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.
But {G235} shewed {G518}{G518} first {G4412} unto them of {G1722} Damascus {G1154}, and {G2532} at Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G5037} throughout {G1519} all {G3956} the coasts {G5561} of Judaea {G2449}, and {G2532} then to the Gentiles {G1484}, that they should repent {G3340} and {G2532} turn {G1994} to {G1909} God {G2316}, and do {G4238} works {G2041} meet {G514} for repentance {G3341}.
On the contrary, I announced first in Dammesek, then in Yerushalayim and throughout Y’hudah, and also to the Goyim, that they should turn from their sins to God and then do deeds consistent with that repentance.
First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance.
but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
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Matthew 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: -
Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; -
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. -
2 Timothy 2:25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; -
2 Timothy 2:26
And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. -
Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. -
2 Peter 1:5
¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Acts 26:20 is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense before King Agrippa II, where he succinctly summarizes the core message and scope of his divinely appointed ministry. It outlines the essential elements of his Gospel proclamation: a call to repentance, a turning to God, and the demonstration of that change through transformed lives.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's powerful testimony and defense before King Agrippa, Governor Festus, and other dignitaries in Caesarea. Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and the subsequent commission he received from the resurrected Christ. He explains that his preaching, which led to his arrest and current predicament, was not sedition or heresy but simply obedience to this heavenly vision. The preceding verses (Acts 26:16-18) detail Christ's specific instructions to Paul: to open the eyes of both Jews and Gentiles, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, so they might receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among the sanctified. Acts 26:20 then describes how Paul faithfully carried out this commission, beginning his ministry in Damascus, then Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and finally to the Gentiles.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "repent" is metanoeo, meaning "to change one's mind, to change one's purpose." It implies a transformation of one's inner disposition that leads to a new way of living. "Turn to God" uses epistrepho epi ton theon, which literally means "to turn back upon God" or "to turn oneself to God." This emphasizes the active turning away from a former life and towards a relationship with the Creator. The phrase "works meet for repentance" translates erga axia tes metanoias, where axia means "worthy" or "appropriate," indicating that outward actions should correspond to the inward change of repentance. This concept is crucial for understanding the biblical view that genuine faith will always manifest itself in good works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as its natural fruit.
Practical Application
Acts 26:20 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It reminds us that the call to repentance and turning to God is foundational to the Christian faith. True conversion involves both a change of heart and a subsequent change in behavior. Our lives should consistently reflect the transformation that has occurred within us, bearing "fruits worthy of repentance." Furthermore, Paul's example encourages us to share this same timeless message of salvation with all people, recognizing God's desire for everyone, regardless of their background, to come to repentance and find life in Him (2 Peter 3:9).