And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

LUKE 24:47KJV
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Luke 24:47 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:47 mean?

Luke 24:47 says that the message of turning away from wrongdoing (repentance) and the forgiveness of sins should be announced in Jesus’ name to people everywhere, starting from Jerusalem. This verse highlights that the good news is meant for all nations, not just one group.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His followers after His resurrection, explaining what must happen next. He tells them that their mission is to spread the message of repentance and forgiveness, beginning in Jerusalem but extending to all peoples. The verse sets the stage for the worldwide scope of the Christian message, rooted in Jesus’ authority.

The Greek behind Luke 24:47

  • μετάνοια (metanoia, “repentance”): This word means a change of mind or heart, often understood as turning away from past wrongs. The Greek here carries the sense of a deep, transformative change, not just feeling sorry.
  • ἄφεσις (aphesis, “remission”): This term means release or forgiveness, especially of debts or sins. The Greek emphasizes the idea of being set free from the burden of wrongdoing.
  • ἐθνῶν (ethnōn, “nations”): This word refers to all peoples or ethnic groups, not just the Jewish people. The Greek makes clear that the message is for everyone, not a limited audience.
  • ἀρξάμενον (arxamenon, “beginning”): The Greek word stresses that Jerusalem is the starting point, but not the end, of the message’s journey.

Why Luke 24:47 matters

  • Luke 24:47 clarifies that the message of repentance and forgiveness is not exclusive but intended for all nations, correcting the idea that it was only for the Jewish people.
  • The verse shows that the spread of the message starts in Jerusalem, tying the Christian movement to its historical and spiritual roots before expanding outward.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in Luke and Acts of God’s plan reaching beyond one group, emphasizing Jesus’ authority (“in his name”) as the foundation for sharing this message.

Where else these words appear

“remission” 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.

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“preached” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • 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.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.