How does repentance develop through the rest of Scripture?

Repentance is the human response to God's kingdom announcement (Matthew 3), is modeled by Jesus's followers (Luke 5), and is the first command after Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Repentance is continuous—believers repent throughout their faith journey.

All First Mentions

Law of First Mention

Where Does the Bible First Mention Repentance?

Q: Where does the Bible first mention repentance?

The Bible first mentions repentance in Matthew 3:2, using the original word metanoia (μετάνοια). 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near'—John the Baptist's first use of metanoia (turning around) sets repentance as the requirement for entering God's kingdom. Repentance is not self-improvement; it's a complete reorientation toward God.

The Bible first mentions repentance in Matthew 3:2, from the original word metanoia (μετάνοια). 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near'—John the Baptist's first use of metanoia (turning around) sets repentance as the requirement for entering God's kingdom. Repentance is not self-improvement; it's a complete reorientation toward God.

The Seed of Everything That Follows

Repentance is a 180-degree turn from sin's direction toward God's kingdom.

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