Acts 13:26

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

Acts 13:26 (KJV)

Context

Acts 13:26 is part of the apostle Paul’s sermon in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia during his first missionary journey with Barnabas. Invited to speak, Paul recounts the history of Israel, highlighting God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. This verse is the application point of that historical review.

Meaning

Paul addresses his audience with respectful and fraternal language, calling them “men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham.” This phrase specifically targets the native-born Jews in the synagogue, who valued themselves highly on account of their descent from Abraham. He then extends his address to “whosoever among you feareth God,” referring to Gentile proselytes or God-fearing Gentiles who had been brought over in some degree to the Jewish religion.

The central declaration is that “to you is the word of this salvation sent.” This message of salvation, the gospel, was sent first to the Jewish people. The word is described as a word of salvation, not of rejection, though if it is rejected through unbelief, that is the hearer’s own fault. The address is made with tenderness and respect, implying that all who stand fair with us for the great salvation are to be looked upon as those to whom the word of salvation is sent.

The Greek word for “salvation” is “soteria,” encompassing deliverance, rescue, and redemption. The phrase “word of this salvation” is paralleled in Acts 10:36, where it is called “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel,” describing the gospel as the doctrine which God, of his infinite wisdom and rich grace, sent first to the Jews by the ministry of the apostles. This connection clarifies that the “word” is the message of the gospel, of which Christ is the sum and substance.

Application

Acts 13:26 reminds us that the gospel message is for all people, regardless of their background or heritage. It calls us to have a reverential fear of God and recognize His authority in our lives. As believers, we are commissioned to share the word of salvation with others, inviting them to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ.