Acts 26:20
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.
First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem
This phrase highlights the initial focus of Paul's ministry. Damascus is significant as the place of Paul's conversion (Acts 9:3-6), marking the beginning of his transformation from persecutor to apostle. Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish worship and the early church, represents the continuity of God's work from the Old Covenant to the New. The Greek word for "first" (πρῶτον, prōton) indicates the priority and sequence in Paul's mission, emphasizing the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

and then to everyone in the region of Judea
This phrase expands the scope of Paul's ministry beyond the initial cities. Judea, the surrounding region of Jerusalem, was a significant area for the early church's growth. The Greek term for "everyone" (πᾶσιν, pasin) underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message, breaking down barriers and reaching all people within the Jewish heartland. Historically, this reflects the early church's mission strategy, which began with the Jews before extending to the Gentiles.

and to the Gentiles
This phrase marks a pivotal shift in the early Christian mission. The term "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē) refers to all non-Jewish peoples, highlighting the universal nature of the Gospel. Paul's calling as the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13) fulfills the prophetic vision of God's salvation reaching the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). This expansion reflects the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers, a central theme in the New Testament.

I declared that they should repent and turn to God
The core of Paul's message is encapsulated in this phrase. "Repent" (μετανοεῖν, metanoein) involves a profound change of mind and heart, a turning away from sin. "Turn to God" (ἐπιστρέφειν, epistrephein) signifies a deliberate reorientation towards God, embracing His will and purposes. This call to repentance is consistent with the prophetic tradition (e.g., Joel 2:12-13) and the teachings of Jesus (Mark 1:15), emphasizing the necessity of a transformed life in response to God's grace.

performing deeds worthy of their repentance
This phrase underscores the tangible evidence of genuine repentance. The Greek word for "deeds" (ἔργα, erga) implies actions that reflect an inward change. "Worthy" (ἄξια, axia) suggests a standard or measure, indicating that true repentance results in a life that aligns with God's righteousness. This concept is echoed in James 2:17, where faith without works is dead, emphasizing that authentic faith manifests in righteous living. Historically, this call to ethical transformation was a radical departure from mere ritual observance, challenging believers to embody the values of the Kingdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)
The apostle who is speaking in this passage, recounting his ministry and the message he preached.

2. Damascus
The city where Paul first began his ministry after his conversion on the road to Damascus.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and a significant location in Paul's ministry.

4. Judea
The region surrounding Jerusalem, where Paul also preached the message of repentance.

5. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people to whom Paul extended his ministry, emphasizing the universal nature of the Gospel.
Teaching Points
Repentance as a Turning Point
True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, leading to a transformation in behavior. It is not merely feeling sorry for sin but turning away from it and towards God.

The Universality of the Gospel
Paul's ministry to both Jews and Gentiles highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Salvation through Christ is available to all, regardless of background or ethnicity.

Deeds as Evidence of Faith
Genuine repentance will manifest in actions. Our deeds should reflect the change that has occurred within us, serving as evidence of our faith and commitment to God.

The Role of Obedience in Faith
Obedience to God's commands is a natural outcome of true repentance and faith. It is through our actions that we demonstrate our love and devotion to God.

The Importance of Witnessing
Paul's example encourages believers to share the message of repentance and faith with others, fulfilling the Great Commission and expanding the reach of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's message of repentance in Acts 26:20 compare to the message of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:8?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our deeds are worthy of our repentance, as Paul describes?

3. How does Paul's ministry to both Jews and Gentiles challenge us to reach out to diverse groups in our own communities?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to demonstrate our faith through our actions, as encouraged in James 2:17?

5. How can we be more effective witnesses of the Gospel in our daily lives, following Paul's example in Acts 26:20?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 3:8
This verse speaks about producing fruit in keeping with repentance, which aligns with Paul's message of performing deeds worthy of repentance.

Luke 24:47
Jesus commands that repentance and forgiveness of sins be preached to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, which mirrors Paul's ministry approach.

Romans 1:16
Paul declares that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, reflecting the order of his ministry.

2 Corinthians 7:10
Discusses godly sorrow leading to repentance, which is a theme in Paul's message of turning to God.

James 2:17
Faith without works is dead, which complements the idea of performing deeds worthy of repentance.
The Mission and Burden of the EvangelistP.C. Barker Acts 26:20
Patti's Defence Before AgrippaD. C. Hughes.Acts 26:1-32
Paul Before AgrippaJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 26:1-32
Paul Before AgrippaD. Katterns.Acts 26:1-32
Paul Before AgrippaJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 26:1-32
Paul Before Festus and AgrippaE. Johnson Acts 26:1-32
Paul's Defence Before AgrippaD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 26:1-32
Paul's Defence Before AgrippaJ. W. Burn.Acts 26:1-32
Paul's Sermon Before AgrippaT. D. Witherspoon, D. D.Acts 26:1-32
Paul's Stretched-Out ArmK. Gerok.Acts 26:1-32
That Many Rest Upon a Strict Way of ReligionA. Burgess.Acts 26:1-32
The Apostolic Defense in the Presence of Festus and AgrippaR.A. Redford Acts 26:1-32
Heavenly Visions and Human DutyTheodore Hooke.Acts 26:19-23
Man Dependent Upon God for Natural and Spiritual LifeR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Acts 26:19-23
Obedience to the Heavenly VisionA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 26:19-23
PerseveranceS. Baring Gould.Acts 26:19-23
Preaching to the GentilesS. S. TimesActs 26:19-23
Repentance Should be ImmediateC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 26:19-23
The Arguments on Both Sides of the Question Concerning the Validity of a Death Bed RepentanceR. Fiddes, D. D.Acts 26:19-23
The Gospel MinistryJ. L. F. Russell, M. A.Acts 26:19-23
The Heavenly VisionA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 26:19-23
The Heavenly VisionH. S. Lunn.Acts 26:19-23
The Nature of the Gospel MinistryJ. Parsons.Acts 26:19-23
The Three Stages of the Spiritual LifeDean Plumptre.Acts 26:19-23
Visions of the SoulT. Monod.Acts 26:19-23
The Penalty and the Resources of a Devoted LifeW. Clarkson Acts 26:20-23
People
Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, Paul, Saul
Places
Caesarea, Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Announced, Appropriate, Change, Changed, Coasts, Consistent, Crooked, Damascus, Declared, Declaring, Deeds, Fruits, Generation, Gentiles, Heart, Jerusalem, Judaea, Judea, Kept, Meet, Nations, Perform, Performing, Perverse, Preach, Preached, Preaching, Proceeded, Prove, Reform, Reformation, Region, Repent, Repentance, Shewed, Showed, Throughout, Turn, Works, Worthy
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 26:20

     1445   revelation, responses
     5472   proof, evidence
     6627   conversion, nature of
     6733   repentance, nature of
     7741   missionaries, task
     7756   preaching, content
     8489   urgency

Acts 26:15-23

     7512   Gentiles, in NT

Acts 26:17-20

     5263   communication

Acts 26:19-21

     7505   Jews, the

Library
April 20 Evening
Who art thou Lord? I am Jesus.--ACTS 26:15. It is I; be not afraid.--When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, . . . thy Saviour. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.--Emmanuel, God with us. Thou shalt
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 26 Evening
The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.--REV. 21:23. I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.--Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ's Remonstrances
'And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why perseoutest thou Me! it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.'--ACTS xxvi. 14. 'Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?' No. But God can change the skin, because He can change the nature. In this story of the conversion of the Apostle Paul--the most important thing that happened that day--we have an instance how brambles may become vines; tares
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Faith in Christ
'...Faith that is in Me.'--ACTS xxvi. 18. It is commonly said, and so far as the fact is concerned, said truly, that what are called the distinguishing doctrines of Christianity are rather found in the Epistles than in the Gospels. If we wish the clearest statements of the nature and person of Christ, we turn to Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. If we wish the fullest dissertation upon Christ's work as a sacrifice, we go to the Epistle to the Hebrews. If we seek to prove that men are justified by
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'The Heavenly vision'
'Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.' Acts xxvi. 19. This is Paul's account of the decisive moment in his life on which all his own future, and a great deal of the future of Christianity and of the world, hung. The gracious voice had spoken from heaven, and now everything depended on the answer made in the heart of the man lying there blind and amazed. Will he rise melted by love, and softened into submission, or hardened by resistance to the call of the exalted
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Me a Christian!'
'Then Agrlppa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.'--ACTS xxvi 28. This Agrippa was son of the other Herod of whom we hear in the Acts as a persecutor. This one appears from other sources, to have had the vices but not the force of character of his bad race. He was weak and indolent, a mere hanger-on of Rome, to which he owed his kingdom, and to which he stoutly stuck during all the tragedy of the fall of Jerusalem. In position and in character (largely resulting from the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Before Governors and Kings'
'Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judsea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Eighteenth Day. Holiness and Faith.
That they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.'--Acts xxvi. 18. The more we study Scripture in the light of the Holy Spirit, or practise the Christian life in His power, the deeper becomes our conviction of the unique and central place faith has in God's plan of salvation. And we learn, too, to see that it is meet and right that it should be so: the very nature of things demands it. Because God is a Spiritual and Invisible Being, every
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Nature of Enthusiasm
"And Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself." Acts 26:24. 1. And so say all the world, the men who know not God, of all that are of Paul's religion: of every one who is so a follower of him as he was of Christ. It is true, there is a sort of religion, nay, and it is called Christianity too, which may be practised without any such Imputation, which is generally allowed to be consistent with common sense, --that is, a religion of form, a round of outward duties, performed in a
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Almost Christian
"Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Acts 26:28. AND many there are who go thus far: ever since the Christian religion was in the world, there have been many in every age and nation who were almost persuaded to be Christians. But seeing it avails nothing before God to go only thus far, it highly imports us to consider, First. What is implied in being almost, Secondly. What in being altogether, a Christian. I. (I.) 1. Now, in the being almost a Christian is implied, First, heathen honesty.
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
I intend, this morning, to address myself more particularly to those who fear not the Lord Jesus Christ, but on the contrary, oppose him. I think I may be quite certain that I have none here who go the length of desiring to see the old persecution of the church revived. I do not think there is an Englishman, however much he may hate religion, who would wish to see the stake again in Smithfield, and the burning pile consuming the saints. There may be some who hate them as much, but still not in that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
[10] "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. "Then Agrippa said
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

The Publisher to the Reader.
There are no sermons I know of any divine or pastor in this kingdom, that have been more frequently printed, or more universally read and esteemed, than the elegant and judicious discourses of Mr. Binning, which were published after his death, at different times, in four small volumes. As there was a great demand for these valuable writings, about twenty six years ago; so these printed copies of them were compared with his own manuscript copy now in my hand, carefully revised, and then printed, in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Tillotson -- the Reasonableness of a Resurrection
John Tillotson, archbishop of Canterbury, renowned as a preacher, was born at Sowerby, in Yorkshire, in 1630, the son of an ardent Independent. After graduating from Clare College, Cambridge, he began to preach in 1661, in connection with the Presbyterian wing of the Church of England. He, however, submitted to the Act of Uniformity the following year, and in 1663 was inducted into the rectory of Veddington, Suffolk. He was also appointed preacher to Lincoln's Inn, was made prebendary of Canterbury
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Vol. 2

Sanctified by Faith
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."--Heb. 11:6. "That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."--Acts 26:18. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand."--Rom. 5:1, 2. Faith in the blood
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and Exhorted to the Exercise of Habitual Love to Him, and Joy in Him.
1. A holy joy in God, our privilege as well as our duty.--2. The Christian invited to the exercise of it.--3. By the consideration of temporal mercies.--4. And of spiritual favors.--5. By the views of eternal happiness.--6. And of the mercies of God to others, the living and the dead.--7. The chapter closes with an exhortation to this heavenly exercise. And with an example of the genuine workings of this grateful joy in God. 1. I WOULD now suppose my reader to find, on an examination of his spiritual
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Transformed
C. P. C. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "I send thee to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me."--Acts xxvi. 18. Dark lay the plain, a tangled wilderness, And dark the mountains in the mists afar-- A land of darkness where no order is, Nor moon, nor star-- There was the line of drear confusion drawn, The stones of emptiness lay
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

The Gospel According to Paul
C. P. C. Acts xxvi. 16 From the glory and the gladness, From His secret place; From the rapture of His Presence From the radiance of His Face-- Christ, the Son of God, hath sent me Through the midnight lands; Mine the mighty ordination Of the pierced Hands. Mine the message grand and glorious Strange unsealed surprise-- That the goal is God's Beloved, Christ in Paradise. Hear me, weary men and women, Sinners dead in sin; I am come from heaven to tell you Of the love within; Not alone of God's
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Defending Field Preaching
Between four and five we set out from Roughlee. But observing several parties of men upon the hills and suspecting their design, we put on and passed the lane they were making for before they came. One of our brothers, not riding so fast, was intercepted by them. They immediately knocked him down, and how it was that he got from among them he knew not. Before seven we reached Widdop. The news of what had passed at Barrowford made us all friends. The person in whose house Mr. B. preached, sent and
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Word
The third way to escape the wrath and curse of God, and obtain the benefit of redemption by Christ, is the diligent use of ordinances, in particular, the word, sacraments, and prayer.' I begin with the best of these ordinances. The word . . . which effectually worketh in you that believe.' 1 Thess 2:13. What is meant by the word's working effectually? The word of God is said to work effectually when it has the good effect upon us for which it was appointed by God; when it works powerful illumination
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Paul on his Own Conversion
'And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why perseoutest thou Me? 8. And I answered, Who art Thou, Lord? And He said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me. 10. And I said,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Saving Faith.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.--ACTS xvi. 30,31. This is one of the most abused texts in the Bible, and one which, perhaps, has been made to do quite as much work for the devil as for God. Let every saint present, ask in faith for the light of the Holy Ghost, while we try rightly to apply it. Let us enquire:-- 1. Who are to believe? 2. When are they to believe? 3. How are
Catherine Booth—Godliness

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