Acts 26 20

Acts 26:20 kjv

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:20 nkjv

but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Acts 26:20 niv

First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

Acts 26:20 esv

but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

Acts 26:20 nlt

I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God ? and prove they have changed by the good things they do.

Acts 26 verses

Acts 26 20 Meaning

This verse is a pivotal declaration by the Apostle Paul before King Agrippa II. It summarizes his core apostolic mandate: to preach repentance and a turning towards God, demonstrated through deeds aligned with that repentance. The focus is on a genuine inner transformation that manifests in outward actions.

Acts 26 20 Context

This verse is spoken by Paul during his defense before King Agrippa II and other high-ranking officials in Caesarea Maritima. Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem following accusations from Jewish leaders that he had defiled the temple and incited unrest. He recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus and his subsequent commission from Jesus. Agrippa, a Jewish king with a keen interest in Judaism and Christianity, listens intently, famously stating, "In a short time you persuade me to be a Christian." This speech, the final of Paul's defenses recorded in Acts, is an apologia for his faith and ministry, seeking to vindicate himself and explain the Gospel he proclaimed.

Acts 26 20 Word Analysis

• Ἐξήλθον (exēlthen): "I went forth" or "I came out."

  • Emphasizes Paul's proactive step in fulfilling his mission, originating from Christ's directive.
  • Implies leaving behind his former life and engaging actively in proclamation.

• οὐκ ἐναντιωθεὶς (ouk enantitheis): "not acting against" or "not disobeying."

  • Highlights obedience to the heavenly vision and Christ's commands.
  • Suggests adherence to the divine will, avoiding opposition to it.

• τῇ οὐρανίῳ (tē ouraniō): "the heavenly."

  • Refers to the divine mandate received directly from God or Christ.
  • Stresses the supernatural origin and authority of Paul's mission.

• ἐπιοπτασμοί (epoptasmoi): "vision" or "apparition."

  • Points to the direct and personal encounter with the resurrected Christ.
  • This experience was the catalyst for his transformation and ministry.

• ἀλλὰ (alla): "but."

  • A strong adversative, contrasting Paul's obedience with potential defiance.

• πρώτῃ (prōtē): "first" or "earliest."

  • Indicates that this heavenly vision was the initial directive, forming the bedrock of his ministry.

• εὐαγγελιζόμενος (euangelizomenos): "preaching the good news" or "evangelizing."

  • The core of his apostolic function – proclaiming the Gospel.
  • The present participle indicates a continuous action.

• τό τε (to te): "both."

  • Connects two essential elements of his preaching.

• Εἰς Ἅιδην (Eis Haidēn): "unto Damascus."

  • The specific location where the proclamation began.
  • It marks the immediate outreach following his conversion.

• διαρπασμοῦ (diarpasmou): "plundering" or "spoils."

  • Metaphorically represents the rescue and salvation of souls from spiritual bondage or destruction.
  • Highlights the spiritual warfare aspect of the Gospel ministry.

• καὶ (kai): "and."

  • Joins the two primary components of his commission: repentance and turning to God.

• ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ (en Ierousalēm): "in Jerusalem."

  • Paul's subsequent ministry extended to Jerusalem, the religious center.
  • This shows the Gospel's reach into the heart of Jewish tradition.

• καὶ (kai): "and."

  • Connects Jerusalem with Judea and the Gentile nations.

• ἐν πάσῃ (en pasē): "in all."

  • Emphasizes the comprehensive scope of his ministry.

• τῇ χώρᾳ τῆς Ἰουδαίας (tē chōra tēs Ioudaias): "the region of Judea."

  • Marks the expansion of the Gospel within Jewish territories.

• καὶ (kai): "and."

  • Connects Judea with the Gentile world.

• τοῖς ἔθνεσιν (tois ethnesin): "to the Gentiles."

  • Highlights his specific, God-appointed commission to preach to non-Jews.
  • This was a crucial and sometimes contentious aspect of his ministry, fulfilling prophetic promises.

• Words Group: repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ

  • These two elements form the dual foundation of the Christian message.
  • Repentance is the human response of acknowledging sin and turning away from it.
  • Faith is the positive reliance on Christ for salvation.
  • The direction is key: repentance toward God and faith toward Christ.

• Words Group: repentance and turning to God, with the effect of forgiveness of sins and the reception of an inheritance

  • This reflects the transformative results of accepting the Gospel.
  • Repentance and turning initiate the process of forgiveness and reconciliation.
  • An "inheritance" signifies inclusion in God's eternal kingdom and blessings as His children.

Acts 26 20 Bonus Section

The concept of "repentance" (metanoia) in Greek signifies a change of mind, a radical reorientation of one's entire life and perspective, not merely sorrow for sins. Paul's "works" or "deeds" (erga) that demonstrate repentance, as alluded to in Luke 3:8 and Acts 26:20, are the outward manifestation of this inward transformation, echoing John the Baptist's call for fruits meet for repentance. His mention of "inheritance among those sanctified by faith in me" connects salvation to divine adoption and participation in the eternal kingdom of God, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament promises (e.g., Psalm 16:5-6; Isaiah 58:8-9).

Acts 26 20 Commentary

Paul unequivocally states his obedience to the divine commission received through a vision from Christ. His ministry was not self-initiated but a direct response to heavenly instruction. He began immediately by preaching in Damascus, proclaiming that people must repent and turn to God, and demonstrate this through their actions. This message extended to all Jews in Jerusalem and Judea, and crucially, to the Gentile nations, fulfilling his role as the Apostle to the Gentiles. The outcome of this repentance and turning, empowered by God, is the forgiveness of sins and the granting of a place within God's people—a spiritual inheritance. Paul emphasizes that this was the consistent message throughout his ministry, aligning perfectly with Christ's own teaching and commission.