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

ACTS 20:21KJV
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Acts 20:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:21 mean?

Acts 20:21 describes how Paul told both Jews and Greeks that they needed to turn to God in repentance and put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The verse sums up the core message Paul shared with everyone, no matter their background: turning away from sin toward God, and trusting in Jesus.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, reminding them of the message he consistently preached during his time with them. The verse shows that Paul did not change his message based on his audience—whether they were Jewish or Greek, he emphasized both repentance (a change of heart and direction toward God) and faith in Jesus as essential.

The Greek behind Acts 20:21

  • μετάνοια (metanoia, "repentance"): This word means a change of mind or heart, often understood as turning away from previous ways and turning toward God. Paul’s use of this term highlights that the call is not just about feeling sorry, but about a real change in direction.
  • πίστις (pistis, "faith"): This word refers to trust or confidence, especially in a person. Here, it means placing trust in Jesus Christ, not just agreeing with facts about him.
  • εἰς (eis, "toward"): Used twice in this verse, this word carries the sense of movement or direction. Paul is not talking about vague feelings but about a clear turning toward God and a directed trust toward Jesus.

Why Acts 20:21 matters

  • Acts 20:21 clears up the idea that Paul had different messages for different groups; he preached the same core truths to both Jews and Greeks.
  • The verse emphasizes that both repentance and faith are central and inseparable parts of the message about Jesus, not just one or the other.
  • In the context of Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders, this verse reminds the leaders what the heart of their teaching and ministry should always be.

Where else these words appear

“Testifying” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“Greeks” Greek G1672 · used in 26 verses

  • John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
  • Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
  • Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.