John Calvin Commentary Acts 13:26

"Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth." — Acts 13:26 (ASV)

Men and brethren. Paul again urges the Jews to embrace Christ; for this should have prompted no small amount of reflection and attentiveness in their minds, when they heard their salvation being discussed and that the message of salvation was specifically intended for them. He calls them children of Abraham not only for the sake of honor, but so that they may know that they are heirs of eternal life. And he speaks to them so graciously that it might not grieve them to depart from the scribes and priests whom they worshipped, because they must indeed receive Christ.

Furthermore, we must remember what I said before: though the gate of the kingdom of heaven was set open to the Gentiles, yet the Jews were not thrown down from their position but were considered the firstborn in God’s family. Therefore, he says that salvation was sent to them because they were first in order.

However, because physical lineage by itself was not of great importance, and the ungodliness of many became manifest, Paul speaks especially to the true worshippers of God. This signifies that words were merely empty unless the fear of God reigns in their hearts—hearts that can receive those words and, having received them, can nurture them.

We must note this title of the gospel, that it is called the word of salvation. Therefore, the hardness of heart of those whom it does not attract with its inherent sweetness must indeed be great. But though it is such by nature, yet for the reprobate, it becomes, by a secondary consequence, the savor of death unto death (2 Corinthians 2:16).