“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. Faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness — instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(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!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The context of the first passage of scripture above — from Ac.17:30-31 – right up front – reveals the Source of Genuine True Repentance into Eternal Salvation. If, indeed, it truly exists in each of our lives, it is in an irresistible action that is generated – or, originated — completely by God – from within us – to come forth from us – as an obedient response to a Command from God that is directly given to us – on a personal and individual basis! The scriptures literally say that God Commands “all everywhere to repent”. But, to all of exactly – whom – does He command to repent? The answer to this question is given unto us in the Context of – unto “whom” Paul is here addressing – which is both Jews (like Paul, himself) and non-Jews — like the Greeks in Athens! In other words – God personally and individually commands all kinds of fallen and sinful men – everywhere – to Repent! It is God’s sovereign and personal prerogative – as to whom He individually and personally enjoins – to Repent of their sins and Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words – it is a Command of God – unto all – those of His choice! Which, according to God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – will be fulfilled – that through them (lit.) “shall all the families of the earth be blessed”. Praise His Holy Name! [see: Gen.12:3 and 28:14]
Hence, do the scriptures here in Acts 17 go on to clarify that God’s Command to Repent of their sins – is to — all — unto whom — as vs.31 goes on to say – to all those – of all men – that He has given “Assurance” to. And, the word “Assurance” is the same new testament – Holy Spirit inspired word for: Faith. And, “God given “Faith” (which comes into fruition only by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God) is the Firm Foundation – that our “Hope is built on nothing less – than Jesus Blood and Righteousness”! Once again: Praise His All Glorious Name!
What Paul is declaring here in Acts 17 is the same Truth that he announced 2 years prior unto the Galatians! Paul wrote from Gal.2:16> “knowing – that a man is not justified (lit.) out of works of the law – but through the Faith of Jesus Christ”. This is a statement that is so important for us to understand! It’s a statement of Gospel Truth that the Apostle declares — concerns – not just him, but also the whole family of God – as he further explains! For he says: “also WE – into Christ Jesus – Believed – that WE might be justified by – the Faith of Jesus Christ – and not out of the works of the law – because – shall NOT be justified – out of works of law – any and all – flesh.”
We will continue to unfold the Word of the Truth of the Gospel – found – in these four contexts in regards to true and genuine Repentance. Amen.
— John Carpenter
