Acts 26:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 29
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἱεροσολύμοις
at Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμοις
at Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
7 of 29
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
εἰς
throughout
G1519
εἰς
throughout
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χώραν
the coasts
G5561
χώραν
the coasts
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
12 of 29
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰουδαίας
of Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαίας
of Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
14 of 29
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
then to the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
then to the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
17 of 29
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
μετανοεῖν
that they should repent
G3340
μετανοεῖν
that they should repent
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
19 of 29
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
24 of 29
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετανοίας
for repentance
G3341
μετανοίας
for repentance
Strong's:
G3341
Word #:
27 of 29
(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)
Cross References
Acts 3:19Repent 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;Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:Acts 2:38Then 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.Matthew 9:13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Revelation 2:5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.Acts 15:19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:Acts 20:21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Historical Context
Paul defends himself before Agrippa II (circa 59 AD) by summarizing 25+ years of ministry. Damascus (Acts 9:19-22), Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-29), Judea (Acts 9:32-11:18), then Gentile mission (Acts 13-20) traces his actual itinerary. This chronology answers Jewish accusations: Paul didn't abandon Judaism but fulfilled it by bringing Gentiles into covenant promises (Acts 26:6-7, 22-23).
Questions for Reflection
- How do "works meet for repentance" differ from works-based salvation, and what evidence shows genuine conversion in your life?
- Paul's ministry moved from familiar (Damascus Jews) to foreign (Gentiles)—where is God calling you beyond your comfort zone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles—Paul's geographical progression fulfills Acts 1:8 ("Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, uttermost part"). Shewed (ἀπήγγελλον, apēngellon) means "proclaimed, announced," emphasizing public declaration. Paul's message had three components: repent (μετανοεῖν, metanoein—"change one's mind/direction"), turn to God (ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν θεόν, epistrephein epi ton theon—"return, convert"), and do works meet for repentance (ἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσειν, axia tēs metanoias erga prassein). This echoes John the Baptist (Matthew 3:8) and James (2:17-26): genuine repentance produces visible transformation. Paul wasn't preaching bare orthodoxy but life-changing conversion.