Acts 20:21 - testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 20:21" mean?
This verse, Acts 20:21, is a powerful summary of the core message Paul preached during his ministry. Let's break it down:
"Testifying": This means Paul was actively and consistently sharing his message. It wasn't a passive suggestion; it was a deliberate and public declaration. He was making it known, often in the face of opposition.
"Both to Jews and to Greeks": This highlights the universality of the gospel. Paul preached to both Jewish people (who already had a religious background and knowledge of the Old Testament) and Gentiles (Greeks, representing the non-Jewish world with various philosophical and religious beliefs). This emphasizes that the gospel isn't limited to one ethnicity or cultural group.
"Repentance toward God": This is a crucial element. "Repentance" means a turning away from sin and a change of heart and mind. It's an acknowledgement of one's own wrongdoing and a desire to align oneself with God's will. It is not merely being sorry, but a change in direction, away from a former way of living to a new way. To the Jew this means stop trusting in the Law for salvation, and to the Greek, stop trusting in idols.
"And faith toward our Lord Jesus": Repentance isn't enough on its own. It must be accompanied by "faith" - trust, belief, and reliance on Jesus Christ as Lord. This means accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and trusting in his atoning sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is not just a good teacher or a prophet, but Lord (the one in charge)
In essence, the verse means:
Paul's central message, preached to everyone regardless of their background, was the need for people to:
1. Turn away from their sins and wrongdoings towards God (Repentance).
2. Trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Faith).
Significance:
The Gospel's Core: This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel. It's a clear call for individuals to acknowledge their sin, turn to God, and place their faith in Jesus.
Universality: The gospel is for everyone. There are no ethnic or cultural barriers to receiving God's grace through faith in Jesus.
Transformation: The gospel is meant to produce a changed life, a life characterized by repentance and faith, and a life centered on and submitted to God.
In summary, Acts 20:21 is a concise and powerful statement of the core message of the Christian faith. It highlights the universal need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the pathway to salvation and a relationship with God.
Acts 20:21 - testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
What does "Acts 20:21" mean?
This verse, Acts 20:21, is a powerful summary of the core message Paul preached during his ministry. Let's break it down:
"Testifying": This means Paul was actively and consistently sharing his message. It wasn't a passive suggestion; it was a deliberate and public declaration. He was making it known, often in the face of opposition.
"Both to Jews and to Greeks": This highlights the universality of the gospel. Paul preached to both Jewish people (who already had a religious background and knowledge of the Old Testament) and Gentiles (Greeks, representing the non-Jewish world with various philosophical and religious beliefs). This emphasizes that the gospel isn't limited to one ethnicity or cultural group.
"Repentance toward God": This is a crucial element. "Repentance" means a turning away from sin and a change of heart and mind. It's an acknowledgement of one's own wrongdoing and a desire to align oneself with God's will. It is not merely being sorry, but a change in direction, away from a former way of living to a new way. To the Jew this means stop trusting in the Law for salvation, and to the Greek, stop trusting in idols.
"And faith toward our Lord Jesus": Repentance isn't enough on its own. It must be accompanied by "faith" - trust, belief, and reliance on Jesus Christ as Lord. This means accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and trusting in his atoning sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is not just a good teacher or a prophet, but Lord (the one in charge)
In essence, the verse means:
Paul's central message, preached to everyone regardless of their background, was the need for people to:
1. Turn away from their sins and wrongdoings towards God (Repentance).
2. Trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Faith).
Significance:
The Gospel's Core: This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel. It's a clear call for individuals to acknowledge their sin, turn to God, and place their faith in Jesus.
Universality: The gospel is for everyone. There are no ethnic or cultural barriers to receiving God's grace through faith in Jesus.
Transformation: The gospel is meant to produce a changed life, a life characterized by repentance and faith, and a life centered on and submitted to God.
In summary, Acts 20:21 is a concise and powerful statement of the core message of the Christian faith. It highlights the universal need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the pathway to salvation and a relationship with God.