Acts 2:35 – “Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, where he is quoting Psalm 110:1 to prove that Jesus is the exalted King and Lord.

Peter has just explained that David did not ascend to heaven (Acts 2:34), meaning the prophecy in Psalm 110:1 could not have been about David. Instead, David was speaking about the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ—who would be given authority over all things.

The phrase “until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” is a picture of complete victory. In ancient times, when a king defeated his enemies, they would sometimes be forced to bow down before him, and he would place his feet on their necks as a sign of total conquest (Joshua 10:24).

This means that:

• Jesus is already reigning at God’s right hand (Acts 2:33-34).
• His enemies are not yet fully defeated, but their defeat is certain.
• God Himself will bring everything under Jesus’ rule in the right time.

This verse points to the final victory of Jesus over sin, death, and all opposition to God’s kingdom.

Historical Context

Peter is preaching this sermon just 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, during the Jewish festival of Pentecost. The Jewish crowd listening to him knew Psalm 110 as a prophecy about the coming Messiah, but they had not understood how it would be fulfilled.

Peter is explaining:

1. David himself said that the Messiah would be exalted and reign at God’s right hand.
2. Jesus has now been raised and is seated at God’s right hand.
3. The process of bringing all of Jesus’ enemies under His feet has begun.

For the Jewish people, the idea that Jesus was already reigning would have been surprising. They expected the Messiah to immediately overthrow Rome and establish a physical kingdom. Peter is showing them that Jesus’ reign has already begun in heaven, and one day it will be fully realized on earth.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is Already Reigning, but His Final Victory is Still Coming – Right now, Jesus is ruling from heaven. But one day, He will completely defeat every enemy (1 Corinthians 15:25).
2. God’s Power Will Subdue All Opposition – God Himself is bringing all things under Jesus’ authority. This means that evil, sin, and death will not last forever.
3. There is a Time of Waiting Before Full Victory – The phrase “until I make your enemies a footstool” shows that there is a process. We live in a time where Jesus reigns, but the world is still full of sin and rebellion. However, the final outcome is already decided—Jesus wins.
4. The Enemies of Christ Will Be Defeated – This includes Satan, sin, death, and all forces that oppose God. One day, they will be completely destroyed (Revelation 20:10-14).

Literary Analysis

This verse is a direct quotation from Psalm 110:1, which is the most frequently cited Old Testament verse in the New Testament.

• “Until I make your enemies” – This suggests an ongoing process—Jesus is already victorious, but His enemies are still being brought under His rule.
• “A footstool for your feet” – This is symbolic language for absolute defeat. It means that Christ’s enemies will be completely humbled and conquered.

Peter is using this Psalm to prove that Jesus is not waiting to become King—He is already ruling and His victory is inevitable.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'”
• 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 – “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
• Hebrews 10:12-13 – “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.”
• Revelation 19:15-16 – “He will rule them with an iron scepter… On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse gives hope and confidence to every believer:

• Jesus is already King – Even though the world seems chaotic, Jesus is already reigning over all things.
• Evil will not last forever – There will come a day when all of Jesus’ enemies will be defeated.
• Christians are on the winning side – We do not have to fear opposition, because Jesus’ victory is certain.
• We must be patient in waiting for God’s full plan – Jesus is reigning now, but the final battle is still ahead. Until then, we live in faith, knowing that His rule will one day be complete.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is revealed in this verse because:

1. He has given authority to Jesus, who rules with righteousness and justice.
2. He is patient, allowing time for people to repent before final judgment comes (2 Peter 3:9).
3. He guarantees that evil will not last forever—He will bring all things under Christ’s authority.

A loving God does not allow sin, suffering, and rebellion to continue forever—He has promised a day when all things will be made right.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is a direct prophecy about Jesus’ ultimate victory:

• Jesus is already seated at God’s right hand, ruling over all things (Ephesians 1:20-21).
• Jesus will one day bring everything into full submission to His rule (Philippians 2:9-11).
• Jesus will defeat the last enemy—death itself (1 Corinthians 15:26).

Other verses that connect:

• Revelation 20:10 – Satan, the ultimate enemy, will be thrown into the lake of fire.
• Matthew 28:18 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
• Colossians 2:15 – Jesus has already disarmed the powers and authorities that oppose Him.

This verse is a declaration that Jesus is the victorious King, and nothing can stand against Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be ruling at God’s right hand today?
2. How does knowing that Christ’s enemies will be defeated give you hope?
3. What are some ways you can live in obedience to King Jesus now?
4. How does this verse help you remain patient in a world still full of sin and rebellion?
5. What does this verse teach you about God’s justice and righteousness?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ victory is already won, and one day every enemy of God will be completely defeated. Because of this, Christians can live with confidence, boldness, and hope—knowing that Jesus is King and His kingdom will never end.