Acts 5:31
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
hath God
G2316
θεὸς
hath God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιᾷ
right hand
G1188
δεξιᾷ
right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
9 of 17
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δοῦναι
for to give
G1325
δοῦναι
for to give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
11 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
μετάνοιαν
repentance
G3341
μετάνοιαν
repentance
Strong's:
G3341
Word #:
12 of 17
(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραὴλ
to Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
to Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
14 of 17
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Acts 2:33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.Luke 2:11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.Hebrews 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.1 John 4:14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Acts 3:15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectation emphasized ruling Prince. Peter connects political hope to spiritual reality - Christ rules by transforming hearts. That repentance is 'given' contradicts merit theology; even turning to God requires His enabling. The offer 'to Israel' maintained covenant continuity while later extending to Gentiles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does repentance being God's gift transform your understanding of salvation's source?
- What does Christ's dual role as Prince and Saviour teach about His comprehensive lordship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The triumphant proclamation - 'Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins' - presents Christ's dual role. The Greek 'archēgon' (Prince) means originator, founder, pioneer - Christ blazes the trail we follow. 'Saviour' emphasizes deliverance. The phrase 'exalted with his right hand' indicates God's power elevating Christ to supreme authority. The purpose clause 'to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins' shows repentance itself is divine gift, not human achievement. Forgiveness follows repentance chronologically but both derive from grace.