King James Version

What Does Acts 13:24 Mean?

Acts 13:24 in the King James Version says “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”

Acts 13:24 · KJV

Context

22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23

Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

Read Acts 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance (βάπτισμα μετανοίας, baptisma metanoias)—Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch anchors Jesus's ministry in John the Baptist's preparatory work. The verb κηρύσσω (kēryssō, 'to herald') emphasizes John's role as the forerunner who publicly proclaimed the need for metanoia—not mere remorse, but radical turning from sin toward God.

To all the people of Israel—John's baptism was not a sectarian ritual but a nationwide call to covenant renewal. Paul highlights continuity: God's plan for Israel finds fulfillment in Jesus, whom John announced. This prepares Paul's climactic point in verse 38-39—forgiveness and justification now come through Christ, not Mosaic law. John's entire ministry points beyond himself to the Coming One whose sandals he was unworthy to loose (v. 25).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul preached this sermon around AD 47-48 during his first missionary journey. John the Baptist's ministry (AD 28-29) was recent memory for Paul's audience. The phrase 'before his coming' (προ τῆς εἰσόδου, pro tēs eisodou) positions John temporally before Jesus's public ministry, echoing the Gospel narratives and Isaiah's prophecy of the voice crying in the wilderness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's baptism of repentance prepare hearts for the gospel message Paul proclaims?
  2. In what ways do you need to 'prepare the way' in your own life for deeper understanding of Christ's finished work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
προκηρύξαντος1 of 13

“had first preached”

G4296

to herald (i.e., proclaim) in advance

Ἰωάννου2 of 13

“When John”

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

πρὸ3 of 13

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

προσώπου4 of 13

“his coming”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

τῆς5 of 13
G3588

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

εἰσόδου6 of 13
G1529

an entrance (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ7 of 13
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

βάπτισμα8 of 13

“the baptism”

G908

baptism (technically or figuratively)

μετανοίας9 of 13

“of repentance”

G3341

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

παντὶ10 of 13

“to all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ11 of 13
G3588

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

λαῷ12 of 13

“the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

Ἰσραήλ13 of 13

“of Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:22Mark 1:2-8Luke 3:2-20Matthew 3:1-11Acts 10:37Acts 19:3-4

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