Acts 2:40

KJV

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} with many {G4119} other {G2087} words {G3056} did he testify {G1263} and {G2532} exhort {G3870}, saying {G3004}, Save yourselves {G4982} from {G575} this {G5026} untoward {G4646} generation {G1074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He pressed his case with many other arguments and kept pleading with them, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”

Berean Standard Bible

With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.”

American Standard Version

And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:40 captures the climactic and urgent appeal of Peter's Pentecost sermon, where he passionately exhorted his Jewish audience to embrace salvation. Following the Holy Spirit's outpouring and Peter's bold proclamation of Jesus as Messiah, this verse serves as a powerful call to repentance and separation from the prevailing spiritual corruption and rejection of God's truth characteristic of their generation, emphasizing the critical need for individual response to God's gracious offer of deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:40 forms the concluding, fervent appeal of Peter's groundbreaking sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Preceded by the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Peter's explanation of its fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, the sermon culminates in a direct accusation that the audience had crucified Jesus, whom God had made "both Lord and Christ" ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). This powerful indictment deeply affected the listeners, causing them to be "[pricked in their heart](/acts/2-37 "Acts 2:37 - The Audience's Conviction")" and ask, "What shall we do?" Peter's immediate response in [Acts 2:38-39](/acts/2-38-39 "Acts 2:38-39 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Baptism") was a call to "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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." Verse 40, then, is not a new command but a forceful reinforcement of this call, underscoring the urgency and the dire consequences of remaining in their current spiritual state. It acts as a final, impassioned plea before the narrative shifts to the immediate response of conversion and the formation of the early church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, during the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), a harvest festival that also commemorated the giving of the Law at Sinai. This feast drew devout Jews from across the Roman Empire, creating a diverse and large audience for Peter's sermon. The recent crucifixion of Jesus, orchestrated by the Jewish leadership and approved by the Roman authorities, was still fresh in the collective memory. Peter's accusation in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - The Crucifixion of Jesus") and [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ") directly confronted their complicity in rejecting their Messiah. The phrase "this untoward generation" reflects a common prophetic motif in Jewish scripture, where a "generation" could refer not just to a chronological age but to a moral and spiritual disposition, often characterized by rebellion, stubbornness, and rejection of God's messengers (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:5](/deuteronomy/32-5 "Deuteronomy 32:5 - A Perverse and Crooked Generation")). Peter's words therefore resonated with a deep-seated understanding of divine judgment upon a people who had repeatedly turned away from God.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:40 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **urgency of salvation** and the necessity of a decisive response to the Gospel, echoing the immediacy of the call to repentance throughout the apostolic preaching. Secondly, it emphasizes **separation from the world's corruption**, particularly from a "generation" characterized by its spiritual blindness and rejection of God's truth, a theme that resonates with the call for believers to be distinct and holy ([2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")). Thirdly, it underscores **personal responsibility** in responding to God's grace; while salvation is a divine gift, the imperative "Save yourselves" implies an active turning away from sin and an embrace of faith. Finally, it reinforces the **Messianic identity of Jesus** as the one through whom salvation is offered, contrasting His divine authority with the generation that rejected Him. This verse encapsulates the foundational message of the early church: repentance, faith in Christ, and a transformed life distinct from the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **testify (Greek, _diamartýromai'_):** From G1263, meaning "to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively." Peter's "testifying" was not merely stating facts but bearing solemn witness with intense conviction, often with a sense of warning or earnest appeal. It implies a strong, authoritative declaration of truth, backed by the Spirit's power, urging a response.
* **exhort (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." This word encompasses a range of meanings from comforting to pleading to urging. Here, it denotes a passionate, encouraging, yet urgent appeal for action, demonstrating Peter's deep pastoral concern for his listeners' eternal welfare.
* **Save yourselves (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** From G4982, meaning "to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)." While salvation is ultimately God's work, the imperative "save yourselves" (a middle voice verb) indicates the active participation and responsibility of the individual in responding to God's offer. It implies a turning away from danger (the "untoward generation") and a turning towards the provided means of deliverance.
* **untoward (Greek, _skoliós'_):** From G4646, meaning "warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse." This word describes something that is crooked, bent, or twisted, standing in stark contrast to what is straight, upright, or righteous. Applied to a generation, it portrays them as morally depraved, spiritually rebellious, and resistant to God's truth, particularly in their rejection of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with many other words did he testify and exhort,"**: This phrase emphasizes the breadth and depth of Peter's continued preaching beyond the summarized points. It indicates that his sermon was not a brief address but a comprehensive and sustained effort to convince and persuade his audience. The verbs "testify" (_diamartýromai_) and "exhort" (_parakaléō_) highlight the dual nature of his communication: a solemn declaration of truth (testifying) combined with a passionate, urgent appeal for action (exhorting).
* **"saying,"**: This simple conjunction introduces the direct quote that follows, presenting the core message of Peter's concluding remarks. It signifies the directness and clarity of his final, crucial instruction.
* **"Save yourselves from this untoward generation."**: This is the climactic imperative of Peter's sermon. "Save yourselves" is a command for personal action, urging the listeners to actively embrace the salvation offered through Christ. The phrase "from this untoward generation" identifies the source of danger and corruption from which they need deliverance. The term "untoward" (_skoliós_) vividly describes the generation as morally crooked, perverse, and spiritually rebellious, particularly in their rejection and crucifixion of Jesus. This command is a call to spiritual and moral separation, to dissociate from the prevailing wickedness and align with God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:40 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as Peter's words are a passionate, urgent appeal for his audience to take decisive action. This is reinforced by the **Imperative Mood** of "Save yourselves," which conveys a direct command, underscoring the critical nature of their decision and their personal responsibility. The phrase "untoward generation" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Epithet**, describing the moral and spiritual condition of the people. "Untoward" (Greek _skoliós_, meaning "crooked" or "perverse") metaphorically paints a picture of a generation that is twisted away from God's righteousness, highlighting their moral depravity and spiritual rebellion. This vivid imagery serves to impress upon the listeners the gravity of their situation and the necessity of separating themselves from such a corrupt influence. The entire verse also serves as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the essence of Peter's extended appeal and the core of the Gospel's demand for a response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:40 stands as a foundational statement regarding the nature of salvation and the call to discipleship. Theologically, it asserts the necessity of a personal response to God's gracious offer of salvation, emphasizing that while salvation is divinely initiated and accomplished through Christ, it requires human decision and action—repentance and faith. The command to "save yourselves from this untoward generation" highlights the inherent conflict between the values of God's kingdom and the fallen world. It underscores the biblical theme of separation and holiness, where believers are called to be distinct from the prevailing moral and spiritual corruption of their age. This separation is not merely physical but a profound reorientation of allegiance, values, and lifestyle, moving from a trajectory of judgment to one of divine favor and eternal life. The "untoward generation" serves as a timeless archetype for any societal or cultural climate that rejects God's truth and persecutes His messengers, making Peter's exhortation perennially relevant.

* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Blameless in a Crooked Generation")
* [Deuteronomy 32:5](/deuteronomy/32-5 "Deuteronomy 32:5 - A Perverse and Crooked Generation")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:40 presents a timeless and urgent call to every generation. Peter’s passionate exhortation reminds us that the Gospel message demands a decisive and personal response. Just as the first-century audience was called to separate themselves from the prevailing spiritual blindness and moral corruption of their time, believers today are continually challenged to live distinctively in a world that often stands in opposition to God's truth. This involves a conscious decision to turn away from the "untoward" characteristics of our own age—whether it be materialism, moral relativism, spiritual apathy, or hostility towards Christ—and to embrace the values and lifestyle of God's kingdom. The urgency in Peter's voice should resonate with us, prompting both personal introspection about our own alignment with God's will and a renewed zeal to share the life-saving message of the Gospel with others who remain ensnared by the untoward influences of the world. Our salvation is not merely a past event but a continuous journey of living out our transformed identity in Christ, standing apart as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our current generation be considered "untoward" or "perverse" in its values and actions, similar to the generation Peter addressed?**
* **What specific areas of my life or thought patterns do I need to "save myself from" in order to live more distinctly for Christ?**
* **How does Peter's passionate exhortation inspire me to share the Gospel with greater urgency and conviction?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am not conforming to the patterns of this world, but am being transformed by the renewing of my mind?**

### FAQ

**Does "Save yourselves" imply that salvation is earned by human effort?**

Answer: No, the phrase "Save yourselves" in [Acts 2:40](/acts/2-40 "Acts 2:40 - Save Yourselves from This Untoward Generation") does not imply that salvation is earned by human effort, contradicting the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. The Greek verb _sṓzō_ (to save) is here in the middle voice, which often indicates that the subject participates in or benefits from the action. In this context, it is an urgent imperative for the audience to *respond* to the divine provision of salvation. Peter had just preached that God made Jesus "both Lord and Christ" ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")) and called them to "Repent, and be baptized... for the remission of sins" ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repent and Be Baptized")). The "saving" they were to do was to turn from their sin and the "untoward generation" that rejected Christ, and to embrace the salvation freely offered by God through faith in Jesus. It is a call to appropriate the salvation God provides, not to achieve it. This is consistent with passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-8 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), which clearly state that salvation is "by grace... through faith... not of works, lest any man should boast."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:40, though a direct command to the Jewish audience, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter's entire sermon, culminating in this exhortation, is a powerful declaration of Jesus's identity as the crucified and resurrected Messiah, whom God has made "both Lord and Christ" ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). The "untoward generation" from which they were to be saved was precisely the generation that had rejected and murdered their own Messiah, demonstrating their profound spiritual perversity. Therefore, the call to "save yourselves" is fundamentally a call to turn *to Christ* as the sole means of salvation. He is the one who delivers us from the power of sin and the condemnation of a world alienated from God. Jesus himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). To be saved from the "untoward generation" is to be united with Christ, to be transformed by His Spirit, and to live a life distinct from the world's values, reflecting the righteousness and holiness of the one who "gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" ([Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Galatians 1:4 - Deliverance from This Present Evil World")). Thus, Peter's urgent plea is an invitation to embrace the saving work of Christ and find refuge in Him from the judgment awaiting those who remain in rebellion against God.

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

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Deuteronomy 32:5

They have corrupted themselves, their spot [is] not [the spot] of his children: [they are] a perverse and crooked generation.

Matthew 17:17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Ephesians 4:17

¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Matthew 16:4

A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.