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Book of Acts - Chapter 3 - Verse 26

3:26
Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Acts is a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy of God towards His people. The verse emphasizes God's love for humanity by sending His Son, Jesus, to bless them and guide them away from sin. It speaks to the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which has the ability to turn us away from our sinful behavior and lead us towards righteousness. The phrase "unto you first" underscores the importance of spreading the message of salvation to all people, starting with those who are receptive to hearing it. By accepting this blessing and turning away from iniquity, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. This verse serves as a call to action for believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others and to be agents of change in a world that desperately needs His love and redemption.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the central message of Christianity - the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes that God sent His Son, Jesus, first to bless and turn away people from their sins. This act of God raising Jesus from the dead signifies not only Jesus' victory over death but also His ability to offer forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in Him. The mention of turning away from iniquity underscores the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice, as it enables individuals to walk away from a life of sin and embrace a new life of righteousness. This verse speaks to the core belief that through Jesus we receive the ultimate blessing of salvation and the opportunity to live a life free from the bondage of sin. In conducting a word study, the use of the term "bless" emphasizes the divine favor and grace that Jesus brings, while the mention of turning from iniquities highlights the necessary action of repentance and personal transformation required in response to God's grace.

American Standard Version

Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.
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