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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/26-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/44_Act_26_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 26:20 - Paul's Testimony to Agrippa" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the 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src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/26-19.htm" title="Acts 26:19">◄</a> Acts 26:20 <a href="/acts/26-21.htm" title="Acts 26:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/26.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/acts/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/acts/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/acts/26.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/26.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/acts/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/acts/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/acts/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/acts/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/acts/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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. <a href="/csb/acts/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/acts/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/asv/acts/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> but declared both to them of Damascus first and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Jud锟絘, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. <a href="/cev/acts/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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." <a href="/erv/acts/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/acts/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/acts/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/acts/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/acts/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/acts/26.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/acts/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/acts/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/web/acts/26.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/blb/acts/26.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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. <a href="/ylt/acts/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/acts/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/acts/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/acts/26.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/26.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “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.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/26.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/godbey/acts/26.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/haweis/acts/26.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/26.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/26.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/worrell/acts/26.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/worsley/acts/26.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/acts/26-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=8730" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/26.htm">Paul's Testimony to Agrippa</a> …19So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also."></a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">First</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1154.htm" title="1154: Damaskō (N-DFS) -- Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">Damascus</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2414.htm" title="2414: Hierosolymois (N-DNP) -- The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma">Jerusalem,</a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.">then</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasan (Adj-AFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">to everyone</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in the</a> <a href="/greek/5561.htm" title="5561: chōran (N-AFS) -- Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory.">region</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2449.htm" title="2449: Ioudaias (N-GFS) -- Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.">of Judea,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnesin (N-DNP) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">Gentiles,</a> <a href="/greek/518.htm" title="518: apēngellon (V-IIA-1S) -- To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.">I declared that</a> <a href="/greek/3340.htm" title="3340: metanoein (V-PNA) -- From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.">they should repent</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epistrephein (V-ANA) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">turn</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/4238.htm" title="4238: prassontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. ">performing</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-ANP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds</a> <a href="/greek/514.htm" title="514: axia (Adj-ANP) -- Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.">worthy</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of their</a> <a href="/greek/3341.htm" title="3341: metanoias (N-GFS) -- From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).">repentance.</a> 21For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8</a> Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. <a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8</a> 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. <a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Mark 1:15</a> “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” <a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a> 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. <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a> Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a> Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a> Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a> From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/luke/24-47.htm">Luke 24:47</a> and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. <a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Acts 20:21</a> testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a> 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. <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:9</a> 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 <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Acts 9:19-22</a> And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus… <a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a> 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.<a href="/acts/9-28.htm">Acts 9:28,29</a> And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem… <a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17,18</a> 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.<a href="/acts/26-17.htm">Acts 26:17</a> Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,<a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Acts 13:46-48</a> 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… <a href="/acts/14-16.htm">Acts 14:16-21</a> Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways… repent.<a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a> 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.<a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> 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;<a href="/acts/11-18.htm">Acts 11:18</a> 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.<a href="/acts/9-35.htm">Acts 9:35</a> And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.<a href="/acts/14-15.htm">Acts 14:15</a> 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:<a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Acts 15:19</a> Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:and do.<a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Appropriate</a> <a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Change</a> <a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/mark/14-59.htm">Consistent</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Country</a> <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/25-14.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/acts/24-2.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/acts/26-5.htm">First</a> <a href="/acts/26-17.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/26-10.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/25-24.htm">Live</a> <a href="/acts/21-22.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/acts/4-30.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/acts/19-11.htm">Performing</a> <a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Preached</a> <a href="/acts/21-28.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/acts/26-19.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Region</a> <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/acts/23-22.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/acts/19-11.htm">Works</a> <a href="/acts/25-25.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">Appropriate</a> <a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Change</a> <a href="/acts/27-2.htm">Coasts</a> <a href="/mark/14-56.htm">Consistent</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Country</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/acts/26-23.htm">First</a> <a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/acts/27-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/28-21.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/acts/28-21.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Live</a> <a href="/acts/28-15.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/romans/4-21.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Performing</a> <a href="/romans/1-15.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Preached</a> <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/acts/27-1.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/genesis/10-30.htm">Region</a> <a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/acts/28-2.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/acts/28-2.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/romans/1-8.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/acts/27-25.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Works</a> <a href="/acts/26-31.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 26</div>1. <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;</a> 12. <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/26-24.htm">Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly.</a> 28. <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/26-31.htm">The whole company pronounces him innocent.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem Paul's ministry began in Damascus, where he had his dramatic conversion experience on the road (<a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-19</a>). Damascus was a significant city in Syria, known for its diverse population and as a center of trade. Paul's initial preaching in Damascus highlights the immediate transformation and boldness in his new faith. Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish worship and tradition, was where Paul had previously persecuted Christians. His return there to preach signifies a powerful testimony of change and redemption. This sequence underscores the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be witnesses in Jerusalem and beyond (<a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>).Then to everyone in the region of Judea Judea, the region surrounding Jerusalem, was predominantly Jewish and steeped in the traditions of the Old Testament. Paul's message to Judea represents the continuation of the gospel's spread among the Jewish people, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be a light to the Jews first (<a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>). This outreach also reflects the early church's mission strategy, which prioritized the Jewish population before extending to the Gentiles.And then to the Gentiles The inclusion of the Gentiles marks a significant shift in the early Christian mission, aligning with God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>). Paul's role as the apostle to the Gentiles (<a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a>) was pivotal in the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries, fulfilling the prophecy of a universal gospel (<a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6</a>). This outreach to the Gentiles also demonstrates the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, as described in <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14</a>.I declared that they should repent and turn to God Repentance is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments, calling for a change of mind and heart towards God. This message echoes the preaching of John the Baptist (<a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a>) and Jesus (<a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Mark 1:15</a>), emphasizing the necessity of repentance for salvation. Turning to God implies a complete reorientation of one's life, aligning with the call to forsake idols and false beliefs, as seen in the prophets' messages (<a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">Ezekiel 14:6</a>).Performing deeds worthy of their repentance True repentance is evidenced by a transformed life, as seen in the fruits of repentance (<a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8</a>). This concept is rooted in the teachings of the prophets, who called for justice, mercy, and humility (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>). The emphasis on deeds aligns with James' teaching that faith without works is dead (<a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>). This phrase underscores the expectation that genuine faith results in a life that reflects God's righteousness and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)</a> The apostle who is speaking in this passage, recounting his ministry and the message he preached. 2. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> The city where Paul first began his ministry after his conversion on the road to Damascus. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The central city of Jewish worship and a significant location in Paul's ministry. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judea.htm">Judea</a> The region surrounding Jerusalem, where Paul also preached the message of repentance. 5. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish people to whom Paul extended his ministry, emphasizing the universal nature of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/repentance_as_a_turning_point.htm">Repentance as a Turning Point</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_the_gospel.htm">The Universality of the Gospel</a> 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. <a href="/topical/d/deeds_as_evidence_of_faith.htm">Deeds as Evidence of Faith</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience_in_faith.htm">The Role of Obedience in Faith</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_witnessing.htm">The Importance of Witnessing</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 26</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'turning_to_god'_mean.htm">What does "turning to God" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_acts_contradict_paul's_letters.htm">Why does Acts contradict Paul's letters in key details, such as his visits to Jerusalem?</a> <a href="/q/what_occurred_in_saul's_conversion.htm">What happened during Saul's Damascus Road conversion?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul's_conversion_story_differ.htm">Why does Paul's account of his own conversion in Acts contradict his letters?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/acts/9-29.htm" title="And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.">Acts 9:29</a>; <a href="/context/galatians/1-17.htm" title="Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.">Galatians 1:17-18</a>); 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 <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm" title="Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:">Matthew 3:8</a>), which are the elements of a progressive sanctification.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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 <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Acts 9:19-22</a>; then at Jerusalem, as in <a href="/acts/9-26.htm">Acts 9:26-29</a>; 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 (<a href="/acts/9-25.htm">Acts 9:25</a>), because he says in <a href="/galatians/1-22.htm">Galatians 1:22</a>, 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 <a href="/acts/11-29.htm">Acts 11:29</a> 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 <a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Acts 15:3</a>. Another, when he went from Caesarea to Jerusalem, as related in <a href="/acts/18-22.htm">Acts 18:22</a>. 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 <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Acts 21:10, 15</a>. So that there is no contradiction whatever between the statement in this verse and that in <a href="/galatians/1-22.htm">Galatians 1:22</a>. 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." <a href="/commentaries/acts/26-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>First πρῶτόν (prōton) Adverb - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly. to those τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1154.htm">Strong's 1154: </a> Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Jerusalem, Ἱεροσολύμοις (Hierosolymois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2414.htm">Strong's 2414: </a> The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma then τε (te) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also. to everyone πᾶσάν (pasan) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_5561.htm">Strong's 5561: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine. and then καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3340.htm">Strong's 3340: </a> From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. turn ἐπιστρέφειν (epistrephein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. God, Θεόν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. performing πράσσοντας (prassontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4238.htm">Strong's 4238: </a> To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. deeds ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. worthy ἄξια (axia) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_514.htm">Strong's 514: </a> Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable. [of their] τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3341.htm">Strong's 3341: </a> From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/26-20.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 26:20 But declared first to them of Damascus (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/26-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 26:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 26:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/26-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 26:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 26:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>