Repentance
and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:47
Luke 24 [45.] Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24 [50.] He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. While he blessed them, he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Meaning:
This verse comes from the final chapter of Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus, after His resurrection, is instructing His disciples. He is laying out the mission that will define the early church and set the trajectory for the spread of the Christian faith. Let’s dive deeper into the significance of this verse and how it shapes our understanding of the Gospel’s reach and purpose.
The Mandate to Preach
- Repentance and Forgiveness:
"Repentance": This word is key in Jesus' teachings and appears throughout the New Testament. Repentance, in the biblical sense, is more than just feeling sorry for one’s sins. It’s about a profound change of heart and mind—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. Repentance is the first step in restoring our relationship with God, recognizing our need for His grace and mercy. In Acts 2:38, Peter echoes this message when he says, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
"Remission of sins": The remission, or forgiveness, of sins is the heart of the Gospel. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled with God. This forgiveness is not something we earn but is a gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 affirms this, stating, "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." The preaching of repentance and forgiveness means offering people the opportunity to experience God’s mercy and to enter into a restored relationship with Him.
- In His Name:
"In his name": This phrase emphasizes the authority and power of Jesus in the work of salvation. The disciples are not just preaching any message—they are proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, who has triumphed over sin and death. To preach in His name is to declare that salvation is found in Jesus alone. Acts 4:12 underscores this truth: "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The name of Jesus carries with it the power to heal, to forgive, and to bring new life.
The Universal Mission
- To All Nations:
"To all the nations": The message of repentance and forgiveness is not limited to any one group of people; it is intended for everyone, everywhere. This global scope reflects God’s heart for the world, His desire that all people might be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). The command to preach to all nations highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel—no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace. This mission challenges us to look beyond our own communities and to see the world as God sees it, full of people in need of His salvation.
- Beginning at Jerusalem:
"Beginning at Jerusalem": Jerusalem holds a special place in God’s redemptive plan. It is the city where Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, and it is the starting point for the spread of the Gospel. By saying that the preaching should begin in Jerusalem, Jesus is pointing to the fulfillment of prophecy and the continuity of God’s plan. The early church took this commission seriously, as seen in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells the disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth." From Jerusalem, the message of Christ spread like wildfire, reaching the far corners of the Roman Empire and beyond.
The Significance for Us Today
- Our Call to Proclaim the Gospel:
This verse in Luke is not just historical—it is a call to action for all believers. We, too, are called to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name, wherever we are and wherever God sends us. This mission is ongoing, as there are still many who have not heard the Gospel or experienced the forgiveness that Jesus offers. Romans 10:14 challenges us with the reality that "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?" The responsibility to share the Gospel rests on all of us, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this task.
- The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness:
The message of repentance and forgiveness is transformative. When we truly repent and accept God’s forgiveness, our lives are changed. We are freed from the burden of sin and guilt, and we are given a new identity in Christ. This transformation is not just personal; it impacts our communities and the world around us as we live out the values of God’s Kingdom. The power of repentance and forgiveness breaks down barriers, heals relationships, and brings reconciliation—both with God and with others.
- A Gospel for All People:
The inclusivity of the Gospel is a reminder that no one is excluded from God’s offer of salvation. We are called to reach out to people from all walks of life, from all cultures and backgrounds, with the message of Jesus’ love. In a world that is often divided by race, ethnicity, and social status, the Gospel unites us under the lordship of Christ. Galatians 3:28 proclaims this unity: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Conclusion: Luke 24:47 is a verse that encapsulates the heart of the Christian mission: to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus to all nations. It reminds us of the power of the Gospel to transform lives, the inclusivity of God’s love, and the urgency of our calling to share this Good News with the world. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with this message, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry it to the ends of the earth, beginning wherever we are. This verse is a powerful reminder that the work of the Gospel is both our privilege and our responsibility.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible