Acts 26:20
What does Acts 26:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:20 means
Paul declares that he preached first in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and all Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, calling people to repent, turn to God, and live lives that show real repentance. His message is consistent and universal: change of mind and direction toward God, evidenced by transformed deeds. Grace does not leave people unchanged; faith bears fruit. This is not legalism but authenticity—the works are “worthy of repentance,” not its cause. From Jewish centers to Gentile contexts, Paul proclaimed the same Christ and the same call. This faithful witness fulfills Jesus’ commission to open eyes and grant forgiveness and inheritance by faith in Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I went about, first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and through all the country of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, preaching a change of heart, so that they, being turned to God, might give, in their works, the fruits of a changed heart.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but 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;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but have, first to those both in Damascus and Jerusalem, and to all the region of Judaea, and to the nations, announced that they should repent and turn toGod, doing works worthy of repentance.
Context
This verse details the practical outworking of Paul’s obedience (v.19). It traces the geographic spread of his ministry and summarizes his gospel appeal. Immediately, Paul explains that such preaching provoked Jewish hostility (v.21). Then he will testify that God sustained him (v.22) and that his message aligns with Moses and the prophets (vv.22–23). The progression shows that Paul’s ministry is consistent in content and scope, grounded in the original commission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
- Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.
- Luke 19:8
And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold.
- Matthew 4:17
From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
- 2 Timothy 2:25
in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
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