Acts 13 38

Acts 13:38 kjv

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 13:38 nkjv

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;

Acts 13:38 niv

"Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Acts 13:38 esv

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

Acts 13:38 nlt

"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 38 Meaning

Acts 13:38 declares the core of the gospel message proclaimed by Paul in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch: that through Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins is made available and openly announced to humanity. This forgiveness is a divine act, freeing individuals from the guilt and penalty of sin, a reality made possible by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, as previously explained in Paul's sermon. It signifies a radical shift from prior means of attempting to deal with sin, centering all hope and reconciliation upon Jesus as the exclusive source.

Acts 13 38 Context

Acts 13:38 is a pivotal statement within Paul's sermon to the Jewish synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Having just arrived in the region on his first missionary journey, Paul, invited to speak, systematically presents the narrative of Israel from its forefathers, through Moses, David, John the Baptist, to Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection (Acts 13:16-37). He emphasizes that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah promised in the Old Testament, the one through whom God's covenants are fulfilled. This verse, following the declaration of Jesus' resurrection (the ultimate proof of His Messiahship), acts as the critical transition point, articulating the practical benefit and salvific implication of all that he has previously presented: the forgiveness of sins. It immediately precedes Acts 13:39, which contrasts the inability of the Mosaic Law to justify with the power of faith in Christ to do so. This address challenges the Jewish listeners' traditional understanding of righteousness derived from law-keeping and sacrifice, shifting the focus entirely to Christ.

Acts 13 38 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν - oun): A transitional particle, indicating a logical conclusion or inference based on what has just been presented. Here, it signifies that the declaration of forgiveness directly follows from the preceding narrative of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Paul is drawing the application of those truths.
• let it be known to you (γνωστὸν ἔστω ὑμῖν - gnostōn estō hymin): Literally, "be it known to you." This is an authoritative, almost declarative statement, akin to a legal pronouncement or a formal proclamation. It signals an important truth that the audience needs to grasp and acknowledge, highlighting the revelation aspect of the gospel.
• brothers (ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί - andres adelphoi): This addresses the audience specifically as "men, brothers," showing respect and indicating that Paul considers them as part of the Abrahamic covenant lineage. Though he presents a challenging message, he begins from a place of common identity, implying that this good news is for them first.
• that through this Man (ὅτι διὰ τούτου - hoti dia toutou): ὅτι (hoti) introduces the content of what is to be known. διὰ (dia) means "through," indicating agency or instrumentality. τούτου (toutou), "this Man," explicitly and unmistakably refers to Jesus Christ, the one whose life, death, and resurrection Paul has just detailed. This phrase unequivocally identifies Jesus as the exclusive and necessary means for what follows.
• forgiveness (ἄφεσις - aphesis): Derived from ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), meaning "to send away," "release," "discharge." In the context of sins, it signifies release from their penalty, guilt, and bondage. It is a comprehensive liberation, distinct from mere overlooking or postponement. It implies a divine act of cancellation, a true wiping clean of the slate. This term is consistently used in the NT for the forgiveness granted by God.
• of sins (ἁμαρτιῶν - hamartiōn): The plural ἁμαρτιῶν emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this forgiveness – it covers all acts of wrongdoing, whether intentional or unintentional, transgressions, missing the mark, or breaking God's law. This highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness from which liberation is offered.
• is proclaimed (κηρύσσεται - kēryssetai): This verb means "to preach," "to herald," "to proclaim publicly as a messenger or envoy." The passive voice ("is proclaimed") indicates that this message originates from God, but it is actively being declared through human agents like Paul. It's not a secret doctrine but an open invitation, implying urgency and public declaration to be heard and responded to.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Therefore let it be known to you, brothers": Paul's intentional address sets a solemn, revelatory tone. It signals the presentation of a crucial, divinely revealed truth directly relevant to his audience, framed within the established familiarity of brotherhood. This isn't just an idea; it's a profound, publicly declared fact to be grasped.
• "that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you": This central theological statement clearly identifies the exclusive agent (Jesus) and the gracious divine action (forgiveness) for a universal problem (sins). The active proclamation (κηρύσσεται) underscores that this good news is not passive or hidden, but a message sent by God, needing to be heard and responded to, a vital part of the apostolic mission. It’s an act of divine grace, revealed and offered publicly.

Acts 13 38 Bonus section

The concept of aphesis (forgiveness/release) here echoes the Old Testament Year of Jubilee (Lev 25), a time of release from debts, slaves returning home, and lands returning to their original owners. Spiritually, Jesus' work provides a ultimate and complete "Jubilee," freeing people from the debt of sin, the bondage to sin, and restoring their relationship with God as their true inheritance.

Paul's emphasis on is proclaimed (κηρύσσεται) indicates the inherent public and evangelistic nature of this truth. It is not meant to be kept secret but to be actively shared, requiring heralds (apostles, preachers) to make it known far and wide. This divine act of making known signifies the accessible nature of God's grace – it's openly offered to all who would receive it. This contrasts sharply with esoteric or hidden knowledge systems of the day.

The immediate link to Acts 13:39 ("And by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses") further clarifies the profound implications of forgiveness: it leads directly to justification. While forgiveness deals with the removal of sin's penalty, justification speaks to the positive declaration of righteousness. The two concepts are inseparable in the Pauline understanding of salvation, both originating through Christ alone and received by faith.

Acts 13 38 Commentary

Acts 13:38 encapsulates the very heart of the early apostolic preaching, bridging the Old Testament promises with their New Covenant fulfillment in Christ. Paul emphatically declares that the accumulated burden and penalty of humanity's sins can now be truly and completely removed through Jesus Christ. The term forgiveness (aphesis) signifies a full release, a liberation that the Levitical sacrificial system could only foreshadow, not fully achieve (Heb 10:1-4). This verse immediately counters any reliance on human effort or legalistic adherence for reconciliation with God, shifting the entire basis of divine favor to faith in this Man. The gospel message, proclaimed with divine authority, invites its hearers into a new relationship with God, freed from guilt and condemnation. This truth laid the groundwork for the radical transformation that defined the early Christian movement, offering hope where traditional paths fell short.

• Example 1: Like a king announcing a complete pardon to rebels who turn to him, Jesus, as Lord, proclaims full forgiveness to all who believe.
• Example 2: It is not earned through sacrifices, fasts, or good deeds, but received as a gift from Christ who paid the ultimate price.