Acts 13 26

Acts 13:26 kjv

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

Acts 13:26 nkjv

"Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.

Acts 13:26 niv

"Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.

Acts 13:26 esv

"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.

Acts 13:26 nlt

"Brothers ? you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles ? this message of salvation has been sent to us!

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 26 Meaning

Acts 13:26 declares to the synagogue audience in Pisidian Antioch that the "word of this salvation" (the gospel of Jesus Christ) is sent to two distinct groups present: first, those of Jewish descent ("men, brethren, sons of the stock of Abraham") by right of covenant lineage; and second, the God-fearers ("whosoever among you feareth God"), referring to Gentiles who had embraced a degree of Jewish monotheistic worship without fully converting. Paul emphasizes that this divinely initiated message of salvation through Christ is directly for them.

Acts 13 26 Context

Acts 13:26 is part of Paul's first recorded sermon in Acts, delivered in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch during his first missionary journey with Barnabas. The sermon begins by tracing God's redemptive history with Israel, leading to the promise of a Savior from David's lineage, Jesus. Paul carefully establishes a bridge with his Jewish audience, reviewing their shared heritage and prophetic hopes. Verse 26 directly addresses the mixed congregation – the "sons of the stock of Abraham" (ethnic Jews and full proselytes) and the "God-fearers" (Gentiles attracted to Judaism, worshipping the God of Israel but not fully converted, like Cornelius in Acts 10). This verse serves as a crucial point of transition, extending the direct proclamation of the gospel beyond purely Jewish audiences to include Gentiles who already revered God, laying the groundwork for the gospel's expansive reach. Historically, synagogues of the Diaspora often contained these "God-fearer" adherents, making them strategic starting points for early Christian missions.

Acts 13 26 Word analysis

• Men, brethren (Gr. Andres adelphoi): A customary and respectful address for an assembly, particularly one of Jewish males. It emphasizes a shared lineage and community, even though some are God-fearers and not ethnically Jewish, highlighting spiritual brotherhood in shared faith in the God of Israel. It sets a conciliatory tone before introducing potentially divisive truth.
• sons of the stock of Abraham (Gr. huioi genous Abraam): This phrase identifies the Jewish audience as direct descendants of Abraham, underscoring their historical and covenantal connection to God's promises and the lineage through which the Messiah came. It speaks to their unique heritage as God's chosen people, heirs of the covenant established with their patriarch.
• and whosoever among you feareth God (Gr. kai hoi phoboumenoi ton Theon): This specific designation refers to Gentiles who had gravitated toward Jewish monotheism, participated in synagogue worship, and adopted some Jewish practices, but had not undergone full conversion (e.g., circumcision for males). They acknowledged and worshipped the God of Israel but remained Gentiles. Their inclusion here signifies the breaking down of the strict Jewish-Gentile divide for the reception of the gospel.
• to you: An emphatic dative, directly pointing to both categories of people in the synagogue. It highlights that the message is personally and specifically intended for them, rather than a general, detached statement.
• is the word (Gr. ho logos): This refers to the authoritative, divine message. In this context, it signifies the Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. The term "logos" carries significant weight in biblical theology, often denoting the very expression and manifestation of God's will and truth.
• of this salvation (Gr. tes soterias tautes): Points to a specific, unique, and new salvation provided through Jesus, as opposed to salvation conceived in purely nationalistic terms or through adherence to the Law alone. It implies the fulfillment of all previous divine provisions and promises. The demonstrative "this" emphasizes its immediate relevance and presence.
• sent (Gr. exapestale): From exapostellō, an aorist passive verb meaning "to send out, to send forth, to dispatch." The passive voice emphasizes that the "word" has been divinely initiated and commissioned. It conveys authority and purpose, implying that God Himself is actively extending this offer of salvation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Men, brethren, sons of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God: This complete address defines the mixed audience Paul is speaking to. It recognizes both the privileged position of ethnic Jews as inheritors of the covenant promises and the receptive hearts of Gentiles who had turned from idolatry to worship the one true God. This inclusiveness is pivotal for the spread of the Gospel, signifying its appeal and accessibility beyond Jewish exclusivity. It lays the theological foundation for the subsequent mission to the Gentiles.
• to you is the word of this salvation sent: This clause concisely states the core message's recipients and its divine origin. The gospel is not merely presented; it is dispatched by divine decree to specifically reach them. "This salvation" highlights the new, completed work of God through Jesus, distinguishing it from former covenants. It underscores the immediacy and divine intentionality behind the Gospel's arrival to that very assembly.

Acts 13 26 Bonus section

The concept of "God-fearers" (phoboumenoi ton Theon or sebomēnoi ton Theon) was significant in the Hellenistic world, where many Gentiles were drawn to the ethical monotheism of Judaism but often found the requirements of full conversion (like circumcision, dietary laws, and numerous other observances) a barrier. Synagogues in the Diaspora provided a community and instruction for these individuals. This pre-existing bridge between the Jewish and Gentile worlds was instrumental for the rapid initial spread of Christianity. Many of the first Gentile converts to Christianity were likely these "God-fearers" who had already moved past polytheism and were familiar with Old Testament scriptures, thus forming a "ready-made" audience receptive to the claims about Jesus as the Messiah who fulfilled these very scriptures without the burdensome legal requirements. The direct sending of "the word of this salvation" to them signifies God's prepared people across cultural boundaries.

Acts 13 26 Commentary

Acts 13:26 represents a foundational statement in the expansion of the early church. Paul's strategic address to both "sons of Abraham" and "God-fearers" within the synagogue shows the initial pattern of Christian mission, starting with Jewish communities but immediately recognizing the prepared ground among God-fearing Gentiles. This verse underscores the divine nature of the gospel message ("the word...sent"), portraying it not as a human invention but as God's authoritative proclamation of "this salvation," specifically revealed in Jesus Christ. The distinction between those "of the stock of Abraham" and "whosoever among you feareth God" highlights the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers for the sake of the gospel, setting the stage for the dramatic inclusion of Gentiles. It signifies that the promises made to Israel found their fulfillment in Christ, extending grace to all who would believe, regardless of their background, through faith.For example, a modern application highlights that the message of salvation is still sent to various people groups; it starts with those with a biblical heritage but extends to anyone earnestly seeking God.