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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Be it {G2077} known {G1110} unto you {G5213} therefore {G3767}, men {G435} and brethren {G80}, that {G3754} through {G1223} this man {G5127} is preached {G2605} unto you {G5213} the forgiveness {G859} of sins {G266}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that through this man is proclaimed forgiveness of sins!

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

American Standard Version

Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:38 stands as a foundational declaration within Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch, proclaiming the profound truth that through Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins is made accessible to all. This pivotal verse encapsulates the essence of the New Covenant, shifting the focus from the Law's inability to fully justify to the complete pardon and reconciliation offered solely through faith in the resurrected Messiah, thereby inviting both Jews and Gentiles into a new relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:38 is the climactic announcement in Paul's first recorded sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, following his arrival during his first missionary journey. Paul meticulously lays a historical and theological groundwork, beginning with a survey of Israel's history from the Exodus, through the judges, kings, and prophets, culminating in the coming of John the Baptist as Jesus' forerunner. He then details Jesus' life, crucifixion, and, most importantly, His resurrection, which is presented as the divine vindication of His Messiahship and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This verse, therefore, serves as the direct application and core message of this extensive historical-theological exposition, immediately preceding the declaration of justification by faith in [Acts 13:39](/acts/13-39 "Acts 13:39 - Justification Through Christ").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon takes place in a synagogue, a setting where both native Jews and Gentile "God-fearers" (proselytes or those sympathetic to Judaism) would gather. This audience was deeply steeped in the Mosaic Law and the traditions of Israel, understanding sin primarily in terms of transgression against the Law and atonement through sacrificial systems. Paul's declaration of "forgiveness of sins" through "this man" (Jesus) would have been revolutionary, challenging their established understanding of righteousness and atonement. The concept of a Messiah who brings forgiveness through His death and resurrection, rather than through adherence to the Law, was a radical departure from conventional Jewish thought, setting the stage for the widespread acceptance of the Gospel among Gentiles and the eventual schism between Judaism and the nascent Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **centrality of Jesus Christ** as the exclusive means of salvation and forgiveness, a truth echoed throughout the book as the apostles consistently preach Christ crucified and resurrected (e.g., [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). It also highlights the **universal availability of forgiveness**, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond ethnic or legal boundaries, a theme crucial to the expansion of the early church to the Gentiles (cf. [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **nature of the Gospel as a proclamation**—it is "preached unto you," emphasizing the active, public, and verbal declaration of God's saving truth, fulfilling the Great Commission to proclaim the good news to all nations (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Known (Greek, _gnōstós'_):** Derived from the verb "to know" (γινώσκω), this word signifies something "well-known" or "notable." In this context, it carries the force of a formal declaration, an authoritative announcement that is intended to be clearly understood and widely disseminated. It is not merely a suggestion, but a truth that is made public and undeniable, demanding attention and a response from the hearers.
* **Preached (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** This verb means "to proclaim," "to promulgate," "to declare," or "to show forth." It implies a public, authoritative, and comprehensive declaration of a message. Paul is not subtly hinting at a truth but boldly and openly announcing the good news of forgiveness. This word emphasizes the active, verbal nature of evangelism—the Gospel is something that must be heard, widely disseminated, and clearly articulated.
* **Forgiveness (Greek, _áphesis'_):** This term, from ἀφίημι ("to send away, let go"), denotes "freedom," "pardon," or "remission." When combined with "sins" (ἁμαρτία, _hamartía_), it signifies a complete release from the guilt, penalty, and power of sin. It's not merely an overlooking or a covering, but a total cancellation of the debt and a liberation from the bondage that sin imposes. This "sending away" ensures that the sins are truly removed, not just temporarily set aside.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,"**: This opening phrase serves as a solemn and urgent call to attention. The Greek imperative "éstō gnōstós" ("let it be known") emphasizes the authoritative and crucial nature of the declaration that follows. Paul addresses his audience respectfully as "men and brethren," acknowledging their shared heritage and inviting them to listen with open hearts to a message of profound significance for their lives and eternal destiny. The "therefore" (οὖν, _oûn_) logically connects this declaration to the preceding historical and theological exposition of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
* **"that through this man"**: This clause unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ as the sole and exclusive channel through whom the promised forgiveness is made available. The demonstrative pronoun "this man" (τούτου, _toútou_) points directly to Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection Paul has just meticulously detailed. This emphasis on "this man" underscores the personal and unique agency of Christ in the plan of salvation, contrasting with any other means or systems of atonement, such as the Law or Temple sacrifices.
* **"is preached unto you"**: This phrase highlights the active and public proclamation of the message. The forgiveness of sins is not a secret doctrine or a private revelation, but a truth openly declared and offered to all who hear. The passive voice "is preached" (καταγγέλλεται, _katangéllō_) emphasizes that this message originates from God, delivered through His chosen messengers like Paul, and is directed specifically "unto you," underscoring its immediate relevance and availability to the audience in the synagogue.
* **"the forgiveness of sins:"**: This is the core content of the message. "Forgiveness of sins" (ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν, _áphesis hamartíōn_) signifies a complete and decisive release from the guilt and condemnation of sin. It implies a full pardon, a cancellation of the spiritual debt, and a restoration of relationship with God. This forgiveness is not earned by human effort or adherence to the Law, but is a gracious gift made possible by Christ's redemptive work, addressing humanity's most fundamental spiritual need.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to enhance the impact of his declaration in Acts 13:38. The phrase "Be it known unto you therefore" functions as a powerful **Proclamation**, signaling a solemn and authoritative announcement that demands the audience's full attention. This is reinforced by the use of the verb "preached" (_katangéllō_), which implies a public and forceful declaration, not a mere suggestion. There is clear **Emphasis** on "this man," pointing directly to Jesus as the exclusive source of forgiveness, thereby highlighting His unique and indispensable role in salvation. This creates a stark **Contrast** with any previous understanding of obtaining righteousness or pardon, particularly the Law of Moses which Paul will immediately address in the following verse. The entire statement is structured as a direct, unambiguous declaration of the central truth of the Gospel, utilizing a straightforward and declarative syntax to convey its profound and universal significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:38 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem is found exclusively in Jesus Christ. This declaration transcends the limitations of the Old Covenant system, where forgiveness was often tied to repeated sacrifices and legal observances, offering instead a complete and final pardon through Christ's singular, all-sufficient sacrifice. It underscores God's initiative in providing salvation, not as a reward for human merit, but as a gracious gift received through faith. This truth is foundational to the New Testament's understanding of justification, redemption, and reconciliation, affirming that true peace with God is only possible by having one's sins completely "sent away" through the work of the Messiah.

* [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")
* [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness")
* [Hebrews 10:11-14](/hebrews/10-11-14 "Hebrews 10:11-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:38 offers profound hope and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that no sin is too great, no past too dark, for the forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. This truth liberates us from the burden of guilt and the futility of self-justification, inviting us into a relationship with God founded on His grace rather than our performance. Forgiveness is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality that transforms our present and secures our eternal future. Embracing this forgiveness means acknowledging our need for Christ, trusting in His completed work, and living in the freedom and newness of life He provides. Furthermore, as recipients of such a glorious message, we are commissioned to be its heralds, sharing this life-altering truth with a world desperately in need of pardon and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the complete "sending away" of sins through Christ impact your daily walk and sense of freedom?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to seek forgiveness or justification through means other than "this man," Jesus?**
* **Considering that this message "is preached unto you," what is your responsibility in sharing this good news with others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul declaring this in a synagogue setting?**

Answer: Paul's declaration in a synagogue setting, primarily to Jews and God-fearers, was profoundly significant because it directly addressed an audience steeped in the Mosaic Law and the sacrificial system. For centuries, they understood forgiveness and righteousness through adherence to the Law and Temple rituals. Paul's message, "through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins," presented a radical shift, asserting that the ultimate and complete forgiveness they sought was now available through Jesus Christ, rather than through the Law or their traditional practices. This challenged their core beliefs and opened the door for a new covenant understanding, paving the way for the Gospel's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, as seen in subsequent events in [Acts 13:46-48](/acts/13-46-48 "Acts 13:46-48 - Paul Turns to the Gentiles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:38 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the embodiment and source of the forgiveness proclaimed. The Old Testament foreshadowed this complete pardon through various sacrifices and prophetic utterances, but it was in Christ that these shadows became reality. His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection accomplished the "sending away" of sins that no animal sacrifice or adherence to the Law could ever achieve (cf. [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")). Jesus is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose shed blood provides redemption and the remission of sins (cf. [Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). Therefore, when Paul declares that "through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins," he is announcing the culmination of God's redemptive plan, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, making reconciliation with a holy God possible for all who believe (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

1 John 2:12

¶ I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.