How does Acts 13:43 illustrate the role of grace in salvation? Text of Acts 13:43 “When the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.” Historical and Narrative Setting Paul and Barnabas are in Pisidian Antioch on the first missionary journey. Paul has just preached (vv. 16-41) that forgiveness and justification come “through this Man” and “not by the Law of Moses” (vv. 38-39). Verse 43 records the immediate aftermath, providing a transition from proclamation to personal appropriation of salvation. Immediate Literary Context 1. Sermon climax: Christ’s resurrection secures justification (vv. 30-39). 2. Warning from Habakkuk 1:5 (v. 41) underscores human inability apart from divine action. 3. Verse 43 shows listeners moving from mere curiosity to discipleship, driven by grace. Grace as the Source, Means, and Sustainer of Salvation 1. Source: God initiates salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). The listeners’ attraction to Paul stems from prevenient grace drawing them. 2. Means: Justification is received by faith alone, apart from Mosaic works (Acts 13:39; Romans 3:24). 3. Sustainer: “Continue” shows grace is not a one-time entry but the environment that maintains and empowers believers (Acts 14:26; 20:32). Contrast with Law-Reliance Paul’s Jewish hearers were steeped in Torah observance. By urging them to remain in grace, he implicitly repudiates any return to law-based righteousness (cf. Galatians 3:3). The verse therefore illustrates grace as exclusive and sufficient for salvation. Theological Significance in Pauline Corpus • Acts 13:43 anticipates later epistles: perseverance “in grace” parallels “stand firm in the freedom” (Galatians 5:1) and “continue in the faith” (Colossians 1:23). • Grace produces good works but never derives from them (Titus 2:11-12). Old Testament Continuity Grace is not novel but rooted in Yahweh’s covenantal character (Exodus 34:6). Paul cites Habakkuk to show that even prophetic warnings presuppose divine mercy. Acts 13:43 thus displays continuity of redemptive grace from Genesis to Revelation. Early Church Witness • Irenaeus notes that Paul “admonished them to remain in the grace of God, not to revert to the yoke of bondage” (Against Heresies 3.12.14). • Chrysostom comments that Paul “sets grace as both beginning and end, lest they imagine anything of themselves” (Hom. 29 on Acts). Practical Application Believers: Abide daily in the gospel, refusing legalistic or performance-based identities. Seekers: Salvation begins and continues by trusting the risen Christ, not personal merit. Churches: Teach perseverance by continually rehearsing grace, just as Paul and Barnabas modeled. Cross-References for Study • Acts 14:3; 15:11; 20:24, 32 • Romans 5:1-2; 11:6 Summary Acts 13:43 illustrates that grace is the decisive factor from inception to culmination of salvation. Paul’s exhortation shows grace’s primacy over law, its sustaining power for perseverance, and its seamless connection to the resurrection message he has just proclaimed. |
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