Acts 20:21 – “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul summarizes the core message of the gospel that he faithfully preached to both Jews and non-Jews (Greeks). He emphasizes two essential responses to God’s message: repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

• Repentance means turning away from sin and toward God. It is not just feeling sorry for wrongdoing but making a decisive change in direction—rejecting sin and seeking God’s ways.
• Faith in Jesus is the trust and dependence on Christ as Savior and Lord. It means believing in His death and resurrection as the only means of salvation.

Paul makes it clear that salvation is not limited to any one group of people. The gospel is for both Jews and Greeks—for all people. Everyone must come to God the same way: through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

Paul spoke these words to the elders of the Ephesian church during his farewell speech in Miletus. He had spent years preaching the gospel across the Roman world, encountering both Jewish and Gentile audiences.

In Jewish thought, repentance was a familiar concept. The Old Testament frequently calls God’s people to repent and return to Him (Joel 2:12-13, Ezekiel 18:30-32). However, Paul emphasizes that repentance must now be paired with faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

For Gentiles, repentance was less familiar, as many were steeped in idolatry and pagan philosophies. But Paul insisted that everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—needed to turn from sin and believe in Jesus to be saved. This was a radical message in the diverse and pluralistic Roman world, where people worshiped many gods.

Paul’s ministry reflected Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), calling all nations to believe. This universal call of the gospel was a defining feature of Paul’s mission, and it remains essential today.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights two foundational doctrines of Christianity:

1. Salvation requires repentance. Turning away from sin is not optional—it is necessary. No one can cling to sin and follow Christ at the same time.
2. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not based on good works, religious rituals, or cultural background. Trusting in Christ’s sacrifice is the only way to be made right with God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Paul’s message also reinforces the idea that salvation is for all people. No one is excluded from the call to repent and believe, regardless of their background or past sins. This aligns with God’s heart for the world—that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Literary Analysis

Acts 20:21 is part of Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38). This speech is deeply personal, filled with emotion as Paul prepares to leave them, knowing he may never see them again.

In this verse, Paul sums up his entire ministry. He does not focus on miracles or church growth but on the central message of repentance and faith. This reflects the heart of biblical preaching: pointing people to a restored relationship with God through Jesus.

The structure of the verse is simple but powerful. The two commands—”turn to God in repentance” and “have faith in our Lord Jesus”—show that salvation is both an act of turning away (from sin) and turning toward (Jesus). The phrase “Jews and Greeks” emphasizes the universal reach of the gospel.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 1:15 – “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
  • Jesus Himself preached repentance and faith as the core response to the gospel.
• Luke 24:47 – “And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
  • The call to repentance is central to the gospel message.
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
  • Paul reaffirms that the gospel is for all people.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
  • Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through human effort.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 20:21 reminds us that true Christianity is not about religious rituals or good deeds—it is about a real change of heart. It challenges us to examine our own faith:

• Have we truly repented, or are we just trying to “add” Jesus to our lives without turning away from sin?
• Do we trust in Jesus fully for salvation, or are we relying on our own efforts?

For those who have already placed their faith in Christ, this verse is a call to share the gospel boldly. Just as Paul preached repentance and faith to all, we too must proclaim this message to a world that desperately needs it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse because He calls all people to repentance and faith. He does not desire anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), and He provides a way of salvation through Jesus.

If God did not love us, He would not warn us to repent. But because He does, He invites us to turn from sin and experience the joy of a restored relationship with Him. Repentance is not a burden—it is a gift that leads to life.

Faith in Jesus is also a reflection of God’s love. He sent His Son to die for our sins so that we could be saved. Salvation is not something we have to earn; it is something God freely offers because of His deep love for us.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the heart of this verse. Everything Paul preached pointed to Him.

• Jesus is the object of faith. Salvation is not found in a system or philosophy—it is found in a person (John 14:6).
• Jesus is the reason for repentance. His sacrifice on the cross makes forgiveness possible (1 John 1:9).
• Jesus preached the same message. He called people to “repent and believe” (Mark 1:15).

Paul’s ministry was simply a continuation of Jesus’ mission. Just as Jesus invited sinners to repent and follow Him, Paul did the same. And today, that same invitation stands.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you personally turned to God in repentance, or are there areas of your life that you still need to surrender?
2. What does it mean for you to have faith in Jesus? Are you trusting in Him alone for salvation?
3. How does knowing that the gospel is for “Jews and Greeks” (all people) shape the way you share your faith?
4. Why do you think repentance is such an important part of salvation?
5. How can you share the message of Acts 20:21 with someone in your life today?

Acts 20:21 is a powerful summary of the gospel message. Paul’s words remind us that repentance and faith in Jesus Christ are not just theological ideas—they are the foundation of our relationship with God. May we live in this truth and boldly share it with others.