“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”– Acts 13:39 (KJV)
“Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do.”– Acts 13:39 (NLT)
“And everyone who believes in him is set right, as right as rain, and is included in the family of God, something that the law of Moses could never deliver on.”– Acts 13:39 (MSG)
What Does Acts 13:39 Mean?
Acts 13:39 provides a powerful insight into the nature of justification and faith. This verse is a part of the sermon delivered by the Apostle Paul in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch. In this passage, Paul explains how faith in Jesus Christ brings justification to all who believe. Justification means being declared innocent or righteous in the eyes of God. Before the coming of Christ, the Jewish people relied on the Law of Moses for their righteousness. However, the law was never able to provide true justification. It was through faith in Jesus, Paul asserts, that believers can receive grace and be justified from all sin.
This message is revolutionary because it moves away from the old covenant of laws and rituals that dictated morality and righteousness. Instead, it introduces the concept of grace—unmerited favor from God. Paul emphasizes that it is not through adherence to the law that anyone can be justified but rather through faith in Jesus Christ. This teaches us that salvation and righteousness are accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or background. The inclusivity of God’s offer invites all people into a relationship with Him, concluding that salvation is indeed a gift.
Acts 13:39 Explanation and Commentary
When we read Acts 13:39, we are reminded of the immense grace we have in our relationship with Jesus. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. It emphasizes that all believers are justified from all things. This is a profound truth, as it speaks to the completeness of salvation. No longer do we have to bear the weight of our sins or strive to meet a standard that is impossible to keep. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that our belief in Christ changes everything. In Him, we find forgiveness, acceptance, and new life.
Also, it’s informative to reflect on the historical context when Paul shared this message. The Jews in Paul’s audience had a deep respect for the Law of Moses. For centuries, the law served as a guide, a moral compass. However, despite its importance, the law was unable to bring true freedom. Paul confronts this reality head-on. He explains that justification through the law was temporary and insufficient. In contrast, the grace offered through faith in Jesus is eternal and transformative.
Furthermore, Paul doesn’t only speak to the Jews; his message is universal. This inclusivity is a key aspect of the Gospel. It dismantles the barriers between those who thought they were “righteous” due to their adherence to the law and those who felt they were too far gone to be accepted. Paul’s message reminds us of God’s heart for all people—no one is beyond His reach. This is the same message echoed throughout the New Testament. As Romans 3:22 states, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Additionally, we can draw a parallel with Ephesians 2:8-9 which states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” It serves as a beautiful reminder that our salvation is a gift that we cannot earn. This truth should inspire humility and gratitude as we live in response to God’s grace.
Context of Acts 13:39
The context surrounding Acts 13:39 is rich and significant. Paul’s sermon is situated in the larger narrative of the early church’s mission to share the Gospel. He addresses a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue and recounts the history of God’s dealings with Israel. Paul starts by reminding them of Israel’s journey through time—the deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the giving of the law, and the establishment of the kingdom. He builds up to the arrival of Jesus, highlighting how the prophets foretold of Christ’s coming and how He fulfills the promises of God.
Importantly, Paul’s audience is made up of people who have known the law and are familiar with the rituals of their faith. By emphasizing the inadequacy of the law for justification, Paul challenges their understanding and invites them to view their relationship with God through a new lens. His goal is not to diminish the law’s importance but to show that the law’s purpose was to lead them to Christ.
The backdrop of this message reflects a significant turning point in the church’s ministry. As Paul and Barnabas ventured forth, they became instrumental in spreading the Gospel beyond Jewish audiences to include Gentiles. This inclusion would become a hallmark of the early church. Thus, Acts 13:39 captures a moment where the church begins to embrace the famous truth that God’s grace is available to everyone, breaking down long-standing barriers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 13:39
In Acts 13:39, there are several critical components worth considering. Firstly, the phrase “by him” refers directly to Jesus Christ. It highlights that it is through His work on the cross—His death and resurrection—that believers find their justification. This requires faith in Him, eliminating any reliance on human efforts to achieve righteousness.
Next, the term “all that believe” is inclusive and speaks to the universal availability of God’s grace. It indicates that all simply need to have faith in Jesus Christ to be justified. This concept demolishes any elitist idea that only a select few can inherit the kingdom of God. It affirms that our faith, regardless of our history or failures, allows us to receive God’s grace willingly offered to each of us.
Additionally, the phrase “justified from all things” is rich in meaning. This powerful promise indicates that every sin, every failure, and every wrong has been accounted for in Christ’s sacrifice. There is nothing too great for God’s grace. We should take comfort knowing that our past does not determine our present or future; instead, we can walk in freedom, knowing we are justified before God through Christ.
Lastly, the comparison to the “law of Moses” serves to reinforce Paul’s argument. The law was intended to show humanity their need for a savior, exposing sin and leading people to recognize their shortcomings. However, as Paul points out, the law lacks the power to save. Only Jesus can justify and redeem us. This transition from law to grace is a significant theme throughout the New Testament and is emphasized throughout Paul’s letters. Each of these elements, when understood together, reinforces the fundamental truth of the Gospel.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 13:39
Acts 13:39 is rich with lessons that we can apply to our lives today. Firstly, we must embrace the reality that salvation is not about our works or how well we adhere to religious rules. Instead, it is about placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We often fall into the trap of thinking we must earn God’s favor, yet this verse reminds us that it is a gift, freely given.
Secondly, the inclusivity of the Gospel teaches us that no one is excluded from God’s grace. Each person we encounter, regardless of their background or past mistakes, deserves the love of Christ. Our belief in Jesus compels us to share this message of hope and redemption with others. We have an opportunity to reach out and encourage those who may feel unworthy. We can be messengers of grace, reminding others of God’s rich mercy.
Moreover, this passage encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the law. While the law serves an important purpose, we are called to embrace grace. We can appreciate the moral lessons of the law but must remember that our understanding of God’s love is not rooted in rules but in a loving relationship with Jesus. This relationship brings transformation and empowers us to live according to His will, not out of obligation, but by genuine desire.
Lastly, Acts 13:39 invites us to celebrate our justified status before God. We can live with confidence, knowing that we are accepted and loved as children of God. This assurance allows us to approach Him with boldness, free from guilt or condemnation. We are called to live in the freedom that comes from being justified, and with that freedom comes the responsibility to share that message with others.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Acts 13:39 serves as a beautiful reminder of the heart of the Gospel. It reassures us that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works or adherence to the law. This radical work of grace offers hope to everyone, regardless of their past, empowering us to live transformed lives. As we continue to embrace this truth, let’s remember the importance of sharing the message of God’s grace with others, inviting them into the same life-changing relationship with Christ that we enjoy. If you want to explore more amazing topics that unveil God’s promises, check out resources like John 7:13 or Numbers 13:11. Each biblical passage contains treasures that deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.