What is the meaning of Acts 26:20? First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem • Paul’s obedience to the risen Christ began right where he was saved (Acts 9:3–20). • In Damascus he “immediately began to proclaim Jesus” (Acts 9:20). • Returning to Jerusalem, he “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:28), echoing the pattern Jesus foretold in Acts 1:8: witness starts locally. • God honors faithfulness in the place He first plants us; the gospel’s reach begins in our own circles before it fans out. Then to everyone in the region of Judea • The message radiated from the capital to the surrounding countryside, fulfilling Isaiah 49:6, “I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” • Acts 9:31 notes, “the church throughout Judea…was strengthened,” showing Paul’s preaching helped establish a solid foundation among Jewish communities. • This stage underscores that God desires the whole covenant people to hear before He presses farther outward (Romans 1:16). Then to the Gentiles • Paul’s commission in Acts 22:21—“Go, I will send you far away to the Gentiles”—explodes the gospel beyond ethnic Israel. • Acts 13:46 records Paul and Barnabas turning to non-Jews because many in Israel rejected the word. • The Gentile mission demonstrates God’s long-promised inclusion of all nations (Genesis 12:3; Ephesians 3:6). • Our takeaway: no cultural or racial boundary excuses us from sharing Christ; salvation is for all. I declared that they should repent and turn to God • Repentance is more than remorse; it is a decisive change of mind and heart leading to a change of direction (Acts 3:19; 17:30). • “Turn to God” highlights faith’s positive side—trusting in Christ’s finished work (Acts 16:31). • Paul keeps message content simple and consistent everywhere: repent, believe, receive forgiveness (Acts 20:21). Performing deeds worthy of their repentance • Genuine repentance produces visible fruit (Luke 3:8; Matthew 3:8). • Paul insists on a faith that acts—“faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6) and “works prepared in advance” (Ephesians 2:10). • Examples of worthy deeds: – Abandoning idols (1 Thessalonians 1:9) – Making restitution like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8) – Pursuing holiness (Titus 2:11-14) • Such deeds do not earn salvation; they verify its reality (James 2:17). summary Acts 26:20 shows Paul’s gospel strategy and gospel substance: start where God places you, expand outward until every people group hears; call everyone to repent, believe, and live changed lives that confirm God’s transforming grace. |
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