Acts 13:39
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Original Language Analysis
καί
And
G2532
καί
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπό
from
G575
ἀπό
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ὤν
from which
G3739
ὤν
from which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 17
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Μωσέως
of Moses
G3475
Μωσέως
of Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
10 of 17
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
δικαιοῦται
are justified
G1344
δικαιοῦται
are justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
11 of 17
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 10:4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.Romans 8:3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:Hebrews 7:19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.Romans 10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Romans 4:15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.Hebrews 10:11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Historical Context
This is Paul's earliest recorded statement on justification by faith, predating Romans and Galatians. The Jewish audience would have understood 'law of Moses' as the entire Torah system including sacrifices, which provided ritual cleansing but not ultimate forgiveness (Hebrews 10:4). Paul's gospel here provoked both interest (v.42) and violent opposition (v.45, 50).
Questions for Reflection
- How does justification 'from all things' address sins the law couldn't cover?
- In what areas do you still try to achieve standing with God through performance rather than faith in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses—Paul articulates justification by faith alone, his signature doctrine. The contrast is stark: by him (ἐν τούτῳ) versus by the law of Moses (ἐν νόμῳ Μωϋσέως). All that believe are justified (πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων δικαιοῦται) makes faith, not works, the instrumental cause. From all things (ἀπὸ πάντων) indicates comprehensive righteousness covering every sin—what the law exposed but couldn't remedy. The law revealed sin's standard but lacked power to forgive or transform. Christ provides both.