For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

ACTS 2:39KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 2:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:39 mean?

Acts 2:39 says that the promise God has made is not just for the people listening, but also for their children and for everyone far away—anyone whom God calls. This verse shows that God’s offer is wide and generous, reaching beyond one group or generation.

Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection, explaining that the gift of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness is available to all. He reassures both Jews present and those not there (even people far away) that God’s promise is for anyone God invites, not just a select few.

The Greek behind Acts 2:39

  • The word "promise" (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia) refers to something pledged or assured by God. Here, it points to God’s commitment to give the Holy Spirit and salvation.
  • The phrase "all that are afar off" uses μακράν (makran), which often means people who are distant either geographically or spiritually. This hints that God’s promise isn’t limited to those physically present or of one background.
  • The verb "call" (προσκαλέσηται, proskalesētai) means to invite or summon. This stresses that it is God who takes the initiative in including people in this promise.

Why Acts 2:39 matters

  • Acts 2:39 clarifies that God’s promise is not exclusive to one generation or nation, but is open to all whom God calls, breaking down barriers between groups.
  • This verse helps explain the early Christian understanding that the message of Jesus was meant for the whole world, not just for Jews in Jerusalem.
  • Acts 2:39 connects to the larger context of Peter’s sermon, showing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about God’s Spirit being poured out on all people.

Where else these words appear

“off” Greek G3112 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
  • Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
  • Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

“call” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;