Luke 24:47 - and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Generated Verse: Luke 24:47

What does "Luke 24:47" mean?


Luke 24:47, "and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem," is a pivotal statement that outlines the core mission of Jesus' followers after his ascension. Let's break it down:

"Repentance...": This refers to a turning away from sin and a conscious decision to change one's life and follow God's will. It involves acknowledging one's wrongdoings, feeling remorse, and resolving to live differently. Repentance is a necessary step for receiving forgiveness.

"...and remission of sins...": This means forgiveness and the removal of the guilt and penalty associated with sin. "Remission" literally means a sending away or cancellation. It signifies that through Jesus, sins can be completely forgiven and no longer held against the individual.

"...should be preached in his name...": This emphasizes that the message of repentance and forgiveness is only available through Jesus. Preaching "in his name" means proclaiming the message based on his authority, his teachings, and his sacrifice. It is acknowledging that Jesus is the means by which salvation is offered.

"...to all the nations...": This indicates that the message of repentance and forgiveness is not limited to a specific group or ethnicity (like the Jewish people). It's a universal message meant for everyone, regardless of their background.

"...beginning at Jerusalem.": This is a specific instruction on where to start spreading the message. Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life and also the place where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Starting there was significant because:

It fulfilled prophecy.
It gave the Jewish people, who had the first opportunity to accept Jesus, a chance to respond.
It represented a challenge, as Jerusalem was the very place where Jesus was rejected.

In summary, this verse means that Jesus' followers were commissioned to go out and proclaim to all people, starting in Jerusalem, that they need to turn away from their sins and that forgiveness of those sins is available through faith in Jesus Christ.

This verse is significant because it:

Provides a clear mission statement for the early church and Christians today.
Emphasizes the universality of the gospel.
Highlights the importance of both repentance and forgiveness.
Identifies Jesus as the central figure through whom salvation is offered.

This passage sets the stage for the book of Acts, which chronicles the spread of the gospel message from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It's a foundational verse for understanding the purpose and scope of the Christian faith.

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