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bigmike

Acts 26:19-20 (LSB) 19 “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, practicing deeds appropriate to repentance.
As the Apostle Paul stood before king Agrippa, he testified about his behavior and his motives, showing that his accusers (Jewish leaders) were falsely accusing him of inciting riots.
During this testimony, Paul shared that since encountering Jesus on his way to Damascus, his purpose had been singular; to share one message with Jews and Gentiles alike.
That message was very simple; that they should repent and turn to God, practicing deeds appropriate to repentance.
The first part of that message is very clear. We must repent and turn to God.
But the last part, practicing deeds appropriate to repentance, may be a bit foggy in its meaning due to the way it is worded in various translations.
So, let’s look at that a little more closely to be sure we fully understand its meaning.
This last part is not deep or mysterious at all. And it is not difficult to understand once we see it plainly.
Practicing deeds appropriate to repentance simply means that someone who has genuinely repented will reflect that change in their behavior and their lifestyle.
The practice of habitually, intentionally sinning will fade away and be replaced by a godly lifestyle.
In short, genuine repentance is evidenced by changed behavior.
The NLT translation states it plainly:
Acts 26:20 (NLT) 20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.
No, we are not saved by our works. But what we say and what we do are proof of where our heart lies.
Let our hearts be one with God, and reflect our redemption in our words and our actions 🙏

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