Acts 13:26 Meaning and Explanation
“Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A promise can seem distant when it belongs to the history of a people long ago. Paul speaks so that no hearer in the synagogue mistakes the matter for distant history alone. The salvation promised through Israel's Scriptures has arrived in Jesus, and its word now comes directly to those seated before him.
Paul announces that God's saving message has been sent to both Abraham's descendants and the God-fearing people among them. The promised Saviour is therefore proclaimed as a gift addressed personally to this gathered congregation.
The Context of Acts 13:26
Paul and Barnabas are in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia on the sabbath. After the public reading of the law and prophets, the synagogue rulers invite a word of exhortation. Paul addresses Israelites and those who fear God, then recounts God's dealings with Israel, from the fathers through David. He declares that God raised up Jesus, David's promised descendant, as Saviour, and recalls John the Baptist's preparatory preaching. Verse 26 begins the direct announcement of the message before Paul describes Jesus' rejection, death, resurrection, and the forgiveness preached through him.
What Does Acts 13:26 Mean?
Paul says, "Men and brethren," using the language of shared attention and fellowship. He then names two groups: "children of the stock of Abraham" and "whosoever among you feareth God." The first phrase recognizes Israel's covenant ancestry. The second includes Gentile worshippers who reverenced Israel's God and joined the synagogue's worship. Both groups hear the same declaration: "to you is the word of this salvation sent." Salvation is presented as God's gracious action, already announced in the preceding verse through Jesus the Saviour. The "word" is the public message about that saving work. Paul does not leave the promise as a general religious idea; he brings it near, calling these hearers to receive the news now delivered among them.
The verse gathers the movement of Paul's sermon. God chose the fathers, delivered Israel, gave David, and kept his promise by raising up a Saviour from David's seed. That history reaches this synagogue congregation through proclamation. God's purpose for Israel remains central in Paul's telling, while the presence of God-fearing Gentiles shows the widening reach of the promise. The chapter soon records Gentiles asking to hear these words again, then rejoicing when the word reaches them. The message comes through Israel's Scriptures and Israel's Messiah, yet it is sent outward in mercy. Paul's language honors the particular story God has worked in Israel and opens the door of hearing to all present.
The phrase "this salvation" points first to Jesus named in verse 23. His saving work will be unfolded through his innocent death, burial, resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins preached in his name. The apostolic witness carries this message as something entrusted and sent, echoing the risen Lord's charge that repentance and remission of sins be preached among all nations. Christ is therefore neither an abstract topic nor a private possession of a single group. He is God's promised Saviour, proclaimed through witnesses to people who are called to listen. The verse also gives a pattern for Christian proclamation: it speaks from God's promises, names Christ plainly, and addresses real hearers with a message of salvation.
Bible Verses Related to Acts 13:26
“Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:”
- Acts 13:23
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
- Luke 24:47
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
- Romans 1:16
“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”
- Isaiah 49:6
Where Acts 13:26 Echoes in Scripture
Acts 13:47 provides the chapter's strongest echo of this widening address. Paul and Barnabas apply the Lord's command about being a light to the Gentiles and bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. Verse 26 prepares for that development by speaking first to the mixed synagogue audience. The same salvation rooted in God's promise to Israel is carried outward through the witness of Christ's servants.
How to Apply Acts 13:26 Today
We may receive the gospel with the seriousness of people to whom a message has been sent. Scripture reading, preaching, conversation, and quiet study can become places where God's saving word meets us personally. This verse also encourages welcome in communities of worship. Paul recognized people with different histories in one room and spoke truthfully to all of them. We can listen for the story God has been telling through Scripture, make room for newcomers who seek him, and speak of Jesus as the Saviour God has given rather than as a distant subject for debate.
Reflection & Prayer
Where have we treated the message of salvation as familiar information rather than a word addressed to us? Let us ask God to give us attentive hearts and generous welcome for others who are seeking him. Suggested prayer: "Father, help us hear the word you have sent, rejoice in your Saviour, and bear faithful witness to him."