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Acts 20:21
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Testify both to - Jews and - Greeks - He always began with the Jews; and, in this case, he had preached to them alone for three months, Act 19:8-10, and only left their synagogues when he found, through their obstinacy, he could do them no good. Repentance toward God, etc. - As all had sinned against God, so all should humble themselves before him against whom they have sinned; but humiliation is no atonement for sin; therefore repentance is insufficient, unless faith in our Lord Jesus Christ accompany it. Repentance disposes and prepares the soul for pardoning mercy; but can never be considered as making compensation for past acts of transgression. This repentance and faith were necessary to the salvation both of Jews and Gentiles; for all had sinned, and come short of God's glory. The Jews must repent, who had sinned so much, and so long, against light and knowledge. The Gentiles must repent, whose scandalous lives were a reproach to man. Faith in Jesus Christ was also indispensably necessary; for a Jew might repent, be sorry for his sin, and suppose that, by a proper discharge of his religious duty, and bringing proper sacrifices, he could conciliate the favor of God: No, this will not do; nothing but faith in Jesus Christ, as the end of the law, and the great and only vicarious sacrifice, will do; hence he testified to them the necessity of faith in this Messiah. The Gentiles might repent of their profligate lives, turn to the true God, and renounce all idolatry: this is well, but it is not sufficient: they also have sinned, and their present amendment and faith can make no atonement for what is past; therefore, they also must believe on the Lord Jesus, who died for their sins, and rose again for their justification.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Testifying both to Jews and . . . Greeks--laboring under a common malady, and recoverable only by a common treatment. repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ--(See on Act 5:31). REPENTANCE, as distinguished from faith, is that state of the "honest and good heart" which arises from a discovery of one's contrariety to the righteous demands of the divine law. This is said to be "toward God," because seeing Him to be the party dishonored by sin, it feels all its acknowledgments and compunctions to be properly due to Him, as the great Lawgiver, and directs them to Him accordingly; condemning, humbling itself, and grieving before Him, looking also to Him as its only Hope of deliverance. FAITH is said to be "toward our Lord Jesus Christ," because in that frame of mind just described it eagerly credits the testimony of relief divinely provided in Christ, gladly embraces the overtures of reconciliation in Him, and directs all its expectations of salvation, from its first stage to its last, to Him as the one appointed Medium of all grace from God to a sinful world. Thus we have here a brief summary of all Gospel preaching. And it is easy to see why repentance is here put before faith; for the former must of necessity precede the latter. There is a repentance subsequent to faith, the fruit of felt pardon and restoration. It was this which drew the tears with which the Saviour's feet were once so copiously moistened. (Luk 7:37-38, Luk 7:47; and compare Eze 16:63). But that is not the light in which it is here presented.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,.... Not in his own spirit, though the Ethiopic version reads, "in my spirit"; as if he was pressed and straitened, and troubled within himself, at what afflictions and bonds he was to endure at Jerusalem; for this is not consistent with what he says in Act 20:24 nor is the sense, that he was bound in conscience and duty to go to Jerusalem, to carry the collections of the churches made for the poor saints there, which the Gentile churches importuned him to take upon him, and which he undertook, and promised to perform, and so was under obligation to do it; but rather that he was resolved and determined in his own mind, within himself, or he purposed in his spirit, as in Act 19:21 to go to Jerusalem: but it is best to understand it of the Spirit of God; as that either the apostle, by the revelation of the Spirit of God, knew that when he came to Jerusalem he should be laid in bonds, and under a deep impression of that upon his mind, he went thither, as though he was bound already; or rather that he was under such a strong impulse of the Spirit of God, by which he was moved to such a vehement desire to go thither, that the bonds and afflictions he saw waited for him there, could not deter him, and all the entreaties of his friends could not dissuade him from it: not knowing the things that shall befall me there; that is, the particular things he should suffer there, nor how they would issue with respect to life or death; and if the latter, whether he should suffer death, there or elsewhere; these things were not as yet revealed to him; he only in general knew, that bonds and afflictions would be his lot and portion, and which therefore he excepts in the next verse: after this it was revealed to him by Agabus a prophet, in the name, and under the influence of the Holy Ghost, that he should be apprehended at Jerusalem, and should be bound and delivered to the Gentiles; which was signified by the prophet's taking his girdle and binding his hands and feet with it, but still he knew not whether he should die there or not, though he was ready for it, Act 21:10 afterwards when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been bound, and was in prison, the Lord himself appeared to him, and told him that he must bear witness at Rome, as he had testified of him at Jerusalem, Act 23:11 so that he was not to suffer death there, only bonds and imprisonment.
Acts 20:21
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians
20I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Call to Repentance
By Vance Havner10K36:16RepentanceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:38ACT 20:21ROM 13:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to operate effectively. He emphasizes the need for repentance and the removal of sin in order for the church to be successful in evangelism. The speaker also highlights the danger of trying to do things in our own strength, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages listeners to let God work through them and to abide in Him, rather than striving in their own efforts.
How to Get on Fire for God
By Ray Comfort8.3K48:40ZealMAT 10:16MRK 16:15ACT 20:21ACT 20:24ROM 15:13EPH 6:15HEB 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and peace through the power of the Holy Ghost. The second key is love for God, which motivates believers to put aside their fears and be faithful witnesses. The third key is compassion, as the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of judgment and the need to show compassion towards others. The sermon also mentions the use of anecdotes and humor as effective tools in keeping the audience engaged.
The Holocaust and Christian Conscience
By Art Katz3.1K58:50HolocaustMAT 6:33ACT 5:29ACT 20:21ROM 3:23ROM 6:23In this sermon, the speaker shares his burden for repentance and the absence of this message in modern evangelism. He emphasizes the need for Christians to understand their responsibility and guilt before God for the death of Jesus. The speaker also highlights the importance of reviewing the history of Israel and the biblical illiteracy among modern Jews. He concludes by discussing his own experience of reconciliation as a Jewish believer and the need for reconciliation between Germans and Jews.
Wanted: Men of God
By Alan Cairns2.5K1:22:26CallingMAT 22:37MAT 28:19JHN 5:39ACT 20:211TI 4:132TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for men of God in today's society. He highlights the importance of preachers who are not influenced by the world, but rather have a deep understanding of the Word of God and are transformed by its power. The preacher calls for individuals to seek God's guidance and to be willing to do whatever He asks of them. He also emphasizes the need for men who have knowledge of the times and can discern what actions are necessary in the present, rather than dwelling in the past.
The Soul of a Man
By Manley Beasley2.1K34:03SoulJER 8:20MAT 7:21LUK 12:19LUK 18:22ACT 20:21ROM 14:11REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will face judgment at the great white throne. The preacher describes the anguish and regret of those who realize too late that they should have believed in Jesus. He also references the story of the rich young man in Luke, highlighting the missed opportunity for salvation. The sermon ultimately emphasizes the need for redemption and the eternal consequences of rejecting Jesus.
K-036 the Holocaust and Christian Conscience
By Art Katz2.0K58:50HolocaustISA 53:7MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 5:29ACT 20:21ROM 3:23REV 6:16In this sermon, the speaker shares his burden for repentance and the absence of this message in modern evangelism. He emphasizes the need for Christians to understand their responsibility and guilt before God for the death of Jesus. The speaker also highlights the importance of reviewing the history of Israel and the biblical illiteracy among modern Jews. He concludes by discussing his own experience of reconciliation as a Jewish believer and the need for reconciliation between Germans and Jews.
(Beginnings) Faith
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:02:34ACT 20:21ROM 1:16ROM 6:14ROM 10:8JAS 2:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of salvation and its connection to faith. He emphasizes that salvation in the New Testament is not just about being saved from hell, but also about being saved from sin. The speaker encourages believers to testify and confess their faith, declaring that sin will not have dominion over them. He also highlights the need for the power of God to free believers from the strong pull of sinful desires, comparing it to the power of gravity. The sermon is based on Romans 1:16-17 and emphasizes the power of the gospel in bringing salvation to those who believe.
Through the Bible - Acts - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.6K54:08ACT 11:27ACT 16:17ACT 17:10ACT 18:9ACT 20:18ACT 20:21ACT 20:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God with humility and setting a good example through one's life, not just through preaching. He warns that when strict gatekeepers like Paul are absent, wolves can enter the church and cause harm. The speaker also highlights the need to serve one's generation and fulfill God's will before passing on. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the importance of fasting and worshiping God, as well as the guidance of a God-given leader in one's spiritual journey.
Pastors Call to Action
By Denny Kenaston1.6K1:04:54ActionMAT 6:33ACT 20:21ACT 20:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of both feeding the flock of God and watching out for wolves. He uses the example of Paul, who tirelessly warned and taught the people for three years. The preacher highlights the need for a gospel-centered ministry and message, focusing on repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. He also encourages the listeners to prioritize their own spiritual growth and to not neglect their quiet time with God, emphasizing the significance of studying and applying the Bible in their lives.
(Church Leadership) 13. Jesus Is the Author of Faith
By Zac Poonen1.5K58:21GEN 12:2ZEC 8:13MAT 4:17MAT 22:37ACT 20:21HEB 11:6HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God. He shares a story of two individuals, one who believed in God's power and another who did not. Despite the messiness of their lives, the one who believed became a great blessing to God. The speaker highlights the need for repentance and faith, not just for unbelievers but also for believers. He references the message of repentance given by Jesus and the apostles. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to pursue wisdom, as it brings success and gentleness in our words and actions.
Evangelicals, Repent! (Interview W/ Paul Washer)
By Kevin Swanson1.2K29:15InterviewPSA 119:105MAT 6:33ACT 20:21ROM 3:23ROM 6:232TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of gospel reductionism in our society, where the true message of the gospel has been simplified and diluted. He emphasizes the importance of reassessing our understanding of the gospel and seeking the truth. The speaker highlights four texts in the Bible that clearly define the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also discusses the offensive nature of the gospel, as it challenges man's self-centered worldview and presents the problem of sin.
Audio Sermon: A Call to Repentance
By Vance Havner1.0K37:232CH 7:14PSA 51:17MAT 3:2MAT 4:17ACT 2:38ACT 20:21JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance in the Church, highlighting the consistent call for repentance in the Bible and the need for a genuine turning away from sin. It addresses the lack of focus on repentance in modern churches, the necessity of personal and corporate repentance, and the vital role of repentance in preparing for revival and evangelism.
Are You Safe?
By Hywel R. Jones99458:06SafetyMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 20:21ROM 8:1ROM 8:38In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Romans chapter eight and its central message of safety or salvation for Christians. The chapter begins and ends with the themes of no condemnation and no separation. The speaker emphasizes that Christians are safe from God's condemnation. The sermon poses the question to the audience, "Are you safe?" and highlights the uncertainty and dangers of the world. The speaker encourages listeners to grasp the truth of their safety in Christ and live it out in praise and glory to God.
Book of Acts Series - Part 19 | Our Ancestors
By Jim Cymbala88634:09Book Of ActsACT 2:38ACT 3:19ACT 10:43ACT 13:38ACT 14:15ACT 20:21ACT 20:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others. He encourages believers in various settings, such as college, high school, and the business world, to proclaim the good news of Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the need to walk humbly and draw attention to Christ rather than oneself. He highlights the faithfulness of Paul and Barnabas in preaching the gospel wherever they went, and urges pastors and Christians to study the sermons in the book of Acts as a guide for sharing the true gospel. The sermon also touches on the response of the crowd to Paul's preaching and the importance of turning from idols to the living God.
Cc Nice- Vraie Repentance (French)
By Manuel Brambila81842:12FrenchEZK 36:26MAT 6:33LUK 3:3ACT 20:21ACT 20:26ROM 3:20In the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in the Christian life. He explains that repentance involves turning towards God and acknowledging one's sins, while faith is the belief in God's promises and the acceptance of Jesus as Savior. The speaker also mentions the role of the law of God in showing people their need for repentance. He concludes by encouraging the audience to seek further understanding of repentance and faith and offers a DVD called "Sans la Trévan" as a resource.
Born Again Through Repentance and Faith
By Zac Poonen6841:12:20MAT 3:2MAT 22:36JHN 6:37ACT 20:21ROM 8:9EPH 1:13JAS 2:14REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding who Jesus is speaking to in the Bible, highlighting the need to discern the intended audience to grasp the message correctly. It delves into Revelation 3:20, explaining that Jesus' message is often misapplied to unbelievers when it was directed to believers, specifically the elder and churches in Laodicea. The sermon stresses the significance of repentance and faith, urging listeners to genuinely desire to love Jesus above all and treat others as they want to be treated. It concludes with a call for individuals to invite Jesus into their hearts, emphasizing the assurance of salvation and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Seven Truths That Every Christian Must Know
By Zac Poonen65849:23MAT 18:23LUK 9:23LUK 16:13JHN 14:6ACT 20:21EPH 5:181JN 2:281JN 3:31JN 4:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of key truths that every Christian must know. It covers the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to God, the necessity of repentance alongside faith, the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, the requirement to deny oneself to follow Jesus, the warning against serving both God and money, the essentiality of loving and forgiving one another, and the preparation for Christ's second coming.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 7
By Zac Poonen65426:40MAT 4:17MAT 6:33JHN 7:38ACT 2:38ACT 20:21ROM 14:17HEB 12:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin towards God, focusing on the message of the kingdom of heaven being within us through righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for Christians to teach and proclaim all that Jesus commanded, including repentance, faith, and seeking the kingdom of God first, rather than earthly blessings. The speaker underscores the significance of the Holy Spirit filling our hearts, enabling us to overflow with God's love and truth to bless others.
Building the Body of Christ - 7 Knowing Jesus
By Zac Poonen62355:26MAT 7:21MAT 25:1JHN 10:27JHN 17:3ACT 20:211CO 3:10JAS 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of building our lives, families, and churches on a strong foundation, likening it to constructing a building. It highlights the need for a solid foundation in Jesus Christ, distinguishing between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him personally. The speaker warns against false teachings and stresses the significance of repentance, faith, and turning away from worldly desires to receive eternal life through knowing Jesus intimately.
The Stealing of the Devotion of Jesus
By Jim Cymbala52545:22ISA 40:31JHN 10:10ACT 20:21ROM 8:372CO 12:101TH 5:17JAS 5:16REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the theme of God recovering stolen property, highlighting how Satan tries to steal our first love, boldness, calling, and even our children, but God is able to restore what has been taken. Through personal testimonies and biblical insights, the speaker encourages humility, deep prayer, and a return to God's calling and devotion.
Here We Stand - Concerning the Death of Christ and Man's Salvation
By J. Glyn Owen4871:03:36SalvationMAT 11:28ACT 20:21ROM 5:101CO 1:231CO 2:2EPH 2:81PE 2:24The sermon transcript emphasizes the centrality of the death of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and in the minds of the evangelists. The speaker highlights the importance of the cross and the death of Jesus throughout the Scriptures. The sermon also mentions Paul's words in Galatians 6:14, where he expresses his humility and refusal to boast except in the cross of Christ. The sermon concludes by discussing how Jesus himself appointed symbols, such as the Lord's Supper, to remind the Christian church of his death.
Gospel Meetings s.h.c.- 01 for Me to Live Is Christ
By Stan Ford45642:43PSA 32:1MAT 4:17LUK 15:24ACT 20:212CO 7:10PHP 1:2HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of the rich farmer from Luke 12. The preacher highlights how the pursuit of material possessions and worldly happiness can lead to emptiness and foolishness. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus as the true path to happiness and forgiveness. The preacher encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God and to find true joy in Christ rather than in worldly things or theories of men.
The Second Coming 02 Why He Is Coming Again
By Stan Ford39840:30ISA 55:7MAT 6:33JHN 1:12JHN 14:3ACT 20:211CO 15:221TH 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the day when believers will meet the Lord Jesus. He assures the congregation that nothing can prevent them from coming to Christ if they are willing. The preacher uses the three words "Here, Take, Hang" to convey his message. He also reminds the audience of the credibility of the one who promised to come again, highlighting that it is God himself. The sermon concludes by discussing the four things that will happen when Christ returns, including the resurrection of believers and their removal from the earth.
True Repentance
By Zac Poonen27725:24ISA 53:6EZK 14:3JHN 1:14ACT 20:21ROM 3:231CO 10:131TH 1:9JAS 4:171JN 3:4This sermon emphasizes God's promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will never allow us to face trials beyond our ability to bear, likening trials to resistance training for spiritual strength. It discusses the importance of repentance and faith as inseparable responses to the gospel, highlighting the need to turn away from sin and trust in Jesus. Repentance is described as a continuous attitude of turning from known sins, leading to a deeper understanding of what constitutes sin and a desire to align with God's glory seen in Jesus Christ.
That Which Is Spiritual Cannot Be Duplicated
By David Wilkerson0True SpiritualityThe Role of the Holy SpiritACT 20:212CO 4:18David Wilkerson emphasizes that true spirituality cannot be duplicated by human effort or knowledge, as it is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. He warns against the modern misconception that imparting biblical knowledge can create spiritual growth, asserting that only the Holy Spirit can produce genuine spirituality, often revealed through suffering and affliction. Wilkerson highlights that true spiritual growth often occurs in difficult times, as believers learn and grow through their trials. He references Paul's experiences, illustrating that afflictions serve to produce eternal values and a deeper understanding of God's glory. Ultimately, the sermon calls for reliance on the Holy Spirit for true spiritual transformation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Testify both to - Jews and - Greeks - He always began with the Jews; and, in this case, he had preached to them alone for three months, Act 19:8-10, and only left their synagogues when he found, through their obstinacy, he could do them no good. Repentance toward God, etc. - As all had sinned against God, so all should humble themselves before him against whom they have sinned; but humiliation is no atonement for sin; therefore repentance is insufficient, unless faith in our Lord Jesus Christ accompany it. Repentance disposes and prepares the soul for pardoning mercy; but can never be considered as making compensation for past acts of transgression. This repentance and faith were necessary to the salvation both of Jews and Gentiles; for all had sinned, and come short of God's glory. The Jews must repent, who had sinned so much, and so long, against light and knowledge. The Gentiles must repent, whose scandalous lives were a reproach to man. Faith in Jesus Christ was also indispensably necessary; for a Jew might repent, be sorry for his sin, and suppose that, by a proper discharge of his religious duty, and bringing proper sacrifices, he could conciliate the favor of God: No, this will not do; nothing but faith in Jesus Christ, as the end of the law, and the great and only vicarious sacrifice, will do; hence he testified to them the necessity of faith in this Messiah. The Gentiles might repent of their profligate lives, turn to the true God, and renounce all idolatry: this is well, but it is not sufficient: they also have sinned, and their present amendment and faith can make no atonement for what is past; therefore, they also must believe on the Lord Jesus, who died for their sins, and rose again for their justification.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Testifying both to Jews and . . . Greeks--laboring under a common malady, and recoverable only by a common treatment. repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ--(See on Act 5:31). REPENTANCE, as distinguished from faith, is that state of the "honest and good heart" which arises from a discovery of one's contrariety to the righteous demands of the divine law. This is said to be "toward God," because seeing Him to be the party dishonored by sin, it feels all its acknowledgments and compunctions to be properly due to Him, as the great Lawgiver, and directs them to Him accordingly; condemning, humbling itself, and grieving before Him, looking also to Him as its only Hope of deliverance. FAITH is said to be "toward our Lord Jesus Christ," because in that frame of mind just described it eagerly credits the testimony of relief divinely provided in Christ, gladly embraces the overtures of reconciliation in Him, and directs all its expectations of salvation, from its first stage to its last, to Him as the one appointed Medium of all grace from God to a sinful world. Thus we have here a brief summary of all Gospel preaching. And it is easy to see why repentance is here put before faith; for the former must of necessity precede the latter. There is a repentance subsequent to faith, the fruit of felt pardon and restoration. It was this which drew the tears with which the Saviour's feet were once so copiously moistened. (Luk 7:37-38, Luk 7:47; and compare Eze 16:63). But that is not the light in which it is here presented.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,.... Not in his own spirit, though the Ethiopic version reads, "in my spirit"; as if he was pressed and straitened, and troubled within himself, at what afflictions and bonds he was to endure at Jerusalem; for this is not consistent with what he says in Act 20:24 nor is the sense, that he was bound in conscience and duty to go to Jerusalem, to carry the collections of the churches made for the poor saints there, which the Gentile churches importuned him to take upon him, and which he undertook, and promised to perform, and so was under obligation to do it; but rather that he was resolved and determined in his own mind, within himself, or he purposed in his spirit, as in Act 19:21 to go to Jerusalem: but it is best to understand it of the Spirit of God; as that either the apostle, by the revelation of the Spirit of God, knew that when he came to Jerusalem he should be laid in bonds, and under a deep impression of that upon his mind, he went thither, as though he was bound already; or rather that he was under such a strong impulse of the Spirit of God, by which he was moved to such a vehement desire to go thither, that the bonds and afflictions he saw waited for him there, could not deter him, and all the entreaties of his friends could not dissuade him from it: not knowing the things that shall befall me there; that is, the particular things he should suffer there, nor how they would issue with respect to life or death; and if the latter, whether he should suffer death, there or elsewhere; these things were not as yet revealed to him; he only in general knew, that bonds and afflictions would be his lot and portion, and which therefore he excepts in the next verse: after this it was revealed to him by Agabus a prophet, in the name, and under the influence of the Holy Ghost, that he should be apprehended at Jerusalem, and should be bound and delivered to the Gentiles; which was signified by the prophet's taking his girdle and binding his hands and feet with it, but still he knew not whether he should die there or not, though he was ready for it, Act 21:10 afterwards when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been bound, and was in prison, the Lord himself appeared to him, and told him that he must bear witness at Rome, as he had testified of him at Jerusalem, Act 23:11 so that he was not to suffer death there, only bonds and imprisonment.