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Acts 13:39

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Acts 13:39

Verse 39 of 52

Scripture focus

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 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 13:39

Theological / Devotional

By him. Or “in him,” meaning justification is obtained through vital connection with Christ.

All that believe. Or “everyone that believeth,” a highly personalized statement as the gospel itself.

Are justified. Or “is justified.” The verb is unique in Acts. In Paul’s teaching this is the first recorded doctrine of justification, characteristic of his theology (Rom. 3:21-26). In the context of forgiveness, “justified” means “acquitted,” “declared not guilty.”

Not be justified. Compare Rom. 3:27, 28; Gal. 2:16-21. The law demands entire obedience and witnesses to sin’s awfulness but cannot liberate conscience or bring righteousness. Paul discovered freedom from guilt and true life only through faith in Jesus. “The just shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11).

Law of Moses. To Paul’s hearers this meant the Torah, the Pentateuch as interpreted by scribes.

By SdaBc