Acts 13:38 Meaning: Forgiveness Only Through This Man
Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins;
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins:
`Let it therefore be known to you, men, brethren, that through this one to you is the forgiveness of sins declared,
Be it known unto you, therefore, brethren, that through this man remission of sins is preached to you,
Meaning in one sentence
In Acts 13:38, Paul preaches that forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus Christ alone, in contrast to the Law of Moses.
Context
Paul stands in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, invited to speak after the readings. He walks his hearers through Israel's history, from the exodus to King David, then announces that from David's line God has brought a Savior, Jesus. To prove Jesus is the Messiah, Paul points to the resurrection, quoting Psalm 16: David died and saw decay, but God raised Jesus undecayed. This leads to the sermon's climax: through this risen man, Jesus, remission of sins is proclaimed. The very next verse reinforces the point: everyone who believes in Jesus is justified from everything the law of Moses could not justify. It is a bold, clear announcement in the heart of Jewish worship.
Key Words
The word translated “remission” or “forgiveness” is aphesis. It carries the image of a release, a letting go, like opening a prison door or cancelling a debt. Paul does not say forgiveness becomes available one day in the future. He says it is proclaimed now through Jesus. The verb “is proclaimed” is katangellō, a herald’s word. It means to announce a public fact, not to offer a possibility. And the phrase “through this man” uses dia to point to Jesus as the exclusive channel. Together these words make one clear message: the release you need has been announced, and it comes only through Christ.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that forgiveness originates in Christ's work. Catholic and Orthodox teaching emphasizes that this forgiveness is applied through the sacraments of baptism and confession, which the Church administers under Christ's authority. Protestant traditions emphasize personal faith as the immediate means of receiving this proclaimed forgiveness. Both honor the core truth Paul declares: the law of Moses cannot justify, but through Jesus, everyone who believes is justified from all things. The debate is about how this gift is received, not who gives it.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume “remission of sins” means only a future pardon at the final judgment. In fact, the Greek word aphesis describes a present release, letting sins go now. Paul is announcing that through Jesus, your sins are already let go. You do not have to wait to be forgiven.
Living This Out
Maybe you are carrying a mistake you cannot undo. You have tried to make up for it, but the guilt stays. Paul’s words cut through the cycle. The forgiveness you need is not hiding in more effort. It is standing in a person, Jesus. This week, take five minutes each morning and say quietly: “Through Jesus, I am forgiven.” Let it sink in. Then live as someone set free, not because you earned it, but because it was proclaimed to you.
Main takeaway: Forgiveness from every sin is freely given through Jesus Christ, not through keeping the law.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus makes us clean inside. When we tell Him we are sorry, He forgives us. You do not have to be scared; He loves you.
For ages 9, 12
Paul told the people that Jesus is the only one who can take away sins. The law said you had to be perfect, but Jesus did something the law could not do: He gave us complete forgiveness. When you mess up, you can come to Jesus right away and know you are forgiven. It is not about being good enough; it is about trusting Him.
Questions People Ask
What does 'remission of sins' mean in Acts 13:38?
Remission means forgiveness. The Greek word aphesis pictures a release or letting go. Paul is announcing that through Jesus, sins are cancelled now, not just at the end of life.
Who is 'this man' that Paul refers to?
Paul is referring to Jesus Christ. In the previous verses he identified Jesus as the resurrected Messiah, the descendant of David who did not see decay.
How does this verse contrast with the Law of Moses?
In the very next verse (39), Paul says everyone who believes in Jesus is justified from everything the law of Moses could not justify. The law shows sin but cannot forgive it; Jesus provides full forgiveness.
Does Acts 13:38 teach that forgiveness is only through Jesus?
Yes. Paul says 'through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins.' The context, especially verse 39, makes clear that no other means can give the complete justification that Jesus offers.
Why does Paul say 'Be it known to you'?
This phrase (Greek gnōston estō) is a strong call to acknowledge something as certain. Paul is making a public declaration, not offering an opinion. He wants his hearers to accept this as settled truth.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study