And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter highlights that the prophetic line, starting with Samuel, consistently pointed forward to "these days"—the era of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This wasn't just a scattering of predictions; it was a unified testimony from the earliest prophets onward, all converging on this pivotal moment in history.
And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is building on his previous citation of Moses, demonstrating that the prophet like Moses, whom they are to hear, is Jesus. He now broadens his argument, showing that all the prophets, from Samuel onward, consistently pointed to these same days – the days of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This wasn't a new message but the culmination of a long prophetic tradition.
Peter doesn't just quote Moses; he broadens the scope to include all the prophets. Why is this unified testimony so crucial?
Peter's argument in Acts 3 builds a powerful case for Jesus by showing He is the fulfillment of God's plan, consistently revealed throughout history.
A Chain of Witnesses
Why does Peter specifically call out Samuel? What makes him such a significant link in the prophetic chain?
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Samuel's inclusion isn't arbitrary; he represents a crucial transition and a new phase in God's communication with His people.
The Dawn of a New Prophetic Era
If all the prophets pointed to Jesus, what does that say about the ultimate purpose of God's Word throughout history?
The prophetic tradition wasn't just about predicting the future; it was about revealing God's unfolding plan of salvation, with Christ as its central figure.
More Than Just Foretelling
Peter powerfully argues that the events surrounding Jesus—his life, death, and resurrection—were not a surprise but the long-anticipated culmination of God's plan, foretold by every prophet from Samuel onward.
c. 1100 BC
Samuel's Ministry Begins
Samuel, a pivotal prophet and judge, begins his ministry. He is often seen as the founder of the schools of the prophets and the first major prophetic voice after Moses, marking a significant point in prophetic tradition.
c. 970 BC
Davidic Covenant and Messiah Prophecy
God establishes a covenant with King David, promising that his descendant will reign forever. This event is linked to early prophecies about the Messiah, as seen in 2 Samuel 7.
c. 400 BC
Malachi's Ministry and Prophetic Silence
Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets, delivers his message. Following his ministry, a period of prophetic silence begins, lasting for centuries until the time of John the Baptist.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus begins his public ministry, proclaiming the kingdom of God and fulfilling prophecies. His teachings and actions are central to the 'these days' Peter refers to.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, the pivotal event confirming his identity and mission. This resurrection is the 'sign' Peter points to.
c. AD 33— this verse
Peter's Sermon and the Healing of the Lame Man
After Jesus' ascension, Peter preaches in Jerusalem, referencing Moses and the prophets. He heals a man lame from birth at the temple gate, leading to his sermon.
This is the very passage Peter is referencing, where Moses foretells a prophet like himself whom the people must obey. Peter is showing that Jesus is that promised prophet.
Luke 24:44Jesus himself, after His resurrection, points to the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms as testifying about Him. This shows the continuous thread of prophetic witness that Peter is highlighting.
1 Samuel 2:10Hannah's prayer, recorded in the books of Samuel, contains one of the earliest prophecies about God's anointed king, the Messiah. This connects directly to Peter's mention of Samuel as a starting point for prophetic witness.
Hebrews 1:1-2This passage speaks of God speaking through the prophets in various ways in the past, but in these last days, He has spoken through His Son. This emphasizes that Jesus is the culmination of all that the prophets foretold.
Acts 2:30Peter had just spoken about David being a prophet and knowing that God had promised to place one of his descendants on his throne. This shows that the prophetic promise extends through David, linking back to the line Peter is tracing.
calvinActs 3:22-24: "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."
- Moses truly said unto the fathers, The Lord your God shall raise up a Prophet unto you of your brethren, [like unto me;] him shall ye hear, according to all things which he shall speak unto you. 23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which shall not hear that Prophet shall be destr…
clarkeActs 3:24: "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days."
All the prophets from Samuel - Dr. Lightfoot observes: "We have Moses and Samuel mentioned together in this place, as also Psalm 99:6 , because there were few or no prophets between these two, 1 Samuel 3:1 , and the apparition of angels having been more frequent; but, after the decease of Phineas, it is a question whether there was any oracle by Urim and…
Peter highlights that the prophetic line, starting with Samuel, consistently pointed forward to "these days"—the era of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This wasn't just a scattering of predictions; it was a unified testimony from the earliest prophets onward, all converging on this pivotal moment in history.
Peter is building on his previous citation of Moses, demonstrating that the prophet like Moses, whom they are to hear, is Jesus. He now broadens his argument, showing that all the prophets, from Samuel onward, consistently pointed to these same days – the days of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This wasn't a new message but the culmination of a long prophetic tradition.
Peter is building on his previous citation of Moses, demonstrating that the prophet like Moses, whom they are to hear, is Jesus. He now broadens his argument, showing that all the prophets, from Samuel onward, consistently pointed to these same days – the days of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This wasn't a new message but the culmination of a long prophetic tradition.
"And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days." — Peter highlights that the prophetic line, starting with Samuel, consistently pointed forward to "these days"—the era of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This wasn't just a scattering of pred…
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Last reviewed October 2026