Acts 20:21

ACTS 20:21

Paul summarizes his preaching as testifying to “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” for both Jews and Greeks. The dual audience reflects the broad reach of the gospel. Repentance toward God signals turning from idolatry, sin, and self-rule to align with the Creator. Faith toward Jesus Christ signals trust in Jesus’ person and work—his life, death, and resurrection. The universal call to conversion is central to Acts. In Ephesus, a city deeply entrenched in pagan worship and magical practices, the call to repentance and faith would confront deep-seated beliefs, requiring a compelling witness that pointed beyond ritual to relationship with God through Christ.

This verse crystallizes the gospel’s core: repentance and faith. It unites Jewish and gentile listeners under the same need and the same salvation. It also anchors the soteriology of Acts in the gospel’s sufficiency—human effort cannot earn righteousness; a response to God’s grace through faith in Jesus is essential. The universality of the call emphasizes God’s inclusive mission.

For believers today, this verse invites a personal turning and trust: where do you need to repent from sin or false assurances, and in whom do you place your faith? In church life, it supports evangelism that clearly articulates repentance and faith, not merely moral improvement. Practical steps: share transparent testimonies of change through faith in Christ, invite conversations about beliefs, and provide pathways for newcomers to explore the gospel in community—baptism classes, Alpha-style sessions, or campus ministries.

Cross-References: Mark 1:15; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26