Acts 13:38 – “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse comes from a sermon that the apostle Paul preached in a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Paul had been laying out the history of Israel, leading up to the coming of Jesus, and was proving that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Here, Paul makes a direct and powerful statement: forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus. He is telling his listeners that the burden of sin, which no one could escape under the law, has been lifted through Christ.

The phrase “proclaimed to you” shows that this is not something hidden or only available to a select few—it is being openly announced to everyone willing to listen. Paul is making it clear that salvation is not found in the Law of Moses but in Jesus alone.

Historical Context

Paul was speaking to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentile God-fearers (non-Jews who believed in Israel’s God but had not fully converted). The Jewish people had long lived under the Law of Moses, which required sacrifices and rituals to cover their sins. But these sacrifices were never enough to fully cleanse people from sin—they had to be repeated year after year.

The idea of forgiveness of sins was central to Jewish worship. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the holiest day of the year when the high priest would make sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). But Paul was now declaring something radical: Jesus was the final and complete sacrifice. His death on the cross permanently secured forgiveness, something the Law could never do.

This was a shocking message, especially for devout Jews who had relied on the Law for their righteousness. But Paul was urging them to see that Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law pointed to.

Theological Implications

This verse carries deep theological meaning:

1. Forgiveness is available to all. The phrase “proclaimed to you” means that forgiveness is not limited to a specific group—everyone is invited to receive it.
2. Forgiveness comes only through Jesus. Paul does not say forgiveness comes through good deeds, the Law, or personal effort. It is only found in Christ.
3. The old system of sacrifices is no longer needed. Jesus’ death replaced the need for repeated sacrifices, as He was the perfect and final offering for sin (Hebrews 10:10-14).
4. Salvation is based on grace, not works. Unlike the Law, which required strict obedience, salvation through Jesus is a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sermon in Acts 13 follows a structured pattern:

1. He reviews Israel’s history – showing how God worked through His people.
2. He highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
3. He presents the core message of the Gospel – forgiveness through Jesus.

The word “therefore” is crucial because it connects everything Paul had been saying to this key truth: the entire purpose of history, prophecy, and God’s promises is fulfilled in Jesus, and through Him, forgiveness is now available.

The phrase “proclaimed to you” also emphasizes urgency. This is not a suggestion or an idea to think about—it is a truth that demands a response.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:47 – Jesus told His disciples that forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to all nations.
• Acts 2:38 – Peter declared that repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name would bring forgiveness of sins.
• Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
• Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Jesus’ death fulfilled this requirement once and for all.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is just as important today as it was when Paul first spoke it. It reminds us that:

1. Forgiveness is available to everyone. No matter what sins we have committed, Jesus offers complete forgiveness.
2. We don’t have to earn salvation. Many people still believe they must be “good enough” for God, but this verse makes it clear—our sins are forgiven through Jesus, not our own efforts.
3. We should share this message with others. Paul boldly proclaimed the good news. As followers of Jesus, we should do the same.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows the deep love of God because forgiveness is God’s gift to humanity. He did not have to offer a way for us to be cleansed from our sins, but He did—through Jesus.

God’s love is seen in the fact that He did not leave humanity trapped in sin. Instead, He made a way for us to be free. Forgiveness is not something we must beg for—it is something God freely offers through His Son.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the heart of this verse because He is the one through whom forgiveness is given.

• His death paid for our sins. (1 Peter 2:24)
• His resurrection proves His victory over sin and death. (Romans 4:25)
• He is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)

Paul was making it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the Old Testament pointed toward. The Law exposed sin, but Jesus removed it. The sacrifices covered sin temporarily, but Jesus’ blood washes it away permanently.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that forgiveness comes through Jesus change the way you approach God?
2. Do you ever struggle with feeling like you need to “earn” God’s forgiveness? How does this verse challenge that?
3. What does this verse teach about the difference between the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus?
4. If forgiveness is “proclaimed,” what does that mean for how we should share the Gospel with others?
5. How can you live with confidence knowing that Jesus has completely forgiven your sins?

This verse is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not something we achieve—it is something we receive. Jesus paid the price, and now all who believe in Him are completely forgiven. That is the good news we are called to share with the world!