Misinterpretations often include seeing this as automatic universal forgiveness without the need for personal faith or repentance, despite the next verse specifying belief as essential; limiting its scope to only the original Jewish hearers rather than extending to all people through the gospel; or crediting forgiveness to Paul's preaching or human effort instead of exclusively to Christ's atoning work and divine authority.
Acts 13:38
King James Version (1769)
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Paul declares to his audience in the Antioch synagogue that the gospel proclaims forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, the resurrected Messiah who fulfills Old Testament promises and offers what the law could not provide—complete justification to all who believe, emphasizing salvation by faith rather than works.