Luke 24:47
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 24:47
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Chapter Context
Luke 24 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, faith, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-53: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 24:47
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Repent: μετανοέω (Metanoeo) G3341 - To change one's mind, repent
Cross-References
- Sin: Malachi 1:11, Acts 2:38, 5:31, 26:18
- Repentance: Acts 11:18, 20:21
- Parallel theme: Psalms 86:9, Isaiah 49:6, Matthew 28:19, Acts 13:46