NT Text: Acts 2:39
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment + Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Peter's promise that the gift of the Holy Spirit is "for all who are far off" (pasi tois eis makran) closely echoes Isa 57:19's divine promise of peace "to the far [rachoq] and to the near." The same Isaianic phrase reappears in Eph 2:13-17 where Paul makes explicit what Peter implies: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ... He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near" (Eph 2:13, 17). Acts 2:39 thus situates the Pentecost promise within the Isaianic new covenant framework of universal inclusion: the Spirit is not only for Jews present in Jerusalem but for Gentiles at geographic and covenantal distance. The phrase "all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39b) further grounds the universal offer in divine election, matching Isa 57:19's context of God as healer of his people.