Acts 2:35

KJV

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

KJV (with Strong's)

Until {G2193} I make {G302}{G5087} thy {G4675} foes {G2190} thy {G4675} footstool {G4228}{G5286}.

Complete Jewish Bible

‘Adonai said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

Berean Standard Bible

until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

American Standard Version

Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:35, a direct quotation from Psalm 110:1, serves as a cornerstone in Peter's Pentecost sermon, powerfully articulating the divine exaltation and ultimate dominion of Jesus Christ. This verse declares God's sovereign intent to establish Christ's supreme authority, ensuring that all opposition will eventually be brought into complete submission, thereby affirming Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, now enthroned at the right hand of the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:35 is embedded within Peter's inaugural sermon on the Day of Pentecost, a pivotal moment in the early church's history. Following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the apostles speaking in diverse tongues, a bewildered crowd of devout Jews from various nations gathered in Jerusalem. Peter, empowered by the Spirit, rises to explain these extraordinary events, systematically arguing that the resurrection and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth are the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He builds his case by first referencing Joel's prophecy concerning the Spirit ([Acts 2:16-21](/acts/2-16-21 "Acts 2:16-21 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")), then recounting Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection ([Acts 2:22-24](/acts/2-22-24 "Acts 2:22-24 - Jesus' Life, Death, and Resurrection")). He then transitions to David's prophetic understanding of the Messiah's resurrection and ascension, specifically citing Psalm 16 ([Acts 2:25-31](/acts/2-25-31 "Acts 2:25-31 - David's Prophecy of the Messiah's Resurrection")) and culminates with Psalm 110:1 in Acts 2:34-35, presenting it as irrefutable proof that Jesus is both Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Pentecost was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, drawing a diverse multitude to Jerusalem. This audience, steeped in Old Testament scriptures and messianic expectation, would have been familiar with Psalm 110, a highly revered Davidic psalm understood by many to be messianic. The imagery of making "foes a footstool" (Hebrew: הֲדֹם רַגְלַי, _hadom raglay_) resonated deeply with ancient Near Eastern royal practices. Conquerors would often place their foot on the neck or back of a defeated enemy king as a public display of absolute subjugation and dominion. This vivid cultural symbol would immediately convey the idea of complete and utter victory, not merely a comfortable resting place for feet. Peter's use of this imagery, therefore, was not just a theological statement but a culturally potent declaration of Jesus' supreme authority over all opposition, both human and spiritual.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:35 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Christ's Exaltation**. The phrase "Until I make thy foes thy footstool" highlights God the Father's active and sovereign role in establishing Christ's supreme authority. It underscores the divine plan for Jesus to rule as King and Lord, having been resurrected and ascended to the right hand of God, as Peter states in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ's Exaltation and the Spirit's Outpouring"). This leads to the theme of **Christ's Ultimate Victory and Dominion**, assuring believers of Jesus' eventual and total triumph over all spiritual and physical opposition, including sin, death, and evil. Furthermore, the verse powerfully demonstrates the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Peter meticulously shows how Old Testament prophecies, particularly Psalm 110:1, find their ultimate and definitive fulfillment in Jesus Christ, validating the Christian message. Finally, the word "Until" introduces the concept of an **Interim Reign**, implying a period during which Christ reigns from heaven while His enemies are progressively being brought under His dominion, pointing to the ongoing work of Christ's kingdom and the future consummation when every knee will bow before Him, as seen in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Until (Greek, _héōs'_):** This conjunction, preposition, and adverb denotes continuance in time or place. In Acts 2:35, "until" signifies a period of time during which a particular state or action persists, leading up to a specific event. It implies that Christ's session at God's right hand is ongoing *until* the Father completes the subjugation of His enemies. It does not suggest a cessation of Christ's reign thereafter, but rather the completion of a specific phase of His kingly work.
* **foes (Greek, _echthrós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hate," this word describes one who is hateful (odious) or actively hostile. As a noun, it refers to an adversary or enemy, often used in a broad sense to include all who oppose God and His Christ, including spiritual powers, human resistance, and even death itself.
* **footstool (Greek, _hypopódion'_):** This compound word, literally "under feet," refers to something placed beneath the feet. In this context, it is a powerful figurative term, symbolizing complete and utter subjugation, humiliation, and defeat. It is not merely a place to rest one's feet, but a throne accessory upon which a conqueror would place his foot, signifying absolute dominion over a vanquished foe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until I make":** This clause emphasizes the active role of God the Father in establishing Christ's ultimate dominion. It is God who sovereignly orchestrates the subjugation of all enemies, demonstrating His divine power and faithfulness to His Son. The "I" refers to God the Father, who speaks in Psalm 110:1, confirming His authority over all things and His commitment to exalting Christ.
* **"thy foes":** "Thy" refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. "Foes" encompasses all forms of opposition to Christ's reign and God's kingdom. This includes spiritual powers of darkness, human rebellion, systems of injustice, and ultimately, death itself, which is the last enemy to be destroyed. These are not merely passive adversaries but active forces that stand against God's redemptive plan.
* **"thy footstool":** This is the climactic image of the verse, signifying complete and total defeat and subjugation. Just as ancient kings would physically place their foot on the neck of a conquered enemy to symbolize absolute victory and humiliation, so too will all of Christ's enemies be brought into such a state of submission. This imagery assures believers of Christ's undeniable authority and the certainty of His ultimate triumph over all that opposes Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes powerful use of several literary devices. **Allusion** and **Quotation** are central, as Peter directly quotes Psalm 110:1, grounding his theological argument in the authoritative Old Testament scriptures. This intertextual connection validates Jesus' messianic identity for his Jewish audience. The phrase "thy foes thy footstool" employs a vivid **Metaphor**, transforming the mundane object of a footstool into a symbol of absolute conquest and dominion. This metaphor is further enhanced by **Symbolism**, where the act of placing one's foot on a footstool represents the complete subjugation and humiliation of enemies. This imagery draws on ancient Near Eastern cultural practices, making the concept of Christ's triumph tangible and impactful for the original hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:35 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's present reign and future consummation. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God the Father in exalting His Son, Jesus, to a position of ultimate authority at His right hand. This divine decree ensures that despite ongoing opposition in the world, Christ's victory is not merely a future hope but a present reality, actively being worked out by the Father. The "footstool" imagery confirms that no power, spiritual or earthly, can ultimately withstand the reign of the Messiah. This provides immense assurance to believers, reminding them that their Lord is not merely a historical figure but a reigning King, actively bringing all things under His dominion. This interim period, "until" all enemies are subdued, signifies the ongoing expansion of Christ's kingdom through the Holy Spirit and the church, culminating in a final, decisive victory.

* [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King")
* [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued")
* [Hebrews 10:12-13](/hebrews/10-12-13 "Hebrews 10:12-13 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand, Waiting")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:35 offers profound comfort and a call to confident living for believers today. In a world often marked by chaos, injustice, and seemingly overwhelming opposition, this verse reminds us that Christ is sovereignly enthroned and actively bringing all things under His dominion. We are not fighting a losing battle, nor is our hope in vain. Instead, we serve a King whose ultimate victory is guaranteed by the Father Himself. This truth should inspire unwavering trust in His divine authority, empowering us to face challenges with courage and perseverance. It calls us to live as citizens of His kingdom, participating in His ongoing work of redemption, knowing that every act of faith, every stand for truth, and every expression of love contributes to the very process of His enemies being made His footstool. We are invited to rest in His finished work while actively engaging in the spiritual warfare from a position of His assured triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory in Acts 2:35 impact your perspective on current challenges or opposition in your life?**
* **What "foes" (internal or external) do you need to surrender to Christ's dominion, trusting in His power to overcome them?**
* **How does understanding the "interim reign" of Christ encourage your perseverance in faith and service?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in the ongoing work of Christ's kingdom, knowing that He is sovereignly bringing all things under His feet?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "footstool" imagery in Acts 2:35?**

Answer: The "footstool" imagery is highly significant, drawing from ancient Near Eastern royal and military practices. When a king or conqueror placed his foot on the neck or back of a defeated enemy, it was a powerful, public demonstration of absolute conquest, humiliation, and total dominion. Therefore, in Acts 2:35, it signifies not merely a place for Christ to rest His feet, but the complete and utter subjugation of all His enemies. It assures believers of Christ's undeniable authority and His guaranteed, overwhelming victory over every opposing force, whether spiritual, political, or personal.

**Who are "thy foes" that will be made Christ's footstool?**

Answer: "Thy foes" refers to all that stands in opposition to God's reign and Christ's kingdom. This includes a broad spectrum of adversaries. The primary spiritual foes are Satan and his demonic forces, who rebelled against God. It also encompasses human rebellion, including those who reject Christ and His authority, as well as systems and ideologies that oppose God's will. Ultimately, the Bible reveals that even death itself is considered an enemy that Christ will conquer, as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death"). Thus, "foes" represents every power and authority that seeks to usurp God's rightful place or hinder the advancement of His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:35 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter's sermon masterfully connects this ancient prophecy to the recent, historical events of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The "Lord" who speaks in Psalm 110:1 is God the Father, and "my Lord" (David's Lord) is Jesus Christ, now exalted to the Father's right hand. This verse declares that Jesus, though crucified, has been raised from the dead and enthroned as the supreme King, awaiting the Father's complete subjugation of all His enemies. This is not a passive waiting, but an active reign, where Christ is already exercising His dominion over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Things")). His victory over sin and death through His cross and resurrection has disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and He now reigns until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). Acts 2:35, therefore, is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' present sovereignty and the certainty of His ultimate, cosmic triumph, when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's")).

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

Revelation 19:19

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Revelation 20:3

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Isaiah 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Revelation 20:8

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Isaiah 63:4

For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.