ACTS 13:26–41
JUSTIFICATION THROUGH JESUS AND THE CALL TO BELIEVE
Text – Acts 13:26–41
26 “My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has this word of salvation been sent.
27 The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read every sabbath.
28 For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
29 and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
30 But God raised him from the dead,
31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses before the people.
32 We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors he has brought to fulfillment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus,
33 as it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you.’
34 And that he raised him from the dead, never to return to corruption, he has spoken thus, ‘I will give you the benefits assured to David.’
35 Therefore he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.’
36 Now David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep and was buried with his ancestors and did see corruption;
37 but the one whom God raised up did not see corruption.
38 Let it be known to you, my brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
39 and in him everyone who believes is justified from all the things from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses.
40 Be careful, then, that what is said in the prophets not come about:
41 ‘Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and perish; for I am accomplishing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe, even if someone announces it to you.’”
Historical and Jewish Context
Paul addresses both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue, grounding his proclamation firmly in Scripture. The execution “on a tree” recalls Deuteronomy’s language and highlights the scandal of the Cross. Paul’s use of the Psalms and prophetic texts reflects Jewish interpretive methods that saw Scripture as living and fulfilled in present events. The warning from Habakkuk was originally directed to Israel’s disbelief and is now reapplied to those who might reject the Gospel.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage contains one of the clearest apostolic proclamations of justification through Christ. Forgiveness of sins and justification are gifts flowing from the Resurrection, not from mere observance of the Mosaic Law. Faith is not opposed to the Law but fulfills its purpose by uniting believers to Christ. Paul affirms continuity with Israel’s promises while proclaiming the decisive newness of salvation in Jesus. The call to belief carries both promise and warning: grace must be received with faith and humility.
Parallels in Scripture
Psalm 2:7 – The Son begotten by God
Psalm 16:10 – The Holy One not seeing corruption
Isaiah 55:3 – The enduring covenant with David
Romans 3:21–26 – Justification by faith
Habakkuk 1:5 – Warning against unbelief
Key Terms
Word of salvation – God’s saving message fulfilled in Christ
Raised from the dead – Foundation of faith and justification
Forgiveness of sins – Core gift of the Gospel
Justified – Made righteous before God
Law of Moses – Covenant fulfilled, not abolished, in Christ
Believe – Faithful acceptance of God’s saving work
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 13:26–41 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, emphasizing the Resurrection as the source of forgiveness, justification, and new life in Christ.
Conclusion
Acts 13:26–41 proclaims that salvation is fully accomplished in Jesus Christ. Through His death and Resurrection, forgiveness and justification are offered to all who believe, calling every listener to a response of faith.
Reflection
Do I trust in Christ alone for forgiveness and salvation?
How deeply do I allow the Resurrection to shape my faith?
Am I open to God’s work even when it challenges my expectations?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, risen Savior, You offer forgiveness and new life to all who believe. Strengthen my faith, purify my heart, and help me to live in the freedom and joy of justification by Your grace. Amen.