Acts 13:39

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

And {G2532} by {G1722} him {G5129} all {G3956} that believe {G4100} are justified {G1344} from {G575} all things {G3956}, from which {G3739} ye could {G1410} not {G3756} be justified {G1344} by {G1722} the law {G3551} of Moses {G3475}.

That is, God clears everyone who puts his trust in this man, even in regard to all the things concerning which you could not be cleared by the Torah of Moshe.

Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.

and by him every one that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Context

Acts 13:39 is a pivotal verse from the culmination of Paul's powerful sermon in Antioch of Pisidia, delivered in a synagogue to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. In this sermon, Paul traces the history of Israel, the coming of John the Baptist, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and ultimately presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. This verse serves as a summary declaration of the core gospel message, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's work over the Mosaic Law for salvation.

Key Themes

  • Justification by Faith in Christ: The primary message is that righteousness before God, or "justification," is granted to "all that believe" in Jesus Christ. This is a divine declaration that a person is righteous, acquitted of guilt, and reconciled to God. It underscores that salvation is not earned through human effort but received through faith.
  • Inadequacy of the Law of Moses: The verse explicitly states that there were "things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." The Law, though holy and good, revealed sin and provided a standard, but it could not ultimately remove sin or impart perfect righteousness. It served to point humanity to its need for a Savior, as discussed in Galatians 3:24.
  • Supremacy of Christ's Atonement: Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection provide a complete and final atonement for sins, something the animal sacrifices and rituals of the Old Covenant could not fully achieve. Through Him, believers are justified from all sins, including those that carried the death penalty under the Law or those that could not be purged by ceremonial rites.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "justified" (Greek: dikaioō). This word means to declare righteous, to acquit, or to set right. It's not merely about forgiveness of sins, but a positive declaration of a person's righteous standing before God. It signifies a legal and spiritual transformation where one is not only pardoned but also clothed with Christ's righteousness.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse offers profound assurance and freedom. It reminds us that our standing with God is not based on our perfect adherence to laws or self-effort, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. For those who believe, there is complete forgiveness and a declaration of righteousness, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn salvation. It calls us to place our full trust in Christ alone for salvation and to live in the freedom that comes from being justified by grace through faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 10:4

    For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

  • Galatians 2:16

    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

  • Romans 8:3

    For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

  • Hebrews 7:19

    For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

  • Romans 10:10

    For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  • Romans 8:1

    ¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • Romans 4:5

    But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
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