Acts 2:21

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it shall come to pass {G2071}, that whosoever {G3739}{G3956}{G302} shall call on {G1941} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} shall be saved {G4982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And then, whoever calls on the name of Adonai will be saved.”’

Berean Standard Bible

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

American Standard Version

And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:21 stands as a profound declaration within Peter's Pentecost sermon, proclaiming the universal accessibility of God's salvation. This verse, a direct quotation from the prophet Joel, asserts that anyone who sincerely calls upon the name of the Lord will experience deliverance, encompassing spiritual rescue from sin and the promise of eternal life. It underscores the boundless grace of God and the simple yet profound act of faith required for reconciliation with Him, setting a foundational truth for the nascent Christian church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:21 is a pivotal statement within Peter's sermon delivered on the Day of Pentecost, immediately following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the subsequent confusion and questioning from the diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem. Peter, empowered by the Spirit, begins to explain these extraordinary events, asserting that they are not due to drunkenness but are a direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy. His sermon systematically moves from the present miraculous signs to the prophetic word, particularly quoting from [Joel 2:28-32](/joel/2-28-32 "Joel's Prophecy of the Spirit and Salvation"). Verse 21, specifically quoting [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Call on the Name of the Lord"), serves as the climactic promise of salvation, forming a bridge between the Old Testament prophetic anticipation and its New Testament fulfillment in Christ, which Peter then elaborates upon in the subsequent verses of his sermon, pointing to Jesus' resurrection and exaltation (e.g., [Acts 2:22-36](/acts/2-22-36 "Peter's Sermon on Jesus' Resurrection and Lordship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Shavuot), a harvest festival that also commemorated the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This festival drew devout Jews from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Devout Jews from Every Nation")), creating a diverse, multilingual audience. For this Jewish audience, the concept of "calling on the name of the Lord" would have resonated deeply with Old Testament practices of invoking Yahweh for deliverance and worship. The prophecy of Joel itself was given during a time of national crisis, promising divine intervention and spiritual outpouring. Peter's reapplication of Joel's prophecy, particularly the identification of "the Lord" (Greek: _Kyrios_) with the recently crucified and resurrected Jesus of Nazareth, was a radical theological claim. It challenged the prevailing Jewish understanding of Messiah and divine identity, asserting that the God of Israel was now uniquely revealed and accessible through Jesus, thereby extending the promise of salvation beyond ethnic Israel to all who would believe.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy**, demonstrating how God's ancient promises, particularly concerning the outpouring of the Spirit and universal salvation, are being realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the **universal invitation to salvation**, emphasizing that God's grace is extended to "whosoever," breaking down barriers of ethnicity or social status, a theme that becomes central to the mission of the early church as it expands beyond Jerusalem ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witness to the Ends of the Earth")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Lordship of Jesus Christ**. While Joel's prophecy referred to Yahweh, Peter's sermon explicitly reinterprets "the Lord" as Jesus, establishing His divine authority and sovereignty as the sole means of salvation ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Finally, it emphasizes the **necessity of a personal response of faith**, signified by "calling on the name of the Lord," which implies a heartfelt reliance and trust in God for deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **call on (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This word, in its middle voice, signifies more than a mere verbal utterance. It implies an active, personal invocation, an appeal for aid, worship, or testimony. It suggests a turning to someone with a sense of dependence and urgency, acknowledging their authority or power. In this context, it is a heartfelt cry of faith and reliance upon the one being called upon.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "supremacy," this term denotes one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or master. While in the Old Testament context of Joel it refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, Peter's sermon in Acts decisively applies this title to Jesus of Nazareth. This reinterpretation is crucial, indicating Jesus' divine identity and shared authority with God, making Him the ultimate object of saving faith.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This verb carries a broad meaning of rescue, deliverance, preservation, healing, or making whole. In the biblical context, especially here, it refers not just to physical preservation but primarily to spiritual deliverance from sin, its consequences (including divine judgment), and the promise of eternal life. It encompasses comprehensive well-being and restoration, both in the present and for eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass":** This introductory phrase, characteristic of prophetic declarations, signals an impending and certain event. It emphasizes the divine decree behind the statement, indicating that what follows is not merely a possibility but a guaranteed outcome according to God's sovereign plan. It links the present experience of the Holy Spirit's outpouring to the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
* **"that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord":** This clause highlights the universal scope of God's invitation and the human response required. "Whosoever" (Greek: _pas ho an_) unequivocally opens the door to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or past. "To call on the name of the Lord" implies a personal, active, and sincere invocation of God, acknowledging His authority and relying on His character for salvation. It signifies a turning to Him in faith, repentance, and dependence.
* **"shall be saved":** This final clause presents the certain outcome of such a calling. The salvation promised is comprehensive, encompassing deliverance from sin's power and penalty, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life. It is a divine act of rescue and restoration, demonstrating God's grace and power to transform lives.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:21 is rich in **Quotation/Allusion**, as it is a direct citation from [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Call on the Name of the Lord"). This literary device serves to establish the continuity of God's redemptive plan across testaments and to validate the events of Pentecost as divinely ordained fulfillments of ancient prophecy. Peter's use of this prophecy also demonstrates **Theological Reinterpretation**, as he applies the title "Lord" (Kyrios), which in Joel referred to Yahweh, directly to Jesus Christ. This reinterpretation is a foundational theological move in early Christian thought, asserting Jesus' divine identity and authority. Furthermore, the phrase "whosoever" employs **Universalism**, emphasizing the boundless and inclusive nature of God's salvation, extending the covenant promises beyond ethnic Israel to all humanity, a radical concept for its time and a key theme for the expanding mission of the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:21 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth of God's universal and accessible salvation. Theologically, it underscores divine sovereignty in initiating salvation ("it shall come to pass") and human responsibility in responding to it ("whosoever shall call"). The reinterpretation of "Lord" from Yahweh to Jesus Christ is a critical theological development, affirming Jesus' divine status and His central role as the sole mediator of salvation. This verse dismantles any notion of salvation being exclusive to a particular group, emphasizing God's boundless grace extended to all who genuinely seek Him. It highlights that salvation is not earned by works or lineage, but freely offered and received through a simple yet profound act of faith and invocation.

* [Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Romans 10:9-13 - Confess and Believe to be Saved")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Original Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:21 offers immense comfort and clarity for believers today, serving as a timeless invitation to reconciliation with God. It reminds us that the path to salvation is remarkably simple and universally accessible: anyone, regardless of their past, background, or perceived unworthiness, can find deliverance by turning to the Lord in faith. This verse encourages us to shed any burdens of self-righteousness or despair, recognizing that salvation is a gift freely offered through grace. For those who have already called upon His name, it provides profound assurance of their standing with God and the comprehensive nature of their salvation—spiritual, eternal, and holistic. For those who have not, it presents a clear, unambiguous call to action, urging a heartfelt response to the Lord's gracious invitation. It challenges us to live out this truth by extending the same universal invitation to others, confident in the power of the Gospel to save "whosoever."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me, personally, to "call on the name of the Lord"? Is it merely a verbal act, or does it encompass a deeper commitment of heart and life?**
* **How does the universal scope of "whosoever" challenge any exclusive or judgmental attitudes I might hold towards others regarding salvation?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage me to share the message of salvation with others, knowing its accessibility to all?**

### FAQ
**What does "call on the name of the Lord" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Calling on the name of the Lord" is more than a casual verbal utterance; it signifies a profound act of faith, reliance, and submission. Biblically, "name" often represents the character, authority, and very being of an individual. Therefore, to call on the name of the Lord means to acknowledge His divine identity, authority, and power, to express dependence upon Him for salvation, and to commit oneself to Him in faith. It implies a turning away from self and sin (repentance) and a turning towards God for rescue and relationship. This act of calling is a heartfelt cry for deliverance, recognizing Jesus as the "Lord" who alone can save, as Peter emphasizes throughout his sermon in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon").

**Is salvation truly for "whosoever," or are there hidden conditions?**

Answer: The term "whosoever" (Greek: _pas ho an_) in Acts 2:21 is a powerful declaration of the universal scope of God's invitation to salvation. It means that salvation is open to all people, without distinction based on ethnicity, social status, gender, or past sins. There are no hidden conditions beyond the act of "calling on the name of the Lord," which itself implies a genuine faith and repentance. This inclusivity is a foundational truth of the New Testament, reiterated by passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Whosoever Shall Call"). God's desire is for all to come to repentance and be saved ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience for All to Repent")).

**How does this verse relate to the Old Testament prophecy in Joel?**

Answer: Acts 2:21 is a direct quotation from [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - The Original Prophecy"). In Joel, the prophecy speaks of a future day when the Spirit of the Lord would be poured out, and "whoever calls on the name of the LORD (Yahweh) shall be saved." Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, powerfully declares that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they are witnessing is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Crucially, Peter then reinterprets "the Lord" from Joel's prophecy, applying it specifically to Jesus of Nazareth. This reinterpretation is central to the New Testament message: the salvation promised by Yahweh in the Old Testament is now uniquely mediated through Jesus Christ, who is revealed as the divine "Lord" through His resurrection and exaltation ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:21 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the original prophecy in [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Call on the Name of the Lord") referred to Yahweh, Peter's inspired sermon on Pentecost decisively identifies "the Lord" upon whom one must call for salvation as Jesus of Nazareth. This reinterpretation is not a mere substitution but a revelation of God's saving activity uniquely embodied in His Son. Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")) and victorious resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Raised for Our Justification")), became the means by which God's universal offer of salvation could be extended to "whosoever." He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the "one mediator between God and mankind" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). Therefore, to "call on the name of the Lord" today is to call upon Jesus Christ, acknowledging His divine Lordship, trusting in His atoning work, and receiving the salvation He alone provides, fulfilling the ancient promise through the new covenant inaugurated by His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Acts 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: