Acts 20:21
New International Version
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

New Living Translation
I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

English Standard Version
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Berean Standard Bible
testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
earnestly testifying both to the Jewish and to Greeks repentance in God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

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

New King James Version
testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

New American Standard Bible
solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

NASB 1995
solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

NASB 1977
solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Legacy Standard Bible
solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amplified Bible
solemnly [and wholeheartedly] testifying to both Jews and Greeks, urging them to turn in repentance to God and [to have] faith in our Lord Jesus Christ [for salvation].

Christian Standard Bible
I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.”

American Standard Version
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Contemporary English Version
I told Jews and Gentiles to turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

English Revised Version
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I warned Jews and Greeks to change the way they think and act and to believe in our Lord Jesus.

Good News Translation
To Jews and Gentiles alike I gave solemn warning that they should turn from their sins to God and believe in our Lord Jesus.

International Standard Version
I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

Majority Standard Bible
testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

NET Bible
testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.

Webster's Bible Translation
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
and urging upon both Jews and Greeks the necessity of turning to God and of believing in Jesus our Lord.

World English Bible
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
testifying fully both to Jews and Greeks, conversion toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Berean Literal Bible
earnestly testifying both to the Jewish and to Greeks repentance in God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
testifying fully both to Jews and Greeks, toward God reformation, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Smith's Literal Translation
Testifying to both Jews, and Greeks, repentance towards God, and the faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Catholic Public Domain Version
testifying both to Jews and to Gentiles about repentance in God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

New American Bible
I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus testifying both to the Jews and to the Syr’i-ans, about repentance toward God and faith in our LORD Jesus Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“While I was testifying to the Jews and to the Aramaeans about returning home to the Presence of God and the faith in our Lord Yeshua The Messiah.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Godbey New Testament
witnessing both to Jews, and to Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Haweis New Testament
repeatedly urging both on Jews and Greeks repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mace New Testament
remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing

Weymouth New Testament
and urging upon both Jews and Greeks the necessity of turning to God and of believing in Jesus our Lord.

Worrell New Testament
fully testifying, both to Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.

Worsley New Testament
testifying both to the Jews and Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
20I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.…

Cross References
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.

Mark 1:15
“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

Luke 24:47
and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Galatians 2:16
know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!

Jeremiah 31:33-34
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. / No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”

Matthew 3:2
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

John 1:12-13
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.

Romans 3:22-24
And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, / for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, / and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Testifying.

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 2:40
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Acts 8:25
And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

to the Jews.

Acts 18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 19:17
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Romans 1:14
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

repentance.

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

faith.

Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 13:38,39
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: …

Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Jump to Previous
Believing Christ Declared Faith Fully Greeks Heart Jesus Jews Necessity Need Preaching Reformation Repentance Solemnly Testifying Towards Turning Urging
Jump to Next
Believing Christ Declared Faith Fully Greeks Heart Jesus Jews Necessity Need Preaching Reformation Repentance Solemnly Testifying Towards Turning Urging
Acts 20
1. Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.
7. He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.
9. Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.
13. Paul continues his travels;
17. and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28. commits God's flock to them,
29. warns them of false teachers,
32. commends them to God,
36. prays with them, and departs.














testifying
The Greek word used here is "διαμαρτυρόμενος" (diamartyromenos), which conveys a sense of solemnly affirming or bearing witness. In the context of the early church, this term underscores the apostolic mission to proclaim the truth of the Gospel with conviction and authority. The act of testifying is not merely sharing information but is a profound declaration of truth that demands a response. It reflects the responsibility of believers to be witnesses of Christ's work in their lives, echoing the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to all nations.

to Jews and Greeks alike
This phrase highlights the universal scope of the Gospel message. "Jews" refers to the descendants of Abraham, the chosen people of God, who were given the Law and the Prophets. "Greeks" is a term often used to represent Gentiles or non-Jews, encompassing the broader Hellenistic world. The inclusion of both groups signifies the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers through Christ. Historically, this was a radical concept, as Jews and Gentiles had distinct religious and social practices. The early church's mission to both groups illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18).

about repentance to God
The Greek word for repentance is "μετάνοια" (metanoia), which means a change of mind or turning away from sin. Repentance is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, signifying a complete transformation of heart and mind towards God. It involves recognizing one's sinfulness, feeling genuine sorrow, and making a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards God. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where prophets called Israel to return to God. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus Himself preached repentance as essential for entering the Kingdom of God.

and faith in our Lord Jesus
Faith, or "πίστις" (pistis) in Greek, is a firm belief and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is not merely intellectual assent but involves a personal commitment and reliance on Christ's redemptive work. The phrase "our Lord Jesus" emphasizes the personal relationship believers have with Christ, acknowledging His lordship and divinity. This faith is the means by which believers receive salvation, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it is described as a gift from God. The combination of repentance and faith encapsulates the response required for salvation, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel in reconciling humanity to God.

(21) Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.--These, under all varieties of form, whether speaking to Jews or Gentiles, to philosophers at Athens (Acts 17:30) or peasants of Lystra (Acts 14:15), formed the substance of his teaching. It is obvious, however, that out of these might be developed a whole system of theology--why repentance was needed, and what it was, and how it should show itself, what was involved in the statement that Jesus was the Christ, and why men should believe in Him, and what works were the proper fruit of faith. All these were questions which had to be answered, before even the most elementary truths could be rightly apprehended.

Verse 21. - To Jews and to Greeks for both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, A.V. (see Acts 19:10, 17). Repentance, etc. The two cardinal points of gospel teaching, as they are the two necessary qualities for every Christian man. "Repentance whereby we forsake sin, and faith whereby we steadfastly believe the promises of God." There is no ground for the remarks of Kuinoel and others, that repentance is to be referred chiefly to the Gentiles, and faith to the Jews (see Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:31, etc.; Mark 1:15, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
testifying
διαμαρτυρόμενος (diamartyromenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1263: To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.

to Jews
Ἰουδαίοις (Ioudaiois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Greeks
Ἕλλησιν (Hellēsin)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1672: From Hellas; a Hellen or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew.

alike
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

{about} repentance
μετάνοιαν (metanoian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

God
Θεὸν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

faith
πίστιν (pistin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Lord
Κύριον (Kyrion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

Jesus.
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


Links
Acts 20:21 NIV
Acts 20:21 NLT
Acts 20:21 ESV
Acts 20:21 NASB
Acts 20:21 KJV

Acts 20:21 BibleApps.com
Acts 20:21 Biblia Paralela
Acts 20:21 Chinese Bible
Acts 20:21 French Bible
Acts 20:21 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 20:21 Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 20:20
Top of Page
Top of Page