same. Our lives, transformed by grace, become a testament to God’s goodness.
This verse also encourages us to forgive others. Holding onto resentment only harms us and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of joy that God offers us. When we choose to forgive, we reflect God’s heart and character to those around us. It sets a powerful example of grace that can radically impact our relationships.
Ultimately, Acts 13:38 offers us a message of hope and renewal. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. The simple yet profound truth of forgiveness transforms our lives and the lives of those we encounter, encouraging us to live generously, freely, and with intention.
Final Thoughts
Acts 13:38 is a beautiful reminder of the grace and forgiveness we have in Jesus. It challenges us to reflect on our lives and how we interact with others. We must remember that we all have fallen short of God’s glory but can be restored through Christ. Let us embrace the truth that no one is beyond hope and that God eagerly awaits to wrap His arms around us, forgiving us completely. This is a powerful message of reconciliation, urging us to extend that same grace to those around us.
As we move forward in our lives, let us carry this message of forgiveness to the world. Whether through our words, actions, or examples, we have the opportunity to share the hope found in Christ. May we live as vessels of His grace, inviting others to experience the same forgiveness and love that has transformed our lives. If you wish to explore more about forgiveness and grace, you can also check out John 7:13 for further insights. Remember, we are called to be bearers of this good news, helping to bring light to those who are still walking in darkness.