Acts 13:38 Meaning and Explanation
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →After recounting Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances, Paul does not leave the congregation with history alone. He states why the resurrection matters for them: forgiveness of sins is now proclaimed through Jesus. The verse answers a personal question at the heart of the sermon: what does God's raising of Jesus mean for guilty people?
Because God raised Jesus, Paul announces to his hearers that forgiveness of sins is preached through him. Forgiveness is presented as public good news, offered through the risen Saviour rather than earned by human achievement.
The Context of Acts 13:38
Paul speaks in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia to Israelites and those who fear God. His sermon has moved from Israel's history and Davidic promise to Jesus' ministry, death, burial, and resurrection. He has argued that David saw corruption, whereas the One God raised did not. Verse 38 begins the conclusion with a direct announcement to "men and brethren." The next verse says that believers are justified by Jesus from matters from which the law of Moses could not justify them. Paul then warns against despising God's work. The following sabbath, Gentiles ask to hear these words again.
What Does Acts 13:38 Mean?
"Be it known unto you" gives the sentence the character of a solemn, open declaration. Paul calls his hearers "men and brethren," speaking directly to a gathered people who need to hear what God has done. "Through this man" points back to Jesus, whose resurrection has just been established in the sermon. Paul says forgiveness "is preached," or publicly proclaimed, rather than hidden away for a select few. Sins are real, and forgiveness is God's needed gift. The wording places Jesus at the center of the announcement: through him forgiveness reaches the congregation. Paul will immediately explain the saving result further in terms of justification for those who believe.
The "therefore" connects forgiveness to the whole argument of verses 23 through 37. God sent the promised Saviour from David's seed; Jesus was condemned though no cause of death was found in him; God raised him from the dead. Forgiveness is consequently not a detached religious idea. It belongs to God's fulfilled promise and to the risen Lord proclaimed by witnesses. Verse 39 guards against treating this as mere information, for Paul speaks of those who believe. At the same time, verse 38 begins with proclamation. The gospel is announced before it is received, and it calls hearers to reckon honestly with their sins and with God's gift through Jesus.
Jesus himself speaks of repentance and remission of sins being preached in his name after his resurrection. Acts 13 stands within that risen-Christ commission. Paul does not give a detailed account here of every question that may arise about repentance, faith, or continuing discipleship; the verse concentrates on the source and announcement of forgiveness. This concentration is pastoral. Those burdened by sin need more than a general assurance that God is merciful. They need to hear the name through whom forgiveness is preached. The chapter identifies that name with the crucified and risen Jesus, God's promised Saviour.
Bible Verses Related to Acts 13:38
“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
- Luke 24:46-47
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
- Acts 10:43
“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
- Acts 13:39
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
- Ephesians 1:7
Where Acts 13:38 Echoes in Scripture
Luke 24:46-47 strongly echoes Acts 13:38. The risen Jesus connects his suffering and resurrection with the preaching of repentance and remission of sins in his name among all nations. Paul's synagogue sermon shows that proclamation taking place: he announces forgiveness through Jesus on the basis of the resurrection God has accomplished.
How to Apply Acts 13:38 Today
We can bring our sins into the light before God without pretending they are small or excusing them. This verse directs our confidence toward Jesus, through whom forgiveness is preached. It also gives shape to Christian witness. We need not begin with speculation or shame-based pressure; we can speak plainly of God's saving work in the crucified and risen Christ. In congregations, families, and friendships, forgiveness can be named as good news for people who know their need. Faith receives this proclamation, and a forgiven life may grow in repentance, gratitude, repair, and mercy toward others.
Reflection & Prayer
Where do we need to hear afresh that forgiveness is proclaimed through the risen Jesus? Let us name our need truthfully and receive God's mercy with gratitude. Prayer: Merciful Father, through Jesus Christ grant us forgiveness and turn our hearts toward faithful, repentant living.