God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text reveals that the ultimate blessing Christ brings isn't just forgiveness, but a profound internal transformation—a complete turning away from every single one of our wicked ways. This highlights that the true gospel blessing is not merely a removal of penalty, but the active power to change our hearts and lives.
God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Peter's bold accusation that the crowd and their leaders were responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, he now offers them a path to reconciliation. He reminds them they are heirs to the promises made to Abraham, emphasizing that God sent Jesus primarily to them first, not to exclude them but as the beginning of fulfilling that ancient covenant. This divine intervention aims to bless them by empowering them to turn away from their sinful ways.
Peter is telling the crowd that God has already acted. He's revealing a divine plan that started with them, but didn't end there.
Peter emphasizes that God initiated this whole process. He 'raised up' Jesus – not just from death, but prepared and commissioned Him for His mission. And the crucial point for the Jewish audience is 'to you first.' This echoes God's promise to Abraham that blessing would come through his seed, and that the offer would begin with Abraham's descendants.
This 'first' isn't about exclusion; it's about order. God's plan for blessing the world was always meant to flow through Israel, before extending to all nations. It shows God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His strategic way of bringing salvation to all.
What does it really mean to be 'blessed' by God? It’s not just about good fortune; it’s about a profound internal transformation.
Peter clarifies that the ultimate blessing Jesus brings isn't outward prosperity or national advantage. The core of the blessing is found 'in turning every one of you from his wickedness.'
This is a radical idea! Sin is the root of all misery and separation from God. Therefore, the greatest blessing God can give is to deliver us from the power and penalty of our sin. It’s about a change of heart and direction, a turning away from destructive ways of living to embrace God's righteous path.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
Theos · Greek Noun
The one true, living, and sovereign Creator of the universe. In the New Testament, this term often emphasizes the Father as the source of salvation and the initiator of the redemptive plan fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
pais · Greek Noun
In the context of the Servant Songs of Isaiah and the Messianic mission, this refers to Jesus Christ as the one who humbly obeys the Father’s will to accomplish redemption, emphasizing both His humiliation and His ultimate exaltation.
eulogeō · Greek Verb
To provide divine favor, prosperity, or spiritual benefit. In a biblical context, it often refers to God’s gracious intervention to restore humanity to a right relationship with Himself.
ponēria · Greek Noun
A general term for morally corrupt behavior, evil actions, or a state of rebellion against God’s character and commands. It represents the inner disposition and outward acts that alienate a person from a holy God.
This verse highlights God's deliberate plan to offer salvation first to the Jewish people, fulfilling ancient promises, before extending it to all nations. The focus is on the personal transformation from wickedness as the core blessing.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and, according to belief, resurrected three days later. This event is the foundation of the early Christian message.
c. 30 AD
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the Gospel. This marks the birth of the early Church.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Peter's Sermon in the Temple
Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, heal a lame man at the Temple gate and Peter preaches to the gathered crowd.
c. 33 AD
Arrest and Trial of Peter and John
Following the sermon and subsequent attention, Peter and John are arrested by the Temple authorities. They boldly testify about Jesus before the Sanhedrin.
c. 33 AD
Release and Continued Ministry
Peter and John are miraculously released from prison and continue to preach, leading to the conversion of thousands.
This passage is directly alluded to by Peter in Acts 3, as he describes Jesus as the promised prophet God would raise up, fulfilling the prophecy to bless the people.
Isaiah 59:20This verse speaks of a Redeemer coming to Zion to turn people from their transgressions, echoing the core message of blessing through repentance found in Acts 3:26.
Malachi 3:1The prophecy of the 'messenger' who would prepare the way and purify the people directly anticipates Jesus' role as the one sent to bless by turning people from sin.
Matthew 1:21This verse states Jesus' name means 'He will save his people from their sins,' which perfectly aligns with the blessing described in Acts 3:26 – salvation through turning from iniquity.
Romans 11:26This passage speaks of theDeliverer coming out of Zion to turn godlessness away from Jacob, mirroring the action of Christ in blessing by turning people from their wickedness.
vincentActs 3:26: "Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities."
His Son JesusThe best texts omit Jesus. Render servant for son, and see on Acts 3:13.
calvinActs 3:25-26: "Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed."
- You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shalt all families of the earth be blessed. 26. God raised up unto you first his Son Jesus, and he sent him, blessing you, whilst that he doth turn away every one from his sin…
The text reveals that the ultimate blessing Christ brings isn't just forgiveness, but a profound internal transformation—a complete turning away from every single one of our wicked ways. This highlights that the true gospel blessing is not merely a removal of penalty, but the active power to change our hearts and lives.
Following Peter's bold accusation that the crowd and their leaders were responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, he now offers them a path to reconciliation. He reminds them they are heirs to the promises made to Abraham, emphasizing that God sent Jesus primarily to them first, not to exclude them but as the beginning of fulfilling that ancient covenant. This divine intervention aims to bless them by empowering them to turn away from their sinful ways.
Following Peter's bold accusation that the crowd and their leaders were responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, he now offers them a path to reconciliation. He reminds them they are heirs to the promises made to Abraham, emphasizing that God sent Jesus primarily to them first, not to exclude them but as the beginning of fulfilling that ancient covenant. This divine intervention aims to bless them by empowering them to turn away from their sinful ways.
"God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”" — The text reveals that the ultimate blessing Christ brings isn't just forgiveness, but a profound internal transformation—a complete turning away from every single one of our wicked ways. This highlig…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026