King James Version

What Does Acts 26:20 Mean?

Acts 26:20 in the King James Version says “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Genti... — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 26:20 · KJV


Context

18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

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.

21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do "works meet for repentance" differ from works-based salvation, and what evidence shows genuine conversion in your life?
  2. Paul's ministry moved from familiar (Damascus Jews) to foreign (Gentiles)—where is God calling you beyond your comfort zone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 29

But

G235

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

τοῖς2 of 29
G3588

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

ἐν3 of 29

unto them of

G1722

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

Δαμασκῷ4 of 29

Damascus

G1154

damascus, a city of syria

πρῶτόν5 of 29

first

G4412

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

καὶ6 of 29

and

G2532

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

Ἱεροσολύμοις7 of 29

at Jerusalem

G2414

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

εἰς8 of 29

throughout

G1519

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

πᾶσάν9 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τε10 of 29

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τὴν11 of 29
G3588

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

χώραν12 of 29

the coasts

G5561

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

τῆς13 of 29
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίας14 of 29

of Judaea

G2449

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

καὶ15 of 29

and

G2532

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

τοῖς16 of 29
G3588

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

ἔθνεσιν17 of 29

then to the Gentiles

G1484

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

ἀπαγγέλλων18 of 29

shewed

G518

to announce

μετανοεῖν19 of 29

that they should repent

G3340

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

καὶ20 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἐπιστρέφειν21 of 29

turn

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

ἐπὶ22 of 29

to

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

τὸν23 of 29
G3588

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

θεόν24 of 29

God

G2316

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

ἄξια25 of 29

meet

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

τῆς26 of 29
G3588

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

μετανοίας27 of 29

for repentance

G3341

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

ἔργα28 of 29

works

G2041

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

πράσσοντας29 of 29

and do

G4238

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


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 26:20 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 26:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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