Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

ACTS 2:36KJV
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Acts 2:36 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:36 mean?

Acts 2:36 declares that God has made Jesus, the one crucified by the people, both Lord and Christ. Peter is telling everyone in Israel to be certain that Jesus is the one chosen and appointed by God as ruler and Messiah.

Peter is speaking to a large crowd in Jerusalem during the festival of Pentecost, just weeks after Jesus’ crucifixion. He addresses “all the house of Israel,” meaning the Jewish people present, and emphasizes that Jesus’ identity as Lord (master or ruler) and Christ (the anointed one, or Messiah) is something God Himself has established, even though the people had rejected and crucified Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 2:36

  • κύριος (kurios, “Lord”): This word often means “master” or “sovereign.” By calling Jesus “Lord,” Peter is saying Jesus has authority and status given by God, not just a title of respect.
  • χριστός (christos, “Christ”): This means “anointed one” or “Messiah.” Peter is making it clear that Jesus fulfills the Jewish hope for a divinely appointed savior.
  • ἀσφαλῶς (asphalōs, “assuredly”): This word means “certainly” or “without doubt.” Peter wants his listeners to have no uncertainty about Jesus’ true identity.
  • ἐσταυρώσατε (estaurōsate, “ye have crucified”): Peter directly connects his audience to the act of crucifying Jesus, emphasizing personal and communal responsibility.

Why Acts 2:36 matters

  • Acts 2:36 makes it clear that Jesus’ status as Lord and Christ is not based on human opinion, but on God’s decision and action.
  • The verse confronts the listeners with the reality that the one they rejected and crucified is actually the one God has chosen to rule and save.
  • This statement is the climax of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, setting the stage for the crowd’s response and the birth of the early church.

Where else these words appear

“assuredly” Greek G806 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
  • Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
  • John 19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

“same” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
  • Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.