Acts 2 21

Acts 2:21 kjv

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 2:21 nkjv

And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'

Acts 2:21 niv

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

Acts 2:21 esv

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

Acts 2:21 nlt

But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD
will be saved.'

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 21 Meaning

Acts 2:21 declares a universal and profound truth: that anyone, regardless of background, who personally invokes the name of the Lord will experience salvation. This statement, directly quoted by Peter from the Old Testament prophet Joel, is presented at Pentecost as a core promise for the "last days"—a period initiated by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It underscores the accessibility of deliverance and eternal life through a simple yet deeply personal act of faith.

Acts 2 21 Context

Acts chapter 2 describes the dramatic events of Pentecost, fifty days after Christ's resurrection. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles resulted in them speaking in other tongues, attracting a large crowd of devout Jews from across the Roman world. Amidst skepticism and mockery from some, Peter stands up to deliver his first Spirit-inspired sermon. He explains the extraordinary phenomena as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically from the book of Joel. This particular verse, Acts 2:21, is the climactic statement of that prophecy (Joel 2:32), setting the stage for Peter's Christ-centered proclamation. It provides a simple yet profound condition for deliverance and life amidst the dramatic unfolding of God's plan, linking the current events to ancient promises. Historically, Peter addresses a diverse Jewish audience, some familiar with the Joel prophecy, preparing them for the radical revelation that the "Lord" spoken of by Joel is now unmistakably identified with the recently crucified and resurrected Jesus of Nazareth.

Acts 2 21 Word analysis

• And it shall come to pass (καὶ ἔσται - kai estai): This is a classic prophetic formula, common in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), signifying the divine certainty and inevitability of what is declared. It often introduces a significant, epochal event orchestrated by God.

• that everyone (πᾶς - pas): This Greek word means "all," "every person," or "whoever." It emphatically communicates inclusivity and universality, extending the promise of salvation beyond any specific ethnic, social, or historical boundaries, marking a new covenant era accessible to all humanity.

• who calls on (ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται - hos an epikalesetai): The Greek verb ἐπικαλέομαι (epikaleomai) means "to call upon," "to invoke," or "to appeal to." The middle voice (ἐπικαλέσηται) implies a personal, intentional act on the part of the individual. It signifies more than merely uttering a name; it is a sincere, dependent invocation for help, an acknowledgement of sovereignty, and submission to the one being called upon. This act inherently suggests faith and trust.

• the name (τὸ ὄνομα - to onoma): In biblical thought, "the name" of a person signifies their very being—their character, authority, power, and reputation. To call on the name is to call on the essence and presence of the Lord Himself, not just an empty label. It embodies all that the Lord is and stands for.

• of the Lord (Κυρίου - Kyriou): In Joel's original prophecy, Κυρίου (Kyriou) unequivocally referred to Yahweh, the God of Israel. However, Peter, divinely inspired, makes a revolutionary interpretive shift in his sermon (Acts 2:36). He definitively identifies this "Lord" as Jesus of Nazareth, whom God had made both "Lord and Christ." This critical semantic transfer elevates Jesus to divine status, demonstrating Him to be the embodiment of Yahweh's saving power.

• shall be saved (σωθήσεται - sōthēsetai): The Greek verb σῴζω (sōzō) encompasses various aspects of salvation: rescue, deliverance from danger (physical or spiritual), preservation, healing, and crucially, in the New Testament context, spiritual and eternal deliverance from sin, its consequences, and eternal judgment. The future passive indicative confirms the divine agency in bringing about this salvation, and its absolute certainty for those who call upon Him.

• "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on...": This phrase signifies the absolute certainty and universal availability of God's saving promise. It establishes a prophetic declaration, highlighting that this divine offer extends to all without distinction. The act of "calling" signifies a personal, responsive decision.

• "...on the name of the Lord...": This identifies the proper object of saving faith: God Himself, now uniquely revealed and embodied in Jesus Christ. The "name" refers to the person and total revealed character of Jesus, upon whom an individual expresses reliance and devotion for salvation.

• "...shall be saved.": This declares the assured outcome for those who meet the condition. Salvation here primarily means eternal deliverance from sin, spiritual death, and divine judgment, ushering the person into eternal life and communion with God. It emphasizes divine grace making this rescue possible.

Acts 2 21 Bonus section

• The practice of "calling on the name" holds deep roots in Old Testament worship, denoting earnest prayer, profound praise, and public dedication to God (e.g., Gen 4:26). Peter positions the nascent Christian faith as a continuation of true spiritual devotion, now centered on Jesus.
• Peter's application of "Lord" (Kyrios) to Jesus within the Joel prophecy is a key example of the early church's robust Christology, where titles and attributes previously reserved for Yahweh are attributed to Jesus. This reflects a profound theological development post-resurrection.
• The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which prompts Peter's sermon, directly facilitates the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. The Spirit empowers believers to recognize Jesus as Lord and to confidently call upon His name for salvation, enabling a widespread spiritual awakening not possible before.
• This verse undergirds the early church's dynamic evangelism. The message was profoundly inclusive ("everyone") and straightforward ("calls on the name"), dismantling barriers for proclaiming the Gospel to diverse audiences.
• In the context of Joel, the prophecy of salvation by calling on the Lord's name is delivered amidst signs of a formidable "Day of the Lord." Peter likewise emphasizes the awesome and fearful nature of these signs, offering "calling on the Lord" as the divinely provided answer to impending judgment and anxiety.

Acts 2 21 Commentary

Acts 2:21 functions as the profound core of Peter's initial Gospel proclamation, concisely expressing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Peter's inspired citation of Joel 2:32 establishes crucial theological continuity, presenting the astonishing events of Pentecost not as chaos, but as the anticipated fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The decisive interpretive act lies in identifying "the Lord" (Kyrios) from Joel—traditionally Yahweh—with the resurrected Jesus Christ. This revolutionary christological declaration, later clarified explicitly in Acts 2:36, means that all the saving power and authority of Yahweh is now focused in and accessible through Jesus. To "call on His name" is therefore an act of dependent faith, acknowledging Jesus' divine Lordship, appealing to His unique authority, and surrendering to His saving grace. This simple, deeply personal act provides the pathway for all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, to receive spiritual and eternal salvation, freely offered and freely received through the finished work of Christ.