Acts 13:40

"and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses."

Key Reflection

In Acts 13:40, Paul asserts that through Jesus, everyone who believes in Him is justified for all sins—both those known and unknown—something impossible to achieve through adherence to the Law of Moses alone. This statement challenges the Jewish audience's reliance on their legalistic practices, emphasizing instead the sufficiency of faith in Christ for righteousness. The cultural context here involves contrasting the rigorous Mosaic law with the broader, more inclusive grace offered by Jesus, highlighting that true justification transcends mere ritual observance and requires a transformational relationship with God through faith.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 40,41. Beware therefore. Avoid that which is threatened. It will come on some; and Paul exhorted his hearers to beware lest it should come on them. It was the more important to caution them against this danger, as the Jews held that they were safe. Lest that come. That calamity, that threatened punishment. In the prophets. In that part of the Scriptures called "the prophets." The Jews divided the Old Testament into three parts, of which "the book of the prophets" was one. See Barnes "Lu 24:44". The place where this is recorded is Hab 1:5. It is not taken from the Hebrew, but substantially from the Septuagint.

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