Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

ACTS 5:31KJV
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Acts 5:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:31 mean?

Acts 5:31 says that God has raised up Jesus to a place of honor and authority, making him both a leader (Prince) and a rescuer (Saviour), so that he can offer Israel the chance to turn back to God (repentance) and receive forgiveness for their sins. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique role and God’s purpose in exalting him.

Peter is speaking to the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) after being arrested for preaching about Jesus. He explains that Jesus, whom they rejected, is now given the highest position by God, and through him, God is offering Israel a way to be restored and forgiven. The verse emphasizes both Jesus’ authority and his mission to bring people back to God.

The Greek behind Acts 5:31

  • ἀρχηγός (archēgos, "Prince"): This word means a leader, originator, or pioneer. In this context, it highlights Jesus as the one who leads the way for others, not just a ruler but the founder of salvation.
  • σωτήρ (sōtēr, "Saviour"): This term means someone who delivers or rescues. Here, it stresses that Jesus’ role is to save people from their sins, not just to lead them.
  • μετάνοια (metanoia, "repentance"): This word refers to a change of mind or turning around. The Greek here carries the idea of a deep, transformative turning back to God, not just feeling sorry.
  • ἄφεσις (aphesis, "forgiveness"): This means a release or letting go, especially of debts or sins. The Greek emphasizes complete forgiveness, not just a partial or temporary pardon.

Why Acts 5:31 matters

  • Acts 5:31 clarifies that Jesus’ exalted position comes directly from God, countering any idea that his authority is self-claimed or merely human.
  • The verse shows that repentance and forgiveness are offered first to Israel, connecting Jesus’ mission to God’s promises to the Jewish people.
  • By calling Jesus both "Prince" and "Saviour," Peter stresses that Jesus is not only a spiritual rescuer but also the leader who initiates and guides God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“Prince” Greek G747 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
  • Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“exalted” Greek G5312 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
  • Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

“forgiveness” Greek G859 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

“Saviour” Greek G4990 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
  • Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;