Acts 26:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν

G1722

unto them of

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Δαμασκῷ

G1154

Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

πρῶτόν

G4412

first

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἱεροσολύμοις

G2414

at Jerusalem

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

εἰς

G1519

throughout

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πᾶσάν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#10

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#11

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

χώραν

G5561

the coasts

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

#13

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

Ἰουδαίας

G2449

of Judaea

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἔθνεσιν

G1484

then to the Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#18

ἀπαγγέλλων

G518

shewed

to announce

#19

μετανοεῖν

G3340

that they should repent

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

ἐπιστρέφειν

G1994

turn

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

#22

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#23

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

θεόν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#25

ἄξια

G514

meet

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

#26

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

μετανοίας

G3341

for repentance

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

#28

ἔργα

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#29

πράσσοντας

G4238

and do

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul