Acts 2:39 – “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, where he has just explained how people can be saved—by repenting, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Now, in Acts 2:39, Peter reassures the crowd that this promise of salvation is not just for them, but for future generations and people far beyond their nation.

Let’s break it down:

1. “The promise” – This refers to the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). God had promised, through the prophets, that He would one day pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28-29).
2. “For you and your children” – Peter assures the Jewish audience that this is not just for the people standing in front of him but for their descendants as well. This echoes God’s pattern of blessing through generations (Genesis 12:2-3).
3. “For all who are far off” – This phrase has two meanings:
   • It refers to Jews living outside of Jerusalem (the Jewish diaspora).
   • It also points to Gentiles (non-Jews) who would later hear the gospel and be saved. This foreshadows how the gospel would spread to the whole world (Acts 10:44-45, Ephesians 2:13).
4. “For all whom the Lord our God will call” – This emphasizes that salvation is God’s work. People do not come to Him on their own; God calls them to Himself (John 6:44).

This verse is a powerful declaration that salvation through Jesus is for everyone, not just the Jews. It is a promise of grace that extends through time and across all nations.

Historical Context

Peter is preaching in Jerusalem during Pentecost, a Jewish festival that brought people from all over the known world. Up until this point, God’s promises had been mainly given to Israel. The Jewish people expected a Messiah for Israel, but Peter is revealing a bigger plan—that salvation is for all people, everywhere.

This is the first hint in the book of Acts that the gospel will go beyond the Jewish people and reach the Gentiles (non-Jews). The full realization of this will come later in Acts 10, when Peter sees a vision from God and preaches to the Roman centurion Cornelius, who becomes one of the first Gentile believers.

At this moment in Acts 2, however, Peter’s audience was likely surprised to hear that God’s promise extended beyond their own nation.

Theological Implications

1. Salvation is for All People – The gospel is not limited to one group, race, or nation. It is for everyone whom God calls (Romans 10:12-13).
2. God’s Promise is Generational – Faith is not just personal; it has the power to impact families and future generations (Deuteronomy 7:9).
3. God is the One Who Calls – Salvation does not happen by accident. God is the one who draws people to Himself (John 6:44, Romans 8:30).
4. The Gospel is Meant to Spread – From the very beginning, the plan was to take the message of Jesus to the whole world (Matthew 28:19-20).
5. No One is Too Far Gone – “Those who are far off” shows that God’s grace reaches even the most distant, lost, and broken people.

Literary Analysis

Acts 2:39 is a declaration of inclusiveness and hope:

• “The promise” – A single, powerful word that connects God’s plan in the Old Testament with the fulfillment in Christ.
• “For you and your children” – A reassurance that salvation is not temporary; it continues through generations.
• “For all who are far off” – A hint at the global mission of the church that will soon unfold.
• “For all whom the Lord our God will call” – A reminder that God is in control of salvation and actively calling people to Himself.

Peter’s words reflect the expansion of God’s kingdom beyond anything the Jewish audience expected.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Joel 2:28-29 – The prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all people.
• Genesis 12:3 – God’s promise to Abraham: “All nations on earth will be blessed through you.”
• Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
• John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”
• Romans 10:12-13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder of the worldwide scope of God’s salvation. It tells us that:

• God’s promise is still active today – The same invitation that Peter gave still applies to all people, including us.
• Faith has a generational impact – Our commitment to Christ affects not just us, but our families and communities.
• No one is too distant from God – Whether someone feels spiritually far from God or has never heard the gospel, God’s grace reaches them.
• We are part of God’s mission – Since the promise is for “all who are far off,” we are called to share the good news with others.

This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s calling and to spread the gospel boldly, knowing that salvation is available to everyone.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in this verse in three ways:

1. He offers salvation to all people, not just a select few.
2. He includes future generations in His promise, showing His faithfulness.
3. He actively calls people to Himself, revealing His desire for a relationship with them.

A loving God does not limit His grace—He extends it to the whole world.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is directly tied to Jesus because:

• Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise – Everything God promised in the Old Testament is completed through Him.
• Jesus’ sacrifice makes salvation available to all – His death and resurrection broke down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14).
• Jesus is the one who calls people to Himself – He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Other verses that connect:

• Acts 1:8 – Jesus told the disciples they would be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
• John 10:16 – Jesus says He has “other sheep that are not of this sheep pen”—a reference to bringing the Gentiles into God’s family.

Through Jesus, God’s promise has no boundaries—it is for all who will believe.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that salvation is for “all whom the Lord our God will call”?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that salvation is only for a specific group of people?
3. How does knowing that God’s promise extends to future generations affect how we share our faith?
4. Who in your life might be considered “far off” and in need of the gospel?
5. How can you play a part in helping God’s promise reach others?

Acts 2:39 is a declaration of God’s grace, power, and faithfulness. The promise of salvation through Jesus is still being offered today—and it is for everyone who will answer God’s call.