Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Calling on the Lord's name here means more than just a quick prayer; it signifies a deep trust and active reliance on who God is – His power, goodness, and faithfulness – to be our refuge in times of crisis. This isn't just about escaping immediate danger, but about finding true deliverance through a relationship with God.
Peter is explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which just happened, as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He's quoting Joel to show that this miraculous event is a sign of the "last days" and impending judgment, and that salvation from these coming troubles is found by calling on the name of the Lord. This sets the stage for his bold call to repentance and baptism for the crowd listening.
Peter quotes an Old Testament prophecy to explain the incredible events of Pentecost. But who is this 'Lord' he's referring to?
This verse is a direct quote from the prophet Joel (Joel 2:32). In the Old Testament, 'calling on the name of the Lord' meant appealing to God Himself, using His covenant name, Yahweh.
When Peter applies this to Jesus, he's making a bold statement: Jesus is God. The apostles didn't hesitate to apply Old Testament descriptions of God to Jesus, showing their absolute conviction in His divine identity.
What does it truly mean to 'call on the name of the Lord'? Is it just a quick prayer, or is there more to it?
The phrase 'calls upon' (or 'invokes') in this context isn't just about uttering a few words. It encompasses the whole act of worship and reliance.
Peter spoke these words as disaster loomed for Jerusalem. What kind of salvation was he promising, and how does it apply to us today?
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 verse, spoken by Peter at Pentecost, quotes Joel. It directly addresses the impending judgment on Jerusalem, promising deliverance to those who call on the Lord – a promise fulfilled both in the miraculous escape of Christians from the city before its destruction and in the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity occur in Jerusalem, leading to Jesus' ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
c. 30 AD— this verse
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the Gospel and speak in other tongues. Peter delivers his sermon.
c. 30 AD - 66 AD
Early Church Growth in Jerusalem
The church in Jerusalem grows rapidly following Pentecost, with thousands converting to Christianity. Believers share resources and worship together.
c. 50 AD - 60 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire and spreading the Christian message, including the understanding of salvation through Christ.
This is the primary Old Testament passage Peter is quoting, showing that the promise of salvation through calling on the Lord is an ancient one, rooted in God's prophetic word.
Romans 10:13Paul directly quotes this verse and applies it to Jesus Christ, highlighting that 'calling on the name of the Lord' in the New Testament context means believing in and confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Psalm 79:6This psalm expresses a similar sentiment of nations not calling on God's name, underscoring the importance and salvific nature of invoking God, a theme echoed in Acts 2:21.
Luke 21:36Jesus Himself urges His followers to 'stay awake and at all times pray for strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man,' connecting prayer and vigilance with salvation from coming judgment.
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.
Calling on the Lord's name here means more than just a quick prayer; it signifies a deep trust and active reliance on who God is – His power, goodness, and faithfulness – to be our refuge in times of crisis. This isn't just about escaping immediate danger, but about finding true deliverance through a relationship with God.
Peter is explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which just happened, as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He's quoting Joel to show that this miraculous event is a sign of the "last days" and impending judgment, and that salvation from these coming troubles is found by calling on the name of the Lord. This sets the stage for his bold call to repentance and baptism for the crowd listening.
Peter is explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which just happened, as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He's quoting Joel to show that this miraculous event is a sign of the "last days" and impending judgment, and that salvation from these coming troubles is found by calling on the name of the Lord. This sets the stage for his bold call to repentance and baptism for the crowd listening.
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Peter's audience was facing imminent judgment. The prophecy he quoted originally pointed to deliverance from impending calamities, specifically the destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 62 AD
Warning of Jerusalem's Destruction
Jesus' earlier prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem begins to loom as Roman military presence and tensions escalate in Judea.
66 AD - 70 AD
First Jewish-Roman War Begins
Revolt breaks out against Roman rule in Judea, leading to widespread conflict and the eventual siege of Jerusalem.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army under Titus sacks Jerusalem, destroys the Second Temple, and kills or enslaves vast numbers of its inhabitants, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies.
"And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’" — Calling on the Lord's name here means more than just a quick prayer; it signifies a deep trust and active reliance on who God is – His power, goodness, and faithfulness – to be our refuge in times of…
