How does Acts 13:39 emphasize justification through faith in Jesus Christ alone? Setting the verse in context Acts 13 records Paul’s first missionary message in a synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. After tracing Israel’s history and pointing to Jesus as the promised Savior, Paul declares: “And through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the Law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39) The heart of the verse • “Through Him” – Jesus Christ is the sole channel of justification. • “Everyone who believes” – faith, not heritage or works, opens the door. • “Is justified” – a present, complete declaration of righteousness. • “From everything” – no sin too great to be covered. • “You could not be justified from by the Law of Moses” – the Mosaic Law, though holy (Romans 7:12), never possessed saving power. Key words unpacked • Justified (δικαιόω) – to pronounce righteous, as in a courtroom verdict; not a process, but a once-for-all legal act (Romans 5:1). • Believes (πιστεύω) – entrusting oneself to Christ, resting in His finished work (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). • Law of Moses – the commandments, sacrifices, rituals that highlighted sin but could not erase guilt (Hebrews 10:1-4). Contrasting old covenant and new Law of Moses: – Revealed God’s standards (Romans 3:20). – Offered shadows through animal sacrifices (Hebrews 9:9-10). – Left worshipers longing for true cleansing. Christ’s work: – Fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17). – Provides once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 10:10-12). – Frees the believer completely (Galatians 5:1). Supporting passages • Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” • Galatians 2:16 – “A man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” • Philippians 3:9 – “Not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.” • Hebrews 7:18-19 – “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless… a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” Implications for daily life – Rest: no striving to earn favor; Christ’s righteousness is credited now. – Assurance: justification grants peace with God (Romans 5:1). – Humility: salvation is received, not achieved. – Witness: the offer extends to “everyone who believes,” motivating evangelism. – Freedom: liberated from legalism to serve in gratitude (Galatians 5:13). Takeaway summary Acts 13:39 declares that the Law exposes sin but Christ removes it. Justification is granted the moment one believes, apart from any religious performance. The verse stands as a concise proclamation of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, securing complete and eternal righteousness for every believer. |
    |