Acts 13:39 – “Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse is part of Paul’s sermon in a synagogue, where he was explaining the difference between salvation through Jesus and the old way of trying to be right with God through the Law of Moses. Paul boldly declares that through Jesus, everyone who believes is set free from sin—something the Law could never accomplish.

The key phrase “set free from every sin” means that faith in Jesus brings full forgiveness. No sin is too great. Unlike the Law, which could only point out sin but not permanently remove it, Jesus’ sacrifice provides complete freedom.

Paul also uses the term “justification”, which means being made right before God. Under the Law, people had to continually offer sacrifices and follow strict rules to try to stay in right standing with God. But even then, no one could fully live up to its demands. Only Jesus could provide true justification—a right standing with God that is given as a gift, not something earned.

Historical Context

Paul was speaking to Jews and Gentiles who respected Jewish teachings. They had been raised with the belief that righteousness came through obeying the Law of Moses, which included hundreds of commands, rituals, and sacrifices. The Law revealed sin, but it never had the power to truly remove it.

The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to bring salvation, but many did not realize that salvation would come through faith, not works. Paul was showing them that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan, and through Him, people could receive true freedom from sin—something the Law could never offer.

This teaching was revolutionary. The idea that someone could be made right with God by faith alone, without keeping the entire Law, was shocking to many Jews. But Paul was proving that this had always been God’s plan.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. Salvation is by faith, not by works. The Law demanded obedience, but no one could keep it perfectly. Jesus offers justification through belief, not performance.
2. Jesus provides complete freedom from sin. The Law only temporarily covered sin, but Jesus’ sacrifice removes it entirely (Hebrews 10:11-14).
3. Justification is a gift, not something we earn. Under the Law, people constantly had to strive for righteousness. Jesus freely gives it to those who trust in Him (Romans 3:28).
4. Salvation is for everyone. Paul says, “everyone who believes”—this means salvation is open to both Jews and Gentiles.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sermon in Acts 13 is carefully structured. First, he walks through Israel’s history, showing how God had been working toward the coming of Jesus. Then, he explains the contrast between the Law and Jesus—the Law could never save, but Jesus can.

The phrase “set free from every sin” is significant. It shows that Jesus’ work is complete—there is no sin too big for His forgiveness.

The word “justification” is also key. In the Old Testament, justification was attempted through sacrifices and obedience to the Law. But Paul makes it clear: true justification only comes through Jesus.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 3:20-22 – The Law makes us aware of sin, but righteousness comes through faith in Jesus.
• Galatians 2:16 – A person is not justified by works of the Law, but through faith in Christ.
• Hebrews 10:1-4 – The Law was only a shadow of the good things to come, but it could never fully take away sin.
• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that:

1. We don’t have to earn our salvation. Many people still believe they need to do enough good deeds to be right with God, but Paul makes it clear—we are justified by faith in Jesus, not by works.
2. Jesus offers real freedom. Sin is a heavy burden, and many people live in guilt. But in Christ, we are set free from every sin.
3. Faith is what matters. Following rules or religious rituals doesn’t save us—believing in Jesus does.
4. The Gospel is for everyone. No matter your past, Jesus offers complete forgiveness and justification if you believe in Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows the incredible love and grace of God. Instead of making salvation something we must earn through effort, God freely offers it through faith in Jesus.

God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not leave people trapped in their sin. The Law showed people their guilt, but God’s love provided a way to remove that guilt through Jesus. He did what we could never do for ourselves.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Everything in this verse points back to Jesus:

• Jesus is the one who sets people free from sin. (John 8:36)
• Jesus justifies us before God. (Romans 5:1)
• Jesus completes what the Law could not. The Law revealed sin, but Jesus removes it (Hebrews 10:14).
• Jesus is the only way to be made right with God. (John 14:6)

Paul’s message was clear: righteousness does not come from obeying the Law, but from trusting in Jesus. This was the heart of the Gospel, and it remains true today.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think people still try to earn their way to God through good works, even though Paul says we are justified by faith?
2. What does it mean to be “set free from every sin”? How does that change the way you live?
3. How does this verse help you understand the difference between the Law and Jesus?
4. If justification is a free gift, why do some people struggle to accept it?
5. How can you share this message of freedom with others who are burdened by guilt and sin?

This verse is one of the most freeing truths in the Bible. Jesus has done what we could never do—He has set us free from sin and made us right with God. All we have to do is believe. That’s the beauty of the Gospel!