2 Paul stresses that salvation comes through the cross of Christ. His main goal in this sermon isn’t to teach an ethical system. Rather, he announces that “to us has been sent the message of this salvation” and that “through [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:26, 38).1 This good news about salvation is grounded in specific historical events—Jesus’ death and resurrection. This strong focus on the cross and the empty tomb remained central to Paul’s teaching in the letters he