Meaning of Acts 2:21

This verse, quoted from Joel 2:32, is a pivotal declaration by Peter on the day of Pentecost, following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It signifies that salvation is not restricted to a select few or based on prior covenantal status but is universally available to everyone who actively invokes the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This act of "calling on the name" implies more than a mere utterance; it signifies a heartfelt appeal, trust, and submission to Jesus as Lord and Savior. The immediacy of Peter's proclamation, occurring right after the miraculous signs and the conversion of thousands, underscores that the new covenant in Christ has opened the door for all nations to experience salvation through faith in Him.

Context and Background

Peter's sermon on Pentecost is a direct response to the astonishment of the crowd at the miraculous events, particularly the speaking in tongues. He explains that these signs are the fulfillment of prophecy, specifically referencing the prophet Joel. Joel's prophecy described a future outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh, leading to a time when "everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Joel 2:32). Peter applies this prophecy to the present moment, identifying Jesus as the one through whom this salvation is accomplished. The historical context is crucial: this is the birth of the Christian church, and the message is being disseminated to a diverse audience, many of whom are Jewish pilgrims from various regions, highlighting the inclusive nature of the gospel being proclaimed.

Key Themes and Messages

• Universal Offer of Salvation: The word "everyone" is paramount. It breaks down ethnic, social, and geographical barriers, asserting that salvation is accessible to all who respond in faith.
• Lordship of Jesus: The phrase "the name of the Lord" in the Old Testament context referred to Yahweh, the covenantal name of God. Peter's application of this to Jesus unequivocally establishes His divine identity and authority. Calling on Jesus' name is to acknowledge Him as Lord.
• Faith and Invocation: "Calling on the name" is an act of faith. It involves recognizing one's need for salvation and actively appealing to Jesus, trusting in His atoning sacrifice and resurrection for deliverance.
• Sovereignty of God's Plan: Peter presents this as the fulfillment of God's prophetic word, demonstrating that salvation through Christ was part of God's eternal plan, revealed and enacted in history.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is a cornerstone of Christian evangelism and theology. It provides the ultimate assurance of God's desire for all people to be saved and offers a clear pathway to that salvation: through personal faith and invocation of Jesus' name. For believers, it serves as a constant reminder of the inclusive nature of God's love and the power of the gospel to transform lives. It calls for active participation in sharing this message of hope and for individuals to respond with sincere faith.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Acts 2:21 is the New Testament fulfillment of Old Testament promises concerning salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles. It directly links the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to the prophetic scriptures, demonstrating continuity between God's dealings with Israel and His new covenant with all humanity. This verse anticipates the expansion of the gospel to the ends of the earth, as detailed in the rest of the book of Acts and the epistles, where the universality of salvation through Christ is a recurring theme.

Analogies

• A Universal Invitation: Imagine a grand banquet where the host has sent out invitations to everyone, regardless of their background or social standing. The only requirement to partake is to accept the invitation and come to the table. "Calling on the name of the Lord" is akin to accepting that invitation.
• A Lifeline: In a crisis, a lifeline is thrown to anyone in distress. The act of grasping that lifeline, of actively reaching for it, is what brings rescue. Similarly, salvation is a divine lifeline offered to all, and "calling on the name" is the act of grasping it.
• A Key to a Door: Salvation is like a locked door to a place of safety and abundance. The key is the name of Jesus, and "calling on the name" is the act of using that key to open the door and enter.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 10:9-13: This passage directly echoes Acts 2:21, stating, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.' For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" This explicitly links confession, belief, and calling on the Lord's name to salvation, reinforcing Peter's message.
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse emphasizes the divine love and the condition of belief for eternal life, aligning with the universal offer of salvation through faith in Christ.
• Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." This verse, also from Acts, solidifies the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus, underscoring why "calling on the name of the Lord" refers specifically to Jesus Christ.