What does Acts 13:26 mean?

Acts 13:26 (KJV) - "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent."

This verse is a part of the speech that Paul delivered to the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia. In this verse, Paul addresses the gathered Jewish audience as "men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham." He is reminding them of their heritage and their shared identity as descendants of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. By using this respectful and inclusive language, Paul is attempting to connect with his audience and establish a common ground from which he can share the message of salvation.

The verse continues with the phrase "and whosoever among you feareth God." In this part of the verse, Paul expands the scope of his audience beyond those who are ethnically Jewish to include anyone who fears God. This inclusion of the Gentiles is significant because it reflects a central theme of Paul's ministry - the universal offer of salvation to all who believe, regardless of their ethnicity or background.

The verse concludes with the phrase "to you is the word of this salvation sent." Here, Paul is declaring that the message of salvation is directed specifically to those he is addressing. The word "salvation" in this context refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.

In this verse, Paul emphasizes the universal nature of the gospel message and its offer of salvation to all who believe. This theme of inclusion and universality is central to the message of Christianity, and it was a revolutionary concept in the context of the Jewish culture of the time. The notion that Gentiles could be included in the promise of salvation alongside Jews challenged traditional beliefs and caused controversy within the early Christian community.

The context of this verse is also important for understanding its significance. Paul and Barnabas had been traveling and preaching in various synagogues, sharing the message of Jesus Christ with both Jews and Gentiles. In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul was given the opportunity to speak to the Jewish community during a Sabbath gathering, and it was during this address that he delivered the words of Acts 13:26. This setting provides a backdrop for Paul's message of inclusivity and universal salvation, as he seeks to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers.

Symbolically, this verse represents the radical shift in religious thinking that was brought about by the message of Jesus Christ. It signifies the breaking down of traditional barriers and the establishment of a new covenant that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. The use of language that is inclusive of both Jews and Gentiles reflects the transformative power of the gospel and its ability to unite people of diverse backgrounds under a common faith.

In conclusion, Acts 13:26 is a pivotal verse in the book of Acts that encapsulates the universal and inclusive nature of the gospel message. It reflects Paul's mission to share the message of salvation with both Jews and Gentiles, and it symbolizes the transformative power of the gospel to break down traditional barriers and unite believers from diverse backgrounds. This verse is a powerful reminder of the all-encompassing love and grace of God, and it continues to resonate as a foundational principle of the Christian faith.

Artwork for Acts 13:26

Acts 13:26 - "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent."

"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent." - Acts 13:26

Acts 26:13 - "At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me."

Acts 27:26 - "Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island."

Acts 13:43

Acts 26:26 - "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner."

Acts 26:19 - "Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:"

Acts 26:27 - "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest."

Acts 26:21 - "For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me."

Acts 15:26 - "Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Acts 23:26 - "Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting."

Acts 26:28 - "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."

Acts 26:12 - "Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,"

Acts 26:8 - "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?"

Acts 1:26 - "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

Acts 26:6 - "And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:"

Acts 26:30 - "And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:"

Acts 10:26 - "But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man."

2 Chronicles 35:26 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,"

"At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me." - Acts 26:13

Acts 26:17 - "Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,"

Acts 13:30 - "But God raised him from the dead:"

2 Chronicles 25:26 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?"

Acts 4:26 - "The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ."

Acts 26:25 - "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness."

Acts 13:49 - "And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region."

Acts 13:52 - "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost."

Acts 26:9 - "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth."

Acts 20:26 - "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men."

2 Chronicles 26:22 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write."