Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:21 (KJV)

Context

Acts 20 records the apostle Paul’s farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, delivered at Miletus. In this verse, Paul summarizes the essence of his ministry and message, which was centered on testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. The Greek word translated “testifying” (diamartyromai) conveys a solemn, earnest witness, not casual mention. Paul’s audience included both Jews and Greeks, reflecting the gospel’s universal scope; he had preached first in Jewish synagogues and then to both groups in the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:8-10).

Meaning

Paul’s primary mission was to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel. He was compelled to share the good news of Jesus Christ with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, spreading the message of salvation throughout various regions. Repentance toward God is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith. It involves recognizing and turning away from one’s sins, expressing genuine sorrow, and seeking forgiveness from God. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry but involves a change of heart and a commitment to live in alignment with God’s will. Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ is the corresponding positive response: trust, reliance, and surrendering one’s life to Jesus as Lord and Savior. It entails believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection, acknowledging His divinity, and accepting the salvation offered through His sacrifice.

Biblical connections

Paul’s message was not exclusive to a particular group. He preached to both Jews and Greeks, indicating that the message of repentance and faith in Christ was intended for all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background. The Gospel is universal, and all individuals are called to respond to God’s offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21 highlights the importance of both repentance and faith. Repentance addresses the need for individuals to acknowledge their sins and turn to God, while faith focuses on trusting in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation. These two concepts work together, as genuine faith naturally leads to repentance, and true repentance is an expression of faith. The Latin Vulgate renders “Greeks” as “gentiles,” showing that the term encompasses non-Jewish peoples.

Application

This verse challenges believers to continue testifying about repentance and faith in Jesus Christ to others. It reminds us that our mission as Christians is not only to believe and experience personal transformation but also to share the Gospel with others, irrespective of their cultural or religious backgrounds. Paul’s “testifying” was not optional but a compelled witness, as he later declares he is “innocent of the blood of all men” (Acts 20:26-27), having declared the whole counsel of God. This context underscores the seriousness and urgency of the message.

Reflection

Repentance and faith are the two inseparable responses to the gospel: repentance turns from sin, and faith embraces Christ. Both are directed toward God and Christ respectively, highlighting the Trinitarian shape of the gospel call. As believers, we are called to embody this balance in our own lives and to share it with others, trusting that the same message Paul preached remains the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.