but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "doing works worthy of their repentance" isn't just about feeling sorry; it emphasizes that true change must be demonstrated through actions that align with a new heart and a turning to God. This means our faith isn't meant to stay internal but should spill out into tangible expressions of love and obedience.
but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this moment, Paul is recounting his conversion and subsequent ministry to King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. He's explaining that his entire mission, from Damascus onward, has been to proclaim a clear, consistent message: a call to turn from sin, embrace God through faith, and demonstrate the reality of that change through godly actions, a message that even the prophets foretold.
We often hear 'repent and believe,' but what does that really mean? Paul breaks it down into two crucial actions that transform our lives.
Paul's message, as he recounts it here, is crystal clear: it starts with repentance and moves to turning to God. These aren't just abstract concepts; they are active steps.
Turning from What? Turning to Whom?
This one-two punch is the foundation of Paul's gospel, delivered to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul doesn't stop at saying 'repent.' He adds a crucial element that shows repentance is real and active.
The final phrase, 'performing deeds in keeping with their repentance,' is absolutely vital. It’s the outward expression of an inward change.
Proof of a Changed Heart
Ask a follow-up
This isn't about legalism; it's about authenticity. True repentance changes everything, and that change will be visible in how we live.
Understand the original words
metanoeō · Greek Verb
A change of mind or heart involving turning from sin toward God; it is both a divine gift and a human responsibility essential for salvation.
ergon · Greek Noun
Visible actions or behaviors that validate and provide evidence of an inward change or conversion of the heart.
Paul's declaration to Agrippa summarizes his entire apostolic ministry, highlighting a consistent message of repentance and turning to God, first offered in Jewish contexts and then expanded to the Gentiles, a pattern established from his earliest days after conversion.
c. AD 33-34
Paul's Conversion and Initial Ministry
Shortly after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul began proclaiming Jesus, initially in Damascus. He then traveled to Jerusalem and later to Arabia before returning to Damascus.
c. AD 34-37
Ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem
Paul preached in Damascus, facing opposition. He then visited Jerusalem, where he spoke boldly in the Temple but faced threats, leading brethren to send him to Tarsus.
c. AD 37-47
Years in Tarsus and Cilicia
Paul spent an extended period in his home region of Tarsus and Cilicia, likely engaging in ministry there before being called to Antioch.
c. AD 47-48
First Missionary Journey Begins
Barnabas and Saul (Paul) set out from Antioch, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor, preaching the gospel and establishing churches among both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul and Silas traveled through Asia Minor and Greece, facing challenges but also seeing many believe. This journey solidified the Gentile mission and brought him to Corinth.
c. AD 52-57
Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent a significant amount of time ministering in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, from which he also oversaw churches in the region.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after being accused by Jewish leaders. He was imprisoned for about two years in Caesarea before appealing to Caesar.
This passage echoes John the Baptist's foundational call for people to show evidence of their repentance through their actions, directly linking to Paul's message of 'doing works in keeping with repentance'.
Mark 1:15Jesus' initial message, 'Repent and believe in the gospel,' establishes the core themes of repentance and faith that Paul continues to proclaim.
Acts 3:19Peter's sermon after Pentecost also calls for repentance and turning to God, emphasizing that sins will be blotted out, mirroring the essence of Paul's declaration.
Colossians 1:23Paul speaks of being firmly established in the faith and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is proclaimed to all creation, aligning with his universal message of repentance and turning to God.
1 Thessalonians 1:9This verse highlights the Thessalonians' turning from idols to serve the living and true God, illustrating the 'turning to God' aspect of Paul's message and its transformative impact.
ellicottActs 26:20: "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."
(20) But shewed . . . —The verb is in the tense which sums up a long-continued activity, and stands in the Greek after the enumeration of those to whom the Apostle preached: But first to them of Damascus . . . and to the Gentiles I went on showing . . . Throughout all the coasts of Ju…
henryActs 26:12-23: "Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,"
26:12-23 Paul was made a Christian by Divine power; by a revelation of Christ both to him and in him; when in the full career of his sin. He was made a minister by Divine authority: the same Jesus who appeared to him in that glorious light, ordered him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. A world that sits in darkness must be enlightened; those must be brought to know the things that belong t…
The phrase "doing works worthy of their repentance" isn't just about feeling sorry; it emphasizes that true change must be demonstrated through actions that align with a new heart and a turning to God. This means our faith isn't meant to stay internal but should spill out into tangible expressions of love and obedience.
In this moment, Paul is recounting his conversion and subsequent ministry to King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. He's explaining that his entire mission, from Damascus onward, has been to proclaim a clear, consistent message: a call to turn from sin, embrace God through faith, and demonstrate the reality of that change through godly actions, a message that even the prophets foretold.
In this moment, Paul is recounting his conversion and subsequent ministry to King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. He's explaining that his entire mission, from Damascus onward, has been to proclaim a clear, consistent message: a call to turn from sin, embrace God through faith, and demonstrate the reality of that change through godly actions, a message that even the prophets foretold.
"but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance." — The phrase "doing works worthy of their repentance" isn't just about feeling sorry; it emphasizes that true change must be demonstrated through actions that align with a new heart and a turning to…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026