Acts 26:20 – “First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Paul is testifying before King Agrippa about his mission and message. He recounts how, after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he obeyed God’s call to preach repentance and faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes three key elements:

1. Repentance – A call to turn away from sin and self-reliance.
2. Turning to God – An active step toward faith and obedience to Him.
3. Demonstrating repentance by deeds – True repentance is not just words; it shows up in a changed life.

Paul describes how he preached this message to Jews and Gentiles alike, making it clear that salvation is for all people. His testimony is proof that the gospel is life-transforming and that a person who truly turns to God will live differently.

Historical Context

Paul spoke these words during his defense before King Agrippa, a Roman-appointed ruler over Judea. He had been arrested because Jewish leaders opposed his message about Jesus. As he stood on trial, Paul did not shy away from boldly proclaiming the gospel, even though he was speaking before a king who had the power to influence his fate.

His mention of Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and the Gentiles shows how the gospel spread outward in accordance with Jesus’ command (Acts 1:8). Paul’s mission was not self-appointed; it was divinely given. His life-changing encounter with Jesus led him to preach this message to both Jews and Gentiles, despite the cultural and religious tensions of the time.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches key theological truths:

1. Repentance is necessary for salvation. True faith in Jesus involves a change of heart and turning from sin (Luke 24:47).
2. Salvation is for all people. Paul’s mission included Jews and Gentiles, reflecting God’s plan to bring salvation to the whole world (Romans 1:16).
3. True faith produces action. Genuine repentance is not just words but is demonstrated in a transformed life (James 2:17).

Paul’s message counters the idea that salvation is just intellectual belief. Instead, it is a radical change brought by God’s grace, leading to visible obedience.

Literary Analysis

Acts 26 is part of Paul’s legal defense before King Agrippa, but it reads more like a testimony than a self-defense. The structure follows a common biblical pattern:

1. Paul’s past as a persecutor of Christians (Acts 26:9-11).
2. His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:12-18).
3. His obedience in preaching the gospel (Acts 26:19-20).

Verse 20 functions as a summary of Paul’s mission, showing that his life was completely transformed by Christ. The progression from Damascus to the Gentiles symbolizes how the gospel started with the Jews and extended to the whole world.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:47 – “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Jesus’ command aligns with Paul’s mission.)
• Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Jesus’ plan for gospel expansion.)
• Matthew 3:8 – “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (True repentance results in a changed life.)
• James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (Faith and works go hand in hand.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Paul’s message remains just as relevant today:

1. Repentance is not just for conversion; it is a daily practice. Turning to God is an ongoing process.
2. Faith must be lived out. If we claim to follow Jesus, our lives should reflect it.
3. The gospel is for everyone. We should share it boldly, as Paul did, even when facing opposition.

In a world where people often separate belief from action, this verse reminds us that true faith transforms every part of our lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s love in several ways:

• God calls sinners to repentance. He does not leave us in our sin but invites us into a new life.
• He offers salvation to all people. His love extends beyond race, background, or past mistakes.
• He changes lives. God’s love is not just theoretical; it is powerful enough to transform us from the inside out.

God’s call to repentance is not about punishment but about restoration. Like a loving Father, He desires that we turn from what destroys us and run to Him for life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s message of repentance and faith is the very message of Jesus:

• Jesus preached repentance. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
• Jesus calls people to follow Him with their whole lives. “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
• Jesus is the one who makes repentance possible. His death and resurrection provide the way for us to be forgiven and changed (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Paul’s transformation mirrors what Jesus does for every believer—He takes people lost in sin and turns them into His witnesses.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does repentance look like in your life?
2. How can you demonstrate your faith through your actions?
3. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you share the gospel with them?
4. Have you ever struggled with separating belief from action? How does this verse challenge you?
5. In what ways do you see God’s love in His call to repentance?

This verse is a powerful reminder that faith in Jesus is life-changing. It challenges us not only to believe but to live out that belief daily.