And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's bold application of this Old Testament prophecy to Jesus reveals something profound: "calling on the Lord" isn't just a general plea, but a specific act of faith in Jesus himself, using his divine name for salvation. This shows how the apostles understood Jesus as embodying the very power and authority of God, making him the unique Name through which deliverance is found.
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost, arguing that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He quotes Joel to show that this is part of God's plan for the "last days," and that the promised salvation is available to anyone who calls on the Lord.
Peter quotes an Old Testament promise about calling on the Lord. But who is this 'Lord' he's pointing to in the context of Jesus's resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit?
Identifying the 'Lord'
The promise Peter quotes comes from the prophet Joel (Joel 2:32). In Joel, 'the Lord' clearly refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel.
But Peter is speaking at Pentecost, in the wake of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. He's just proclaimed Jesus as 'Lord' (Acts 2:36) – the one God has made both Lord and Christ.
So, when Peter uses this Old Testament text, he's making a bold connection: the 'Lord' who saves is none other than Jesus himself. This isn't a stretch; the New Testament writers frequently apply Old Testament passages about God to Jesus, revealing their belief in his divine nature.
Is 'calling on the name' just a quick prayer, or is there more to it? What does it truly involve to call on the Lord for salvation?
More Than Just Words
'Calling on the name of the Lord' isn't simply uttering a phrase. It's a deep invocation that encompasses:
Ask a follow-up
It signifies a wholehearted reliance on and commitment to the Lord, trusting his attributes – his goodness, power, and faithfulness – as your refuge.
Peter uses this promise during a moment of intense national crisis and the birth of the church. What does 'saved' mean in this context, and how does it extend beyond that day?
Deliverance in Many Forms
The promise of salvation offers both immediate and future security:
Temporal Deliverance: When Peter spoke, Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction. The Christians, heeding Jesus's earlier warning and this promise, were able to escape the impending catastrophe, a historical event noted by early church historians. Those who called on the Lord found deliverance from immediate, devastating judgment.
Spiritual and Eternal Salvation: Beyond physical safety, 'saved' encompasses rescue from sin and its eternal consequences. It's about being made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, leading to everlasting life.
This verse assures us that whether facing trials today or the final judgment, the one who truly calls on the Lord finds ultimate security and blessedness.
Understand the original words
epikaleomai · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, to invoke or call upon the name of the Lord is to appeal to His authority, character, and person for help or salvation, acknowledging His sovereignty. It signifies a public confession of faith and reliance on God.
sōzō · Greek Verb
A theological term denoting deliverance from danger, bondage, or ultimately from sin and the wrath of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses justification, sanctification, and eternal life.
This promise, spoken by Peter at Pentecost, echoes Joel's prophecy and directly speaks to the impending doom of Jerusalem. It offers hope: calling on the Lord's name—believing in Jesus—was the key to escaping the physical destruction in AD 70, and remains the path to eternal salvation.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Crucified and Ascended
The pivotal events of Jesus' death and resurrection have just occurred, leading to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
Following Pentecost, the early Christian community in Jerusalem experiences rapid growth but also faces increasing opposition from Jewish authorities.
c. 40 AD
Christians Flee Jerusalem
Many Christians, heeding Jesus' warnings and guided by prophecy, leave Jerusalem for the city of Pella in Perea to escape impending disaster.
66-70 AD
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule erupts, leading to widespread devastation and the brutal siege and destruction of Jerusalem.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman legions under Titus conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Second Temple, and inflict immense loss of life, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies.
This is the very passage Peter quotes! It's amazing to see how an Old Testament prophet's words about God's coming judgment and deliverance are directly applied to Jesus and the salvation offered through him by the New Testament apostles.
Romans 10:13Paul echoes this same promise, explicitly linking calling on the name of the Lord with salvation. This shows a consistent understanding among the early apostles that 'the Lord' in this context refers to Jesus Christ.
Psalm 79:6This psalm expresses a similar plea for God's justice and deliverance upon the nations that do not call on His name. It highlights the ancient concept of calling on God as a fundamental expression of faith and dependence.
Luke 21:36Jesus himself encourages his followers to 'keep awake and at all times pray for strength to escape all these things that are about to take place.' This ties the act of calling on the Lord to being watchful and prepared for future judgment, just as Peter is urging his listeners.
barnesActs 2:21: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Whosoever shall call - In the midst of these wonders and dangers, whosoever should call on the Lord should be delivered (Joel). The name of the Lord is the same as the Lord himself. It is a Hebraism, signifying to call on the Lord, Psalm 79:6 ; Zechariah 13:9 . Shall be saved - In Hebrew, shall be delivered, that is, from impending calamities. When they threaten, and God is coming forth to…
cambridgeActs 2:21: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
21 . shall be saved ] Eusebius ( H. E . iii. 5. 3) tells how the Christians were warned to leave Jerusalem before the destruction, and went into a city of Perea called Pella.
Peter's bold application of this Old Testament prophecy to Jesus reveals something profound: "calling on the Lord" isn't just a general plea, but a specific act of faith in Jesus himself, using his divine name for salvation. This shows how the apostles understood Jesus as embodying the very power and authority of God, making him the unique Name through which deliverance is found.
Peter is explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost, arguing that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He quotes Joel to show that this is part of God's plan for the "last days," and that the promised salvation is available to anyone who calls on the Lord.
Peter is explaining the miraculous events of Pentecost, arguing that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He quotes Joel to show that this is part of God's plan for the "last days," and that the promised salvation is available to anyone who calls on the Lord.
"And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’" — Peter's bold application of this Old Testament prophecy to Jesus reveals something profound: "calling on the Lord" isn't just a general plea, but a specific act of faith in Jesus himself, using his d…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026