Meaning of Luke 24:47

This verse from Luke 24:47 succinctly encapsulates the Great Commission, outlining the core message and scope of the gospel that the resurrected Christ declared would be proclaimed to the entire world. It signifies a pivotal moment in redemptive history where the redemptive work of Jesus is to be disseminated, emphasizing two essential components: repentance and the forgiveness of sins, all to be preached "in his name" and initiated from Jerusalem, the historical and spiritual epicenter of Jewish faith. This declaration is not merely a historical record but a divine mandate, setting the trajectory for the early church and continuing to define the mission of believers today.

Context and Background

This declaration by Jesus occurs in the immediate aftermath of his resurrection, as recorded in Luke's Gospel. Following his crucifixion and subsequent victory over death, Jesus appeared to his disciples on multiple occasions, instructing them and opening their minds to understand the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:44-46 describes Jesus explaining that the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all testified about him, and that "repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem." Luke 24:47, therefore, is the direct continuation and specification of this commission, emphasizing the how and where of this proclamation. The disciples, still grappling with the implications of his resurrection and the impending outpouring of the Holy Spirit (as described in Acts 1), are being equipped with the foundational message they are to carry.

Key Themes and Messages

• Repentance: The call to "repentance" signifies a turning away from sin and a conscious decision to reorient one's life towards God. It is not merely sorrow for wrongdoings but a profound, life-altering change of mind and heart that leads to a change in behavior.
• Forgiveness of Sins: This is the central promise of the gospel, made possible through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Repentance opens the door to receiving this freely offered forgiveness, which cleanses believers from guilt and restores their relationship with God.
• Preached in His Name: The authority and efficacy of this message are entirely derived from Jesus. It is not a humanistic philosophy or a set of ethical guidelines but a proclamation about who Jesus is, what he has done, and the salvation he offers.
• To All Nations: The scope of the gospel is universal. It transcends ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries, intended for all humanity. This marks a significant expansion from the Old Testament covenant, which was primarily focused on Israel.
• Beginning at Jerusalem: This geographical starting point is symbolic. Jerusalem was the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and it was the birthplace of the Jewish people, from whom the first believers would emerge. It signifies a fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration of God's faithfulness to his chosen people, while also serving as the launching pad for a global mission.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Luke 24:47 lies in its articulation of the salvific process. It underscores that salvation is not achieved through good works or adherence to law alone, but through a transformative encounter with God initiated by repentance. This repentance is not a prerequisite for hearing the gospel, but rather a response to its proclamation. The forgiveness offered is a gift, received by faith in Jesus. For believers, this verse serves as a perpetual mandate to share this message of hope and reconciliation with a world in need, recognizing that the power to transform lives comes from God, not from human effort.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse acts as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, fulfilling prophecies and inaugurating a new era of divine outreach. The Old Testament foreshadowed a coming Messiah who would bring salvation, and the prophets spoke of a day when God's salvation would be made known to the Gentiles. Jesus, by his life, death, and resurrection, is the fulfillment of these promises. Luke 24:47 establishes the divinely ordained method for disseminating this fulfillment: a gospel message of repentance and forgiveness, empowered by the Holy Spirit and intended for all peoples. It sets the stage for the book of Acts, where the early church, beginning in Jerusalem, embarks on this very mission.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is a doctor's prescription and a cure. The diagnosis of the world's spiritual illness (sin) is understood, and the cure is Jesus Christ. Repentance is like acknowledging the illness and agreeing to take the prescribed medicine. Forgiveness is the effect of the medicine, healing the spiritual ailment. The "preaching in his name" is the doctor's authoritative pronouncement of the cure, and "to all nations" signifies that this life-saving treatment is available to everyone, regardless of their background, with the initial announcement made in the city where the doctor's practice is centered.

Another analogy is a royal decree of pardon. A king has the power to pardon rebels. The decree goes out, explaining that a pardon is available, but it requires the rebels to acknowledge their rebellion (repentance) and accept the king's gracious offer. The pardon itself is the forgiveness of their offense, and the authority for the pardon comes solely from the king. The decree is to be announced throughout the entire kingdom, starting from the capital city.

Relation to Other Verses

• Mark 16:15-16: "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'" This parallel passage from Mark's Gospel echoes the universal scope and the necessity of belief in the proclamation.
• Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This verse, spoken by Jesus to his disciples before his ascension, directly outlines the geographical progression of the gospel's spread, starting from Jerusalem, as foretold in Luke 24:47.
• Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This is the parallel Great Commission in Matthew, emphasizing the disciple-making aspect and the Trinitarian formula for baptism, all stemming from the same divine mandate.
• Romans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" This passage highlights the power of the gospel and its universal applicability, reaching both Jews and Gentiles, which is the ultimate outcome of the mission outlined in Luke 24:47.