Acts 26:20

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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

Literal

…but also first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, also to all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, I was declaring to repent and to turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Latin

…sed his qui sunt Damasci primum, et Jerosolymis, et in omnem regionem Judææ, et gentibus, annuntiabam, ut pœnitentiam agerent, et converterentur ad Deum, digna pœnitentiæ opera facientes.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

Acts 26:1–23

In his careful defense before King Agrippa, Paul argued that his message agreed fully with the Jewish faith. He began by respectfully recognizing Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish matters (26:2–3). He then described his early life, his training in Judaism, and his membership in the Pharisees (a Jewish group known for strict obedience to the law; 26:4–5).

Paul explained that the charges against him were only because he believed that God had fulfilled the Jewish hope of the resurrection (God raising the dead to life; 26:6–8).

He then told how he had once strongly opposed Christians (26:9–11), but changed after seeing a vision from Jesus on the road to Damascus (26:12–18; see 9:1–18).

Paul said that his preaching simply obeyed this message from God (26:19–20). Although some Jews opposed him violently (26:21), God protected him. He continued to teach a message that his fellow Jews should have accepted (22–23). This defense shows an example for Christians who are put on trial for their faith (see 9:15; Luke 21:12–15).

Theme notes and profiles

Herod Agrippa II Paul (Saul) The Good News Message

Events

Paul goes before Agrippac. AD 56

Related verses

Matthew 3:8
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:25–26
He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
2 Peter 1:5–8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
Luke 19:8–9
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
Revelation 2:5
Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Matthew 9:13
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Ephesians 4:17–5:25
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
1 Peter 2:9–12
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Parallels

Acts 9:1–19 Acts 22:1–21

Places

Damascus: Ancient city, capital of Syria, important in biblical history Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Judea: The southern region of Israel, centered around Jerusalem

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Book of the Acts of the Apostles Conversion Damascus Herod, Herodian Family Judaizers Judea, Judeans Paul the Apostle Procurator Titus Caesar

Topics

Conversion: Follows Repentance Converts: Sergius Paulus Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Damascus: Paul's Experiences In Defense of Paul Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Repentance: should be Accompanied by Conversion Repentance: should be Evidenced by Fruits Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Testimony: Religious, Exemplified

Acts 26:20

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?