Acts 2:21

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Acts 2:21

This powerful declaration is a pivotal point in Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, immediately following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter addresses a diverse crowd, explaining that the extraordinary events they are witnessing are a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Specifically, Acts 2:21 is a direct quotation from the prophet Joel 2:32, emphasizing God's universal plan of salvation for all who seek Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Invitation: The word "whosoever" highlights the boundless nature of God's invitation. Salvation is not exclusive to a particular nation or group but is open to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or past.
  • The Act of "Calling": To "call on the name of the Lord" signifies more than a mere verbal utterance. It implies a heartfelt cry of faith, a recognition of God's sovereignty, and a reliance on His power for deliverance. It encompasses repentance and a turning towards God for rescue.
  • The Promise of Salvation: The result of this calling is "shall be saved." This salvation (Greek: sōzō) is comprehensive, referring not just to deliverance from physical danger but primarily to spiritual deliverance from sin's bondage, God's righteous judgment, and the promise of eternal life. It is the ultimate rescue offered by God.
  • Lordship of Jesus: While Joel's prophecy referred to Yahweh, Peter, in his sermon, clearly applies the title "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) to Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the New Testament revelation that salvation is found uniquely through faith in Jesus, who is now exalted as both Lord and Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Lord" here is Kyrios (κύριος). In the Old Testament context of Joel, it refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. However, in the New Testament, particularly in Peter's sermon, this title is decisively applied to Jesus of Nazareth. This reinterpretation is crucial, demonstrating that Jesus shares in the divine identity and authority, making Him the one through whom salvation is now offered. The term for "saved" is sōzō (σῴζω), which carries a broad meaning of rescue, healing, preservation, and deliverance, ultimately pointing to spiritual and eternal well-being.

Practical Application

Acts 2:21 offers immense comfort and clarity for believers today. It underscores the simplicity and accessibility of God's grace. For anyone burdened by sin, doubt, or despair, this verse provides a straightforward path to reconciliation with God. It reminds us that salvation is a gift received by acknowledging Jesus as Lord and placing our trust in Him. This timeless truth continues to be the foundation of the Christian message, inviting every person to experience the transformative power of God's salvation. As Paul later reiterates, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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