Acts 26:20
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.

English Standard Version
but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
but both first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, I kept declaring to repent and to turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

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

New King James Version
but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

New American Standard Bible
but continually proclaimed to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they are to repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.

NASB 1995
but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.

NASB 1977
but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.

Legacy Standard Bible
but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, practicing deeds appropriate to repentance.

Amplified Bible
but I openly proclaimed first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent [change their inner self—their old way of thinking] and turn to God, doing deeds and living lives which are consistent with repentance.

Christian Standard Bible
Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

American Standard Version
but declared both to them of Damascus first and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Contemporary English Version
First I preached to the people in Damascus, and then I went to Jerusalem and all over Judea. Finally, I went to the Gentiles and said, "Stop sinning and turn to God! Then prove what you have done by the way you live."

English Revised Version
but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judaea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, I spread the message that I first told to the [Jewish] people in Damascus and Jerusalem and throughout the whole country of Judea. I spread the same message to non-Jewish people. Both groups were expected to change the way they thought and acted and to turn to God. I told them to do things that prove they had changed their lives.

Good News Translation
First in Damascus and in Jerusalem and then in the whole country of Israel and among the Gentiles, I preached that they must repent of their sins and turn to God and do the things that would show they had repented.

International Standard Version
Instead, I first told the people in Damascus and Jerusalem, then all the people in Judea—and after that the gentiles—to repent, turn to God, and perform deeds that are consistent with such repentance.

Majority Standard Bible
First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone throughout 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.

NET Bible
but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.

New Heart English Bible
but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the non-Jews, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Webster's Bible Translation
But showed first to them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Weymouth New Testament
but I proceeded to preach first to the people in Damascus, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and to the Gentiles, that they must repent and turn to God, and live lives consistent with such repentance.

World English Bible
but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem, also to all the region of Judea, and to the nations, I was preaching to convert, and to turn back to God, doing works worthy of conversion;

Berean Literal Bible
but both first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, I kept declaring to repent and to turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Young's Literal Translation
but to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem, to all the region also of Judea, and to the nations, I was preaching to reform, and to turn back unto God, doing works worthy of reformation;

Smith's Literal Translation
But to them in Damascus first, and Jerusalem, and all the country of Judea, and to the nations, announcing to change the mind, and to turn back to God, doing works worthy of change of mind.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But to them first that are at Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and unto all the country of Judea, and to the Gentiles did I preach, that they should do penance, and turn to God, doing works worthy of penance.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I preached, first to those who are at Damascus and at Jerusalem, and then to the entire region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, so that they would repent and convert to God, doing the works that are worthy of repentance.

New American Bible
On the contrary, first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem and throughout the whole country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached the need to repent and turn to God, and to do works giving evidence of repentance.

New Revised Standard Version
but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But I preached first to them of Damascus and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the villages of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they might repent and turn to God and do works worthy of repentance.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But from the first I preached to those in Darmsuq, and to those in Jerusalem and those in all the villages of Judea, and I preached also to the Gentiles that they repent and be converted to God and to do deeds worthy of a return to God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but announced first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

Godbey New Testament
but first to those in Damascus, and also in Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and to the Gentiles, I was preaching that they should repent and turn to God, doing things worthy of repentance.

Haweis New Testament
but preached first to those at Damascus, and Jerusalem, and to all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, practicing works worthy of repentance.

Mace New Testament
first I warn'd the people of Damascus, of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and then the Gentiles, to repent, and turn to God, by acting suitably to their repentance.

Weymouth New Testament
but I proceeded to preach first to the people in Damascus, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and to the Gentiles, that they must repent and turn to God, and live lives consistent with such repentance.

Worrell New Testament
but I declared both to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and through all the region of Judea, and to the gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Worsley New Testament
but declared first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and through all the country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, and turn unto God, performing works suitable to repentance.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Testimony to Agrippa
19So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 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. 21For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.…

Cross References
Matthew 3:8
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.

Luke 3:8
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

Mark 1:15
“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

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.

Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Acts 17:30
Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.

Romans 2:4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Matthew 4:17
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Luke 24:47
and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.

Acts 20:21
testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.


Treasury of Scripture

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

first.

Acts 9:19-22
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus…

Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

and at.

Acts 9:28,29
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem…

Acts 22:17,18
And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; …

and then.

Acts 26:17
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Acts 13:46-48
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles…

Acts 14:16-21
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways…

repent.

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

turn.

Acts 9:35
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Acts 14:15
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Acts 15:19
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

and do.

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Jump to Previous
Appropriate Change Coasts Consistent Country Damascus Declared Deeds First Gentiles Heart Jerusalem Judaea Judea Kept Live Meet Perform Performing Preach Preached Preaching Proceeded Prove Region Repent Repentance Shewed Showed Throughout Turn Works Worthy
Jump to Next
Appropriate Change Coasts Consistent Country Damascus Declared Deeds First Gentiles Heart Jerusalem Judaea Judea Kept Live Meet Perform Performing Preach Preached Preaching Proceeded Prove Region Repent Repentance Shewed Showed Throughout Turn Works Worthy
Acts 26
1. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;
12. and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.
24. Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.
28. Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.
31. The whole company pronounces him innocent.














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.

(20) But shewed . . .--The verb is in the tense which sums up a long-continued activity, and stands in the Greek after the enumeration of those to whom the Apostle preached: But first to them of Damascus . . . and to the Gentiles I went on showing . . .

Throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles.--The words refer, in the first instance, to the visit after St. Paul's conversion (see Notes on Acts 9:29; Galatians 1:17-18); but the special mention of the Gentiles as following upon "the coasts (i.e., the region) of Judaea," points to an evangelising activity in Cilicia prior to the commencement of his work at Antioch.

That they should repent . . .--The three stages of the spiritual life are accurately noted: (1) the repentance for past sins, which is more than a regret for their consequences; (2) the "turning to God," which implies faith in Him, as far as He is known, and therefore justification; (3) the doing works meet for repentance (we note the reproduction of the Baptist's phrase; see Note on Matthew 3:8), which are the elements of a progressive sanctification.

Verse 20. - Declared for showed, A.V.; both to them of Damascus first for first unto them of Damascus, A.V. and T.R.; country for coasts, A.V.; also for then, A.V.; doing for and do, A.V.; worthy of for meet for, A.V. Them of Damascus first, etc. He enumerates his evangelical labors in the order in which they took place: at Damascus first, as related in Acts 9:19-22; then at Jerusalem, as in Acts 9:26-29; and then those on a larger and wider scale, among the Jews of Palestine and the heathen in all the countries which he visited. Throughout all the country of Judaea. This does not allude to any preaching in the land of Judaea at the time of his first visit to Jerusalem (Acts 9:25), because he says in Galatians 1:22, that at that time, viz. before he went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, he was still "unknown by face unto the Churches of Judaea." But he had opportunities later of preaching in Judaea. For instance, the language of Acts 11:29 suggests that such an opportunity may have arisen when Paul and Barnabas carried up the alms of the Christians at Antioch "unto the brethren that dwelt in Judaea." Another opportunity he manifestly had when he passed with Barnabas through Phoenicia and Samaria to Jerusalem, as related in Acts 15:3. Another, when he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem, as related in Acts 18:22. Again, there was room for working among the Jews in Palestine while he was staying at Caesarea "many days," and journeying to Jerusalem, as we read in Acts 21:10, 15. So that there is no contradiction whatever between the statement in this verse and that in Galatians 1:22. The clauses in this verse are two:

(1) "both to them at Damascus, and at Jerusalem first;" and

(2) "and throughout all Judaea, and to the Gentiles."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
First
πρῶτόν (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

to those
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Damascus
Δαμασκῷ (Damaskō)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1154: Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Jerusalem,
Ἱεροσολύμοις (Hierosolymois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

then
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

to everyone
πᾶσάν (pasan)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

in the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

region
χώραν (chōran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5561: Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory.

of Judea,
Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2449: Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.

and then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Gentiles,
ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

I declared that
ἀπήγγελλον (apēngellon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.

they should repent
μετανοεῖν (metanoein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3340: From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

turn
ἐπιστρέφειν (epistrephein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

to
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

God,
Θεόν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

performing
πράσσοντας (prassontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.

deeds
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

worthy
ἄξια (axia)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.

[of their]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

repentance.
μετανοίας (metanoias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).


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NT Apostles: Acts 26:20 But declared first to them of Damascus (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 26:19
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