Acts 2:39

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."

Study Bible

The promise
The term "promise" in this context refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned earlier in Acts 2:33. The Greek word used here is "epangelia," which signifies a divine assurance of good. This promise is rooted in the Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-32, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. It is a fulfillment of God's covenantal faithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people.

is for you
This phrase emphasizes the immediate audience, the Jewish people present at Pentecost. It underscores the personal nature of God's promise, indicating that it is not just a distant hope but a present reality. The use of "you" makes it clear that the promise is accessible and available to those who are hearing Peter's message directly.

and your children
Here, the promise extends to future generations, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant. The inclusion of "your children" reflects the Jewish understanding of generational blessings and responsibilities, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children. This phrase assures the audience that God's promise is not limited to the present but will endure through their descendants.

and for all who are far off
This phrase broadens the scope of the promise to include Gentiles and those geographically distant from Jerusalem. The Greek word "makran" can mean both physical distance and spiritual separation. This inclusion aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. It signifies the universal reach of the Gospel and God's desire for all people to come to Him.

for all whom the Lord our God will call
The phrase "whom the Lord our God will call" emphasizes God's sovereignty in the process of salvation. The Greek word "kaleo" means to call or invite, indicating that it is God who initiates the relationship with humanity. This aligns with the doctrine of election, where God, in His grace, calls individuals to Himself. It reassures believers that their salvation is secure in God's hands and is part of His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
The apostle who delivered the sermon at Pentecost, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises.

2. The Crowd at Pentecost
A diverse group of Jews and converts to Judaism gathered in Jerusalem, witnessing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the events of Pentecost took place, a significant location for Jewish worship and the early Christian church.

4. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, whose coming at Pentecost marked the birth of the Church.

5. The Promise
Refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, extending to future generations and distant peoples.

Teaching Points

The Universality of God's Promise
God's promise of salvation and the Holy Spirit is not limited by ethnicity, geography, or time. It extends to all whom God calls, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is central to the Christian life, empowering believers to live out their faith and fulfill God's purposes. This promise is a gift for all believers.

Generational Faithfulness
The promise is for "you and your children," highlighting the importance of passing down faith to future generations and nurturing a legacy of belief.

God's Sovereign Call
The phrase "all whom the Lord our God will call" underscores God's sovereignty in salvation. It is a reminder to trust in God's timing and purpose in calling individuals to Himself.

Evangelistic Mandate
The inclusion of "all who are far off" challenges believers to engage in evangelism, reaching out to those who have not yet heard the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the promise in Acts 2:39 as inclusive of "all who are far off" impact your view of evangelism and missions?

2. In what ways can you actively pass down the faith to the next generation, as suggested by the promise being for "you and your children"?

3. How does the role of the Holy Spirit, as promised in Acts 2:39, influence your daily walk with Christ?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt "far off" from God. How does this verse encourage you about God's ability to draw people near?

5. How can you trust in God's sovereign call in your life and the lives of others, especially when sharing the Gospel with those who seem uninterested or resistant?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring, connecting to the universal offer of salvation in Acts 2:39.

Joel 2:28-32
The prophecy of the outpouring of the Spirit, which Peter cites earlier in Acts 2, showing the fulfillment of God's promises.

Isaiah 57:19
Speaks of peace to those "far and near," echoing the inclusivity of God's call in Acts 2:39.

Romans 10:13
Emphasizes that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, reinforcing the promise's universality.

Ephesians 2:13
Describes how those who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ, aligning with the promise in Acts 2:39.