Acts 13:38-41 - Paul Preaches Jesus: The justifier of sinners Life in the Spirit (Part 1)

Lesson 46 Acts 13:38–41

1 . Introduction

As Paul brings his sermon in Pisidian Antioch to a climax, he turns from the fulfillment of prophecy to its personal implication: the justification of sinners through Jesus Christ. This final movement is no mere historical observation—it is a direct invitation and warning to everyone listening.

In these verses, Paul addresses the three core convictions of the Jewish mind:

God is active in Israel’s history

God has promised a future hope through the Messiah

God takes sin seriously and demands atonement

Paul's message is clear: Jesus Christ is the culmination of Israel’s history, the fulfillment of their messianic hope, and the only One who deals decisively with the problem of sin.

2 . Theological Context: From Guilt to Justification

Paul’s audience lived under the constant shadow of the Law, which revealed sin but could not remove guilt. The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to the seriousness of sin, but it could never cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 10:1–4). The Jew longed for something more—not just a covering of sin, but complete freedom from guilt and peace with God.

Paul proclaims that Jesus Christ alone provides what the Law never could: justification by faith—a complete, once-for-all declaration of righteousness.

3 . Exposition of Acts 13:38–41

3 .1 Verse 38 — Jesus Christ: The Justifier of Sinners

“Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

– This is the heart of Paul’s message. History was not just leading to Jesus Christ as King—it was leading to Him as Savior of sinners. – The word forgiveness (Greek: ἄφεσις) implies both pardon and release. Sin is not only guilt before God, it is bondage from which Jesus Christ sets people free. – Paul speaks in the present tense: “is proclaimed.” Justification is not a future hope, but a present reality for all who believe.

3 .2 Verse 39 — Justification Beyond the Law

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

– Here Paul uses legal language. Justified (Greek: δικαιόω) means to be declared righteous—not made righteous by effort, but credited with righteousness through faith (Romans 3:21–26). – The Law of Moses was never intended to save, but to reveal sin (Romans 7:7). Hebrews 9:6–10 affirms that Old Testament sacrifices could not perfect the conscience. – Paul’s radical claim: Jesus Christ provides full pardon, conscience-cleansing, and right standing with God—something no animal sacrifice or ritual ever could accomplish.

Key Cross References: – Romans 3:21–26: “A righteousness from God apart from the law has been made known…” – Galatians 2:16: “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ…” – 1 Corinthians 1:30: “…Christ Jesus, who became for us… our righteousness…” – Galatians 3:11: “The righteous shall live by faith.”

3 .3 Verses 40–41 — A Final Warning from the Prophets

“Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (Habakkuk 1:5)

– Paul ends with a solemn warning from the prophet Habakkuk. In the original context, this prophecy was about God raising up Babylon as judgment against Israel—a shocking, unbelievable judgment. – Paul re-applies it: if you reject Jesus Christ, you will face a greater judgment. – Unbelief in Jesus Christ is not intellectual neutrality—it is spiritual defiance. Refusing the gospel leads to perishing. – Many today deny eternal judgment because it offends modern sensibilities. But Paul says, “You cannot reject Jesus Christ and escape His judgment.”

4 . Theological Insights

– Justification Is by Faith Alone: This marks a total departure from performance-based religion. Through Jesus Christ, even the most law-bound conscience can find peace with God. – The Law Points, but Cannot Save: The Law condemns, reveals, and prepares. But only Jesus Christ fulfills and frees. – Sin Is Deadly Serious: From Genesis to Leviticus to 2 Samuel, the Old Testament makes clear—sin brings death. – Judgment Is Real: The gospel is not only an invitation but a warning. Rejecting grace results in righteous judgment. – Jesus Christ Offers What Every Soul Longs For: A clean conscience, a secure standing, a justified life.

5 . Contemporary Application

– Rest from Guilt: Are you still trying to earn God’s favor? Let go of self-justification and rest in Jesus Christ’s finished work. – Clarity About Salvation: Justification is not earned. It is not a reward—it is a gift received by faith in the One who took your place. – Proclaim the Whole Gospel: Don’t only speak of love and forgiveness. Like Paul, include both the promise of salvation and the warning of judgment. – Live as One Justified: Let your daily life reflect the joy, security, and humility that comes from being made right with God—not by your performance but by Jesus Christ.

6 . Conclusion

Paul began this sermon by rehearsing Israel’s history. He declared Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of prophecy and the center of history. Now he declares Him as the Justifier of sinners, the One who alone grants forgiveness and righteousness. And he ends with a prophet’s voice: Believe, or perish.

You either trust Jesus Christ for justification, or you stand under the judgment of the God you rejected. But today—yes, today—this Savior is proclaimed to you.