Acts 3:26

KJV

Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto you {G5213} first {G4412} God {G2316}, having raised up {G450} his {G846} Son {G3816} Jesus {G2424}, sent {G649} him {G846} to bless {G2127} you {G5209}, in {G1722} turning away {G654} every one {G1538} of you {G5216} from {G575} his iniquities {G4189}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So it is to you first that God has sent his servant whom he has raised up, so that he might bless you by turning each one of you from your evil ways.”

Berean Standard Bible

When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

American Standard Version

Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:26 serves as the potent conclusion to Peter's second sermon in Jerusalem, delivered to the Jewish people after the miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple gate. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering redemptive initiative, revealing His strategic priority in sending Jesus, His resurrected Son, first to Israel. The ultimate purpose of Jesus' mission is presented not as judgment, but as a profound spiritual blessing: the turning away of each individual from their iniquities, thereby offering a path to reconciliation and restoration with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 3:26 concludes Peter's powerful address to the Jewish crowd gathered in Solomon's Portico, immediately following the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-10). Peter seizes this moment to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah, whom they had rejected and crucified, but whom God raised from the dead (Acts 3:11-15). He then calls them to repentance and conversion, linking their actions to the fulfillment of prophetic promises made to their forefathers (Acts 3:17-25). This final verse, [Acts 3:26](/acts/3-26 "Acts 3:26 - God's Blessing Through Jesus"), serves as a climactic summary of God's redemptive purpose, emphasizing both divine initiative and the transformative nature of the blessing offered through Jesus, providing a clear call to action after the theological exposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's sermon is delivered in the temple courts, a central gathering place for Jewish people in Jerusalem. The audience consists primarily of Jews who are deeply rooted in their covenantal heritage, familiar with the Law, the Prophets, and the promises made to Abraham. The phrase "Unto you first" (G4412 _prōton_) resonates deeply with the Jewish understanding of their unique status as God's chosen people, to whom the promises of the Messiah were first given. This reflects the historical reality of God's covenant with Israel and the initial focus of the gospel message on the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (cf. [Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to Israel") and [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Gospel for Jew and Gentile")). The concept of "iniquities" (G4189 _ponēría_) would have been understood within the framework of Jewish law as transgressions against God's commands, leading to spiritual defilement and separation from God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. It highlights **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises** to Israel, even in their rejection of the Messiah, by prioritizing them in the initial proclamation of the gospel. It underscores the **centrality of Jesus' resurrection** as the divine vindication of His Messiahship and the foundation for His ongoing redemptive work. Furthermore, it defines the **nature of true blessing** not as material prosperity, but as spiritual transformation—the turning away from sin. This concept of **repentance and conversion** (cf. [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance")) is a foundational call in the early apostolic preaching, emphasizing a decisive change of heart and life that aligns with God's righteous will. The verse also implicitly touches upon the theme of **God's sovereign plan of salvation**, demonstrating His active role in initiating and accomplishing redemption through His Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb (G450) signifies "to stand up," "to arise," or "to raise up (again)." In the context of Jesus, it carries a dual meaning. Primarily, it refers to His **resurrection** from the dead, God's powerful act of vindication. Secondarily, in Acts, it can also refer to God "raising up" Jesus as a prophet like Moses (cf. [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - The Prophet Like Moses")), indicating His divinely appointed role and authority.
* **bless (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** This word (G2127) means "to speak well of," "to praise," or "to invoke a benediction upon." Here, it describes God's gracious act of bestowing spiritual favor and well-being upon humanity through Jesus. It signifies the impartation of divine goodness and spiritual benefit, moving beyond mere words to tangible spiritual transformation.
* **turning away (Greek, _apostréphō'_):** This verb (G654) means "to turn away or back," literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes a decisive and active turning from a previous course of life. It implies a moral and spiritual reorientation, a departure from sinful practices and a re-alignment with God's will.
* **iniquities (Greek, _ponēría'_):** This noun (G4189) refers to "depravity," "malice," or "wickedness." In its plural form, as used here, it can concretely refer to "plots" or "sins." It encompasses a broad range of moral evil, lawlessness, and actions contrary to God's righteous character and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto you first God":** This phrase highlights God's divine initiative and the priority given to the Jewish people in His redemptive plan. It underscores His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to Israel, making them the initial recipients of the gospel message.
* **"having raised up his Son Jesus":** This clause emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus as the foundational act of God's redemptive work. It signifies God's vindication of Jesus and His divine appointment as the Messiah and Savior, the one through whom all blessing flows.
* **"sent him to bless you":** This states the benevolent purpose of Jesus' mission. God sent Jesus not to condemn, but to bestow a profound blessing upon humanity. This blessing is intrinsically linked to the spiritual transformation that Jesus facilitates.
* **"in turning away every one of you from his iniquities":** This final clause specifies the nature of the blessing. The ultimate spiritual benefit conferred by Jesus is the deliverance from sin. It involves a personal and decisive repentance, a turning from a life of wickedness and disobedience towards a life aligned with God's righteous standards.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 3:26 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "Unto you first" is an example of **Emphasis**, underscoring the initial, divinely ordained priority of the gospel message for the Jewish people, linking back to God's covenantal faithfulness. The dual meaning of "raised up" (G450 _anístēmi'_) as both resurrection and divine appointment as a prophet/servant is a form of **Double Entendre** or **Polysemy**, enriching the theological depth of Jesus' role. The entire verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, succinctly encapsulating the core message of Peter's sermon and the purpose of Jesus' mission. Furthermore, the contrast between "bless you" and "turning away...from his iniquities" highlights **Paradoxical Blessing**, where true blessing is found not in worldly gain, but in liberation from sin, a concept central to the gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:26 is a profound theological statement, revealing God's character as both just and merciful. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel, by offering them the first opportunity for salvation through Jesus. This verse establishes that the ultimate blessing God desires to bestow is not material prosperity but spiritual transformation—a liberation from the bondage and guilt of sin. This turning away from iniquity is the necessary response to God's gracious initiative, leading to reconciliation and true fellowship with Him. It highlights that God's plan for humanity's redemption is deeply personal, requiring individual repentance, yet universally available through the singular work of Jesus Christ.

* [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed")
* [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Jesus Redeems Us from Lawlessness")
* [Romans 11:26-27](/romans/11-26-27 "Romans 11:26-27 - All Israel Will Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:26 offers a timeless message of hope and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's primary desire is to bless humanity, and His greatest blessing is deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. This verse calls us to recognize the profound goodness of God, who, even when faced with human rebellion and rejection, continues to extend grace and a path to restoration. For us, this means embracing the transformative power of Jesus' work, allowing Him to turn us away from our own iniquities. It prompts us to examine areas of our lives where we still cling to sin and to actively choose repentance, aligning our hearts and actions with God's righteous will. The call to "turn away" is not a passive intellectual assent but an active, ongoing process of spiritual reorientation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to true freedom and peace with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's initiative in sending Jesus "first" to Israel deepen your appreciation for His faithfulness to His covenants?**
* **In what ways do you personally experience the "blessing" of being turned away from your iniquities by Jesus?**
* **What specific areas of your life might God be calling you to "turn away" from more decisively, in order to experience His fuller blessing?**

### FAQ
**What does "Unto you first" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "Unto you first" (G4412 _prōton_) signifies God's divine priority and strategic order in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It means that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ was initially and primarily directed to the Jewish people. This reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants, establishing Israel as the chosen nation through whom the Messiah would come and through whom the initial proclamation of the gospel would be made (cf. [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Gospel for Jew and Gentile")). While salvation is ultimately for all humanity, God's historical dealings began with Israel.

**Is the "blessing" mentioned here primarily material prosperity?**

Answer: No, the "blessing" (G2127 _eulogéō_) in Acts 3:26 is not primarily about material prosperity, though God certainly blesses His people in many ways. The verse explicitly defines the nature of this blessing: "in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." This indicates a profound spiritual transformation. God's greatest blessing is deliverance from the guilt, power, and consequences of sin, leading to reconciliation with Him and the restoration of a right relationship. This spiritual blessing is far more valuable and enduring than any earthly wealth, as it addresses the deepest human need for forgiveness and renewal (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:26 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus is presented as the divinely "raised up" Son, signifying both His glorious resurrection from the dead and His appointment as the promised Messiah and Servant of the Lord (cf. [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). God "sent Him to bless" humanity, and this blessing is intrinsically tied to Jesus' work on the cross and His ongoing intercession. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His atoning sacrifice, the power of sin is broken. The "turning away every one of you from his iniquities" is made possible only through faith in Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin (cf. [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Jesus' Blood")). Thus, Jesus is not merely the messenger of blessing, but the very embodiment and means of that blessing, providing the path for humanity to be reconciled to God and live a life transformed by His grace, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a Savior who would deliver His people from their sins (cf. [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")).

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

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Acts 3:22

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Acts 3:25

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

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.

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.