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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Men {G435} and brethren {G80}, children {G5207} of the stock {G1085} of Abraham {G11}, and {G2532} whosoever among {G1722} you {G5213} feareth {G5399} God {G2316}, to you {G5213} is {G649} the word {G3056} of this {G5026} salvation {G4991} sent {G649}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Brothers! — sons of Avraham and those among you who are ‘God-fearers’! It is to us that the message of this deliverance has been sent!

Berean Standard Bible

Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.

American Standard Version

Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:26 encapsulates the inclusive nature of the Gospel message as proclaimed by the Apostle Paul in his inaugural recorded sermon at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Addressing both Jewish descendants of Abraham and Gentile God-fearers, Paul declares that the divine message of salvation, centered on Jesus Christ, has been specifically "sent" to them, underscoring God's proactive initiative to offer redemption to all who are willing to receive it, thereby expanding the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond ethnic boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct address within Paul's sermon, which begins in [Acts 13:16](/acts/13-16 "Acts 13:16 - Paul's Sermon in Antioch"). Having been invited to speak after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, Paul seizes the opportunity to present the historical arc of God's dealings with Israel, culminating in the promised Messiah, Jesus. The preceding verses ([Acts 13:17-25](/acts/13-17-25 "Acts 13:17-25 - God's Faithfulness to Israel")) meticulously trace Israel's history from the Exodus, through the judges, to the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and then David, from whose lineage God promised a Savior. Verse 26 serves as the pivotal transition, moving from historical narrative to a direct proclamation of the Gospel's availability to his immediate audience, setting the stage for the core message about Jesus' death and resurrection that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's address takes place in a synagogue, a common gathering place for Jews and Gentile sympathizers (known as "God-fearers") in the diaspora. Pisidian Antioch was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia, strategically located and home to a diverse population. Synagogues were centers of Jewish life, worship, and study, and they often attracted Gentiles who were drawn to monotheism and Jewish ethics but had not fully converted to Judaism (which involved circumcision for males). This mixed audience is crucial to understanding Paul's two-pronged address. The presence of these "God-fearers," exemplified by figures like [Cornelius in Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"), provided a ready audience for the Gospel, as they already possessed a foundational knowledge of the Old Testament and believed in the one God. Paul's intentional inclusion of both groups highlights the early church's outreach strategy and the burgeoning tension between Jewish particularism and the universal claims of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and Pauline theology. Foremost is the **Universal Offer of Salvation**, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan is not confined to ethnic Israel but extends to all who "fear God," foreshadowing the massive Gentile inclusion that characterizes the rest of Acts and Paul's epistles. This theme is powerfully articulated later in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel") where Paul declares the Gospel is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Another key theme is the **Divine Initiative in Salvation**, emphasized by the phrase "to you is the word of this salvation sent." This highlights that salvation is not earned or discovered by human effort but is a gracious gift proactively sent by God, demonstrating His sovereign desire for humanity's reconciliation. Finally, the verse underscores the **Continuity and Discontinuity of God's Plan**, showing how the Gospel builds upon the promises made to Abraham and David, yet radically redefines the terms of inclusion, moving from a covenant based on lineage and law to one based on faith in Christ, a concept central to Paul's arguments in [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Law and Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stock (Greek, _génos'_):** From G1085, meaning "kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective). Here, it specifically refers to the lineage or descent from Abraham, emphasizing the ethnic and covenantal heritage of the Jewish people. Paul acknowledges their unique position as recipients of God's promises, setting the stage for how these promises are fulfilled in Christ.
* **feareth (Greek, _phobéō'_):** From G5399, meaning "to frighten" or (passively) "to be alarmed"; by analogy, "to be in awe of," or "revere." In this context, "feareth God" (phoboumenoi ton theon) is a technical term for Gentiles who had adopted Jewish monotheism and ethical practices, attending synagogues and revering the God of Israel without undergoing full conversion to Judaism (i.e., circumcision and full adherence to the Mosaic Law). Paul's direct address to them signifies the immediate availability of salvation through Christ, without the prerequisite of full Jewish conversion.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** From G4991, meaning "rescue or safety (physically or morally)." In the New Testament, particularly in Acts and Paul's letters, it primarily refers to spiritual deliverance from sin and its consequences, leading to reconciliation with God and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses not only forgiveness but also liberation from the power of sin and death, offering holistic well-being and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham,"**: Paul begins his address by identifying with his primary audience, the Jewish members of the synagogue. "Men and brethren" is a common respectful address, while "children of the stock of Abraham" specifically appeals to their shared heritage and their unique position as heirs of God's covenant promises. This acknowledges their historical and theological foundation, affirming their identity before introducing the new revelation.
* **"and whosoever among you feareth God,"**: This crucial phrase expands the audience to include Gentile "God-fearers." By explicitly addressing them, Paul signals the universal scope of the Gospel. He recognizes their spiritual earnestness and their existing reverence for the God of Israel, indicating that the message of salvation is accessible to them, not just to those of Jewish descent. This inclusion is foundational to the later development of the Gentile mission.
* **"to you is the word of this salvation sent."**: This is the core proclamation. The "word of this salvation" refers to the Gospel—the good news about Jesus Christ, His atoning death, resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins offered through faith in Him. The passive voice "is sent" (ἀπεστάλη, _apestalē_) emphasizes the divine initiative; this message is not a human invention or discovery, but a divine commission and gift. It highlights God's active pursuit of humanity, sending His message of rescue and redemption directly to this diverse audience in Pisidian Antioch.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's address in Acts 13:26 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address** (a form of **Apostrophe**), where Paul directly speaks to his audience using specific identifiers ("Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham," and "whosoever among you feareth God"). This creates an immediate, personal connection and ensures clarity regarding the intended recipients of the message. The phrase "word of this salvation" can be seen as **Metonymy**, where "word" stands for the entire message or discourse of the Gospel, embodying the comprehensive truth of redemption. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful moment of **Foreshadowing** for the broader narrative of Acts, signaling the pivotal shift from a predominantly Jewish focus to the inclusion of Gentiles, a central theme of Paul's ministry and the expansion of the early church. The very structure of the address, encompassing both Jews and God-fearers, demonstrates an **Inclusivity** that reflects the universal reach of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:26 stands as a theological watershed, articulating the expansive nature of God's salvific plan. It underscores that while God's covenant promises were initially given to Israel, their ultimate fulfillment in Christ transcends ethnic and legal boundaries. The "word of this salvation" is not merely information but a divine declaration, empowered by God Himself, demonstrating His desire for all humanity to be reconciled to Him. This verse sets the stage for the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant, where faith in Christ, not lineage or adherence to Mosaic Law, becomes the singular pathway to salvation. It highlights God's proactive grace, sending His message to those who are both historically prepared (Jewish descendants) and spiritually seeking (God-fearers), laying the groundwork for the global mission of the church.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel for Jew and Gentile")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Gentiles Included in God's Household")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:26 offers profound truths for contemporary believers and the church. Firstly, it powerfully reminds us of the Gospel's inherent inclusivity. God's salvation is for "whosoever" believes, transcending all human-made distinctions of race, social status, or past failures. This should ignite within us a passion for evangelism that reaches beyond our comfort zones, recognizing that every person, regardless of their background, is a potential recipient of this life-changing message. Secondly, the phrase "to you is the word of this salvation sent" emphasizes the divine initiative and urgency of the Gospel. It is not a message to be passively held but actively proclaimed, a divine gift entrusted to us for distribution. We are called to be faithful conduits through whom this "word" continues to be "sent" to a world desperately in need of rescue. Our understanding of the immense value of this salvation should compel us to share it with intentionality and compassion, knowing that God Himself desires all to come to repentance and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be unintentionally limiting the scope of the Gospel's reach in my own life or community?**
* **How does understanding God's active "sending" of this word impact my sense of urgency in sharing my faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am sharing the "word of this salvation" with both those who are culturally familiar and those who are "God-fearers" in my contemporary context?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul addressing both "children of the stock of Abraham" and "whosoever among you feareth God"?**

Answer: This dual address is highly significant because it immediately establishes the universal scope of the Gospel message. "Children of the stock of Abraham" refers to the Jewish people, who were the primary recipients of God's covenant promises and the initial audience for the Messiah. "Whosoever among you feareth God" refers to Gentile "God-fearers," individuals who had adopted Jewish monotheism and ethical practices but had not fully converted to Judaism. By addressing both groups, Paul demonstrates that God's plan of salvation, now fully revealed in Jesus, is available to both Jew and Gentile, breaking down the traditional barriers and foreshadowing the global mission of the church. This inclusive invitation is a foundational theme in Paul's ministry, as seen throughout the book of [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles") and his epistles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:26, proclaiming that "to you is the word of this salvation sent," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is not merely the subject of this "word of salvation" but its very embodiment. John's Gospel declares that [Jesus is the Word (Logos) made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the living expression of God's redemptive purpose. The "salvation" spoken of by Paul is realized through Christ's perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, which conquered sin and death. Jesus Himself articulated His mission as coming "[to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")," underscoring the divine initiative inherent in the "word...sent." Furthermore, the inclusivity of the message—sent to both "children of the stock of Abraham" and "whosoever among you feareth God"—is perfectly mirrored in Christ's universal call to repentance and faith. As Peter boldly proclaimed, "[there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mankind by which we must be saved](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")" than Jesus Christ. Thus, the "word of this salvation" is ultimately the person and work of Jesus, the one through whom God's redemptive plan for all humanity is fully accomplished and proclaimed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:5

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Luke 1:69

And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Isaiah 46:13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Luke 1:77

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

Matthew 3:9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.