Luke 24:47 – “and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus explains the mission He is giving to His disciples. Now that He has suffered, died, and risen from the dead, they are to proclaim the message of salvation to the world. The key elements of this message are repentance and forgiveness. Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God, while forgiveness is the act of God erasing the debt of sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.

This message is to be preached “in His name,” meaning that salvation is available only through Jesus. His death and resurrection are the foundation for the forgiveness of sins, and through Him, people of all nations can be reconciled to God. Jesus specifically instructs the disciples to begin their mission in Jerusalem, the very place where He was crucified and rose again. From there, the message will spread to the ends of the earth.

Historical Context

At the time, the Jewish people viewed themselves as God’s chosen people, with a special relationship to Him. They believed that salvation was primarily for Israel, though some understood that Gentiles (non-Jews) could also be included. Jesus’ instruction to preach repentance and forgiveness to “all nations” would have been a major shift for His disciples. They needed to understand that the good news of salvation wasn’t just for Israel—it was for the entire world.

The command to start in Jerusalem is significant because it was the center of Jewish religious life and the location of Jesus’ death and resurrection. By beginning there, the disciples would fulfill the prophecies that God’s message of salvation would come out of Zion (Isaiah 2:3). Jerusalem also had a symbolic meaning—it represented the place where God’s promises to His people were fulfilled and from which His blessings would spread.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the core message of the gospel: salvation is available through repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. Here are a few key theological points:

1. The Necessity of Repentance: Repentance is a central part of the Christian message. It involves more than feeling sorry for sin—it requires a genuine change of heart and a commitment to live according to God’s will. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness.
2. The Power of Jesus’ Name: The forgiveness of sins is only possible because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. His name represents His authority, and it is through His death and resurrection that people can be reconciled to God.
3. The Universal Scope of Salvation: Jesus’ command to preach to “all nations” reflects the universal nature of the gospel. God’s plan for salvation was never limited to one group of people—it was meant for the entire world. This reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
4. The Role of Witnesses: The disciples are being commissioned as witnesses who will carry the message of salvation to others. This mission is carried forward by Christians today, who are called to share the good news with those around them.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s use of the words “repentance” and “forgiveness” highlights the two key aspects of the gospel message. Repentance involves turning away from sin, while forgiveness is God’s response to those who repent. The phrase “in His name” emphasizes that Jesus is the central figure in this process. Without Him, repentance and forgiveness would be meaningless because it is through His sacrifice that sins are forgiven.

The phrase “beginning at Jerusalem” serves as both a practical and symbolic instruction. Jerusalem is the place where Jesus’ mission reached its climax, and it is from there that the message will spread to all nations. This reflects a key theme in Luke’s writings: the expansion of God’s kingdom from a small group of believers to the entire world.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His disciples they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
• Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission commands believers to make disciples of all nations.
• Isaiah 2:3 – A prophecy that the word of the Lord will go out from Jerusalem.
• Acts 2:38 – Peter preaches repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins on the day of Pentecost.
• 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians of the central message of their faith: that through repentance and faith in Jesus, anyone can receive forgiveness and be reconciled to God. It’s a call to share this message with others, beginning in their own communities and extending outward. Just as the disciples were called to be witnesses, Christians today are called to be witnesses of the transforming power of Jesus.

The fact that the message begins with repentance emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin and turning away from it. Repentance is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing part of the Christian life. Every day is an opportunity to turn back to God, experience His forgiveness, and grow in faith.

This verse also encourages believers to see the global nature of the gospel. The message of salvation isn’t just for one group or nation—it’s for everyone. This should motivate Christians to support missions, share the gospel with those around them, and pray for people from all nations to come to faith in Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His willingness to offer forgiveness to anyone who repents. He doesn’t limit salvation to a select few—He opens the door for all nations to receive His grace. His love is also demonstrated in the fact that He doesn’t leave people in their sin. Instead, He calls them to repentance, offering them a way to be reconciled to Him.

God’s love is further seen in the fact that He sent Jesus to make forgiveness possible. Without Jesus’ sacrifice, there would be no forgiveness of sins. But because of His love for the world, God provided a way for everyone to be saved through Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse centers on Jesus as the Savior through whom repentance and forgiveness are possible. His name carries the authority to forgive sins because He paid the penalty for sin through His death on the cross. His resurrection is the proof that His sacrifice was sufficient and that those who trust in Him can be forgiven and receive new life.

Jesus is also the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that spoke of a Savior who would bring salvation to the nations. Through His disciples, and through the church today, His message continues to spread to all nations, fulfilling His mission to bring people into God’s kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think repentance is a necessary part of receiving forgiveness?
2. How does understanding that salvation is available to all nations impact the way you view the mission of the church?
3. What does it mean to preach repentance and forgiveness “in Jesus’ name”?
4. How can you be a witness to the message of repentance and forgiveness in your everyday life?
5. How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s plan to reach the world with the gospel?