Acts 2:39

KJV

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the promise {G1860} is {G2076} unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} to your {G5216} children {G5043}, and {G2532} to all {G3956} that are afar off {G1519}{G3112}, even as many as {G3745} the Lord {G2962} our {G2257} God {G2316} shall call {G302}{G4341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away — as many as Adonai our God may call!”

Berean Standard Bible

This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

American Standard Version

For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Peter's declaration in Acts 2:39, delivered on the Day of Pentecost, profoundly articulates the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive promise, extending the offer of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit not only to the immediate Jewish audience and their descendants but also to all distant peoples, underscoring the divine initiative in calling individuals into relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:39 follows Peter's powerful sermon, which began with an explanation of the Pentecost event as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After convicting his audience of their role in crucifying Jesus, whom God raised and exalted, Peter issued a direct call in [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Baptism") for repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Verse 39 serves as an immediate expansion and clarification of the scope of this promise, emphasizing its broad reach beyond the immediate listeners. It sets the stage for the subsequent growth of the early church and its eventual mission to the Gentiles, providing the theological foundation for the universal spread of the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sermon is delivered in Jerusalem during the Jewish feast of Pentecost, drawing a large, diverse crowd of devout Jews from various nations, as described in [Acts 2:5-11](/acts/2-5-11 "Acts 2:5-11 - Devout Jews from Every Nation"). The immediate audience consists primarily of Jews, many of whom would have been present at Jesus's crucifixion just weeks prior. The concept of a "promise" was deeply rooted in Jewish thought, referring to God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, which often included future generations. The phrase "afar off" would initially resonate with the Jewish Diaspora, referring to Jews scattered globally, but its later interpretation by the early church, particularly Paul, would expand to explicitly include Gentiles, reflecting the growing tension and eventual breaking down of the Jew-Gentile barrier.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **universal scope of God's salvation**, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan is not limited to a select group but is designed to encompass "all that are afar off," foreshadowing the global mission of the church. It also highlights **divine initiative and calling**, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a human decision but a response to God's sovereign invitation, as seen in [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent him draws him"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **continuity of God's redemptive plan**, linking the Old Testament promises to their New Covenant fulfillment in Christ, particularly regarding the gift of the Holy Spirit and inclusion into God's family, thus bridging the old and new dispensations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Promise (Greek, _epangelía_):** This word signifies a divine assurance of good, an announcement or pledge. Here, it refers to the comprehensive blessings offered through the New Covenant, particularly the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, as articulated in [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance and the Holy Spirit"). It carries the weight of God's faithfulness to His word and His covenant, emphasizing that God's declaration is trustworthy and will be fulfilled.
* **Afar off (Greek, _makrán_):** Literally meaning "at a distance," this term can refer to geographical separation or, more profoundly, spiritual alienation. In this context, while initially understood by some as the Jewish Diaspora, it carries the theological implication of those spiritually distant from God's covenant people, specifically the Gentiles, who were formerly "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise" ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Gentiles without Christ")). This phrase signals the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
* **Call (Greek, _proskaléomai_):** This verb means "to call toward oneself," to summon, or invite. It denotes God's sovereign initiative in drawing individuals to Himself, highlighting that salvation is not solely a human endeavor but a response to a divine, authoritative invitation. This "call" is effective, bringing those who are "afar off" into relationship with God and into the community of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the promise is unto you":** This clause directly addresses the immediate Jewish audience present on the Day of Pentecost, confirming that the offer of salvation and the Holy Spirit, just articulated by Peter, is specifically for them. It signifies their privileged position as the initial recipients of this New Covenant blessing, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning Israel.
* **"and to your children":** This extends the promise to the future generations of the Jewish people. It reflects the covenantal nature of God's dealings with Israel, where promises often encompassed descendants, providing hope for the continuation of God's grace through familial lines and underscoring the intergenerational aspect of God's faithfulness.
* **"and to all that are afar off":** This crucial phrase dramatically expands the scope of the promise. While it could initially refer to the Jewish Diaspora, its theological trajectory in Acts and the Epistles clearly points to the inclusion of Gentiles—those who were historically and spiritually separated from God's covenant people, but who are now being brought near through Christ, as seen in [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ"). This signals the universal reach of the Gospel.
* **"even as many as the Lord our God shall call":** This final clause clarifies the condition and mechanism of inclusion. The promise is not automatically applied but is for those whom God sovereignly chooses to "call" to Himself. This highlights the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that God's gracious invitation is foundational to one's reception of the promise, and that this call is effective for all whom God purposes to save.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Inclusivity** as a central theme, progressively broadening the scope of the promise from the immediate audience to their descendants and then to "all that are afar off," demonstrating God's expansive redemptive plan. The phrase "all that are afar off" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just geographical distance but profound spiritual alienation, particularly of the Gentiles from the covenant people of God, who are now invited into relationship. The entire statement is an act of **Proclamation**, a definitive declaration by Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, revealing the universal reach of the Gospel and setting the stage for the church's global mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:39 stands as a pivotal theological statement, bridging Old Testament covenant promises with their New Testament fulfillment and universal application. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His redemptive plan, which, from its inception, always held a global scope, even if initially focused on Israel. The "promise" here encompasses the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and inclusion into God's family, all made possible through Christ. This verse prefigures the Great Commission by articulating the expansive nature of God's call, laying the groundwork for the church's mission to the ends of the earth. It reveals that God's grace transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries, extending His saving invitation to all humanity whom He draws.

* [Isaiah 57:19](/isaiah/57-19 "Isaiah 57:19 - Peace to the Far and Near")
* [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Gentiles Brought Near by Christ")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:39 offers profound encouragement and clear direction for believers today. It reminds us that God's love and redemptive plan are not exclusive but are designed to embrace all humanity. For parents, the inclusion of "your children" provides a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness across generations, encouraging them to raise their children in the faith and pray for their salvation, trusting that God's promises are extended to their lineage. For every believer, the phrase "all that are afar off" serves as a compelling call to mission, urging us to participate actively in sharing the Gospel with those who are spiritually distant, whether across the street or across the globe. It fosters a deep sense of gratitude, knowing that our own salvation is a result of God's sovereign call and His expansive grace, moving us to respond with humility and obedience to His ongoing invitation to bring others into His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of God's promise in this verse impact your understanding of evangelism and missions?**
* **In what ways does the inclusion of "your children" encourage your faith concerning future generations in your family or community?**
* **How does the concept of God's "call" influence your perspective on personal salvation and your role in God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**What "promise" is Acts 2:39 referring to?**

Answer: The "promise" in [Acts 2:39](/acts/2-39 "Acts 2:39 - The Scope of the Promise") primarily refers to the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, as explicitly stated in [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Spirit"). This promise is rooted in God's Old Testament covenants, particularly the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")) and Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), which promised a new heart, the indwelling Spirit, and the forgiveness of sins. Peter presents this as the fulfillment now available through Jesus Christ, underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

**Does "all that are afar off" specifically include Gentiles?**

Answer: While the immediate context in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") might initially suggest the Jewish Diaspora (Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire), the broader theological trajectory of the book of Acts and the New Testament epistles, particularly Paul's writings, strongly indicates that "all that are afar off" includes Gentiles. [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Gentiles Brought Near by Christ") explicitly states that Gentiles, who "were sometimes far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ." This phrase in Acts 2:39 serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the gospel's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries to embrace all nations, a theme that unfolds throughout the subsequent narrative of Acts, culminating in the worldwide mission of the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:39, while spoken by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the embodiment and guarantor of the promise. The "promise" of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins is made possible only through Christ's atoning death and victorious resurrection, which Peter has just proclaimed. Jesus is the one who sends the Holy Spirit from the Father ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")) and grants repentance unto life ([Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus Exalted as Prince and Savior")). The expansive nature of the promise, reaching "to all that are afar off," directly aligns with Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")) and His declaration that He would draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People")). Thus, Acts 2:39 is not merely a statement about the promise's scope but a profound declaration of the universal reach of Christ's redemptive work, inviting all, regardless of background, to be reconciled to God through Him.

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

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

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.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Ephesians 4:4

[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Acts 15:8

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us;