Luke 24:47
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κηρυχθῆναι
should be preached
G2784
κηρυχθῆναι
should be preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
2 of 17
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
name
G3686
ὀνόματι
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
5 of 17
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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
μετάνοιαν
that repentance
G3341
μετάνοιαν
that repentance
Strong's:
G3341
Word #:
7 of 17
(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
among
G1519
εἰς
among
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
nations
G1484
ἔθνη
nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
14 of 17
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
Acts 5:31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, 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.Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.Acts 20:21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.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:Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.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.Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Psalms 86:9All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
Historical Context
This Great Commission parallels Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15, each Gospel emphasizing different aspects. Luke's version stresses the message content (repentance and forgiveness) and geographical expansion (Jerusalem to all nations). The Book of Acts fulfills this commission—beginning in Jerusalem (Acts 2), spreading to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8), reaching Gentiles (Acts 10), and extending to 'the uttermost part of the earth' (Acts 1:8). The emphasis on 'all nations' was revolutionary for Jewish disciples who had expected Messiah to restore Israel's kingdom (Acts 1:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the universal scope of the Great Commission (all nations) challenge parochial or ethnically-limited Christianity?
- What does the centrality of repentance and forgiveness in the gospel message teach about the content of Christian evangelism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commissions: 'And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem' (καὶ κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενοι ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλήμ). The message is 'repentance and remission of sins' (μετάνοιαν εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν)—turning from sin to receive forgiveness. This must be preached 'in his name' (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ), meaning on His authority and through His work. The scope is 'all nations' (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη), fulfilling Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:3). Starting from Jerusalem (ἀρξάμενοι ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλήμ) follows prophetic pattern (Isaiah 2:3) and historical progression in Acts.