Acts 2:39 - For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”
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What does "Acts 2:39" mean?
Acts 2:39 is a pivotal verse in understanding the scope of the gospel. It follows Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit's descent, and it essentially outlines who the offer of salvation is for. Let's break down the meaning:
"For the promise is to you..." This refers to the Jews who were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Peter is directly addressing them, reminding them that the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, including the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, is first offered to them as descendants of Abraham to whom the promises were originally made.
"...and to your children..." This indicates that the promise isn't just for the current generation of Jews, but also extends to their descendants. It emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant.
"...and to all who are far off..." This is a crucial turning point. It widens the scope beyond the Jewish people. "Those who are far off" typically refers to the Gentiles – people who are not Jewish. This signifies that the gospel message is not limited to a single ethnic group but is intended for all nations.
"...even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation. The offer is universal ("all who are far off"), but ultimately, it's God who calls and draws individuals to himself. Not everyone will respond to the gospel, but those whom God calls will believe and receive salvation.
In summary, Acts 2:39 means:
The promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, including forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, is for:
1. The Jews present at Pentecost.
2. Their future generations.
3. All Gentiles (those "far off") throughout the world.
4. Specifically, those whom God calls to himself, enabling them to believe.
Theological implications:
Universal Offer: This verse supports the idea that the gospel is offered universally to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
God's Sovereignty: It also highlights God's sovereignty in salvation. While the offer is universal, it is God who ultimately draws individuals to himself.
Continuity and Expansion: It demonstrates the continuity of God's promises from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and the expansion of those promises to include the Gentiles. This is a key theme in the book of Acts, as the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Emphasis on Calling: The verse emphasizes the importance of God's call in the process of salvation. Salvation isn't simply a matter of human choice, but is initiated by God's grace.
This verse is foundational for understanding the inclusive nature of the gospel and the role of both human responsibility and divine sovereignty in salvation. It shows that God's plan of redemption is for all who believe, regardless of their background or location, and that this plan is ultimately orchestrated by God himself.
Acts 2:39 - For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”
What does "Acts 2:39" mean?
Acts 2:39 is a pivotal verse in understanding the scope of the gospel. It follows Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit's descent, and it essentially outlines who the offer of salvation is for. Let's break down the meaning:
"For the promise is to you..." This refers to the Jews who were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Peter is directly addressing them, reminding them that the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, including the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, is first offered to them as descendants of Abraham to whom the promises were originally made.
"...and to your children..." This indicates that the promise isn't just for the current generation of Jews, but also extends to their descendants. It emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant.
"...and to all who are far off..." This is a crucial turning point. It widens the scope beyond the Jewish people. "Those who are far off" typically refers to the Gentiles – people who are not Jewish. This signifies that the gospel message is not limited to a single ethnic group but is intended for all nations.
"...even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation. The offer is universal ("all who are far off"), but ultimately, it's God who calls and draws individuals to himself. Not everyone will respond to the gospel, but those whom God calls will believe and receive salvation.
In summary, Acts 2:39 means:
The promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, including forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, is for:
1. The Jews present at Pentecost.
2. Their future generations.
3. All Gentiles (those "far off") throughout the world.
4. Specifically, those whom God calls to himself, enabling them to believe.
Theological implications:
Universal Offer: This verse supports the idea that the gospel is offered universally to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
God's Sovereignty: It also highlights God's sovereignty in salvation. While the offer is universal, it is God who ultimately draws individuals to himself.
Continuity and Expansion: It demonstrates the continuity of God's promises from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and the expansion of those promises to include the Gentiles. This is a key theme in the book of Acts, as the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Emphasis on Calling: The verse emphasizes the importance of God's call in the process of salvation. Salvation isn't simply a matter of human choice, but is initiated by God's grace.
This verse is foundational for understanding the inclusive nature of the gospel and the role of both human responsibility and divine sovereignty in salvation. It shows that God's plan of redemption is for all who believe, regardless of their background or location, and that this plan is ultimately orchestrated by God himself.