Acts 2:39
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.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελία
the promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελία
the promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
5 of 21
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
that are afar off
G1519
εἰς
that are afar off
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
προσκαλέσηται
G4341
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
18 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 44:3For 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 8:30Moreover 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 2:32And 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.Acts 15:8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;Ephesians 4:4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;Revelation 19:9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.Isaiah 54:13And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.2 Peter 1:3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Historical Context
Peter addressed Jews from 'every nation under heaven' (v.5), many from distant Mediterranean regions. The 'children' reference assured continuity of covenant blessing through family lines—critical for Jewish hearers considering separation from Judaism. The early church debated how far 'afar off' extended until Acts 10's Gentile inclusion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's promise to 'your children' and sovereign calling interact with personal faith?
- What does 'as many as the Lord shall call' teach about evangelism's confidence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The promise is unto you, and to your children—Peter expands covenant blessing beyond the present generation, echoing Abrahamic (Genesis 17:7) and Deuteronomic (30:19) promises. To all that are afar off (πᾶσι τοῖς εἰς μακράν) initially meant Diaspora Jews (Ephesians 2:13 later applies this to Gentiles), showing the Spirit's availability transcends geography. As many as the Lord our God shall call (ὅσους ἂν προσκαλέσηται) grounds salvation in divine election—the universal offer ('whosoever', v.21) operates within God's sovereign calling. This balances human responsibility (repent, be baptized) with divine initiative.