Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃς
that whosoever
G3739
ὃς
that whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπικαλέσηται
shall call on
G1941
ἐπικαλέσηται
shall call on
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
6 of 10
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
8 of 10
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Joel 2:32And 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 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.Acts 22:16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.Hebrews 4:16Let 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 1:2Unto 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 their's and our's:Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Historical Context
This proclamation came in Peter's first Christian sermon, hours after Pentecost's phenomena. The crowd included Jews and proselytes from throughout the Mediterranean world. Peter was redefining 'calling on the name' to mean invoking Jesus as Lord—a radical claim that would lead to accusations of blasphemy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'calling on the name of the Lord' involve beyond verbal prayer?
- How does applying Joel's 'LORD' (Yahweh) to Jesus establish Christ's divinity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved—Peter concludes Joel's prophecy with the gospel promise. The Greek 'epikalēsetai' (call upon) implies more than verbal invocation—it denotes dependence, trust, and covenant relationship. The name of the Lord in Joel's context meant Yahweh; Peter applies it to Jesus (see v.36), equating Christ with Israel's covenant God. This inclusive 'whosoever' (πᾶς ὅς ἄν) removes ethnic barriers—salvation is now offered to all who respond in faith. Paul later quotes this verse (Romans 10:13) as his gospel summary.