04/26/20 REPENT OT and NT: Apostles Peter and Paul were raised as OT Jews. As such they undoubtedly understood OT theology at least somewhat. All of us have heard (probably) many times that “to repent” means “to turn from our sins and to God.” But, check out the 3 NT verses below:

Acts 3:19 (NIV) Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

So, why does each verse mention repentance and turning in the same sentence? I think I know! The OT Hebrew word translated “repent” DOES mean “to turn.” But the NT Greek word translated “repent” literally means “to change your mind.” As OT Jews and NT Believers at the same time, I think that Peter and Paul (not to mention, the Holy Spirit) wanted us to understand BOTH aspects of repentance, OT and NT! Biblical (OT and NT) repentance means a change of thinking so profound one’s entire direction in life is forever altered. WOW!