Five Things We Will Learn
- The Greek word for forgiveness in Acts 13:38 and its meaning.
- The Greek word for justification in Acts 13:39 and its significance.
- Why Paul addressed the Jews and God-fearers directly in Pisidian Antioch.
- How Paul contrasted the Law of Moses with forgiveness in Christ.
- Why his message divided audiences, fulfilling Jesus’ words about division.
Forgiveness Through Christ, Not the Law
Scripture (Acts 13:38):
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” (NIV)
The Greek word used here for forgiveness is aphesis (ἄφεσις), which means release, pardon, or letting go. Paul’s audience understood forgiveness as something received through temple sacrifices, but here he proclaimed a new reality—forgiveness now comes through Jesus.
This echoes the words of Jesus in John 3:19–21:
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”
Forgiveness in Christ is not merely a release from sin—it is also a call to step into the light. Each person chooses: embrace Jesus and walk in the light, or reject Him and remain in darkness.
Justification by Faith
Scripture (Acts 13:39):
“Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” (NIV)
The Greek word for justified is dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning to declare righteous, to acquit, or to make right before God. Paul emphasizes that this freedom and justification were impossible under the Law of Moses, but are now possible through faith in Christ alone.
Speaking to the Jews First
Paul delivered this message in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, addressing both Jews and Gentile God-fearers. By recalling their own scriptures and history, Paul connected their faith in the Law with its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Law revealed sin, but Jesus provides forgiveness and justification.
A New Way Over Sacrifice
For generations, Jews brought sacrifices to the temple for atonement. Paul’s bold declaration was that Jesus Himself is the perfect sacrifice. The old system was no longer the path to righteousness. Now forgiveness and justification come through faith in the Son of God.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
A Dividing Message
Paul’s preaching always brought division. Some listened with open hearts and received the gospel with joy, while others responded with jealousy, hostility, and resistance. This is not surprising—Jesus Himself warned:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
The gospel is not neutral. It cuts to the heart and forces a choice: to follow Jesus, the Light, or to remain in darkness. When Paul preached, he was not intentionally trying to divide people—rather, it was the truth of Christ that split the room. Jesus makes the division, but every person decides how they will respond.
Jesus explained it plainly in John 3:19–21:
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”
It is each person’s choice—accept Jesus and step into the light, or reject Him and remain in darkness. The message of Christ reveals hearts for what they truly are, and that exposure is what divides.
This reality means we should not fear the division that comes from faithfully speaking the truth. Our responsibility is to proclaim Christ clearly and with love, then allow people to choose. Some will say yes to Jesus—and for them, we must be ready to walk alongside them, discipling them into maturity. Others will say no—and that rejection often stirs up conflict, strife, and even persecution against believers.
Paul lived this tension. Once celebrated by Jews and feared by Christians, his conversion turned everything upside down. The church embraced him, while many Jews who once cheered him on now opposed him fiercely. The same pattern continues today: when the truth of Christ is preached, hearts are split, and we must be prepared for both outcomes.
Fear of God vs. Fear of Men
Because of the very nature of the truth, the truth divides. That’s why we must live with the fear of the Lord rather than the fear of man. People will flip-flop in their opinions, shifting with culture, pressure, or personal gain. But God never changes. To fear Him is to remain anchored in what is eternal, unshakable, and true.
Paul himself declared in Galatians 1:10:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Our calling is not to please people, but to stand with God—boldly declaring His Word and walking with those who choose to follow Jesus. As they step into the light, we are called to help them grow, making disciples who will, in turn, make disciples.