Acts 5:31
What does Acts 5:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:31 means
Peter continues: God exalted Jesus at His right hand as Prince and Saviour to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins. Jesus is not only risen but enthroned, sharing God’s authority. As Prince, He is leader and source of life; as Saviour, He rescues. The purpose is gracious: repentance granted and sins forgiven. The offer begins with Israel, in keeping with God’s plan, yet Acts will show its spread to the nations. This Christ-centered statement explains why the apostles must speak—only in Jesus is forgiveness found. The exaltation confirms that the crucified One is now the reigning Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Him did God exalt with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Him did God exalt with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Him God has put on high at his right hand, as a Ruler and a Saviour, to give to Israel a change of heart and forgiveness of sins.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this one God, a Prince and a Saviour, hath exalted with His right hand, to give reformation to Israel, and forgiveness of sins;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be Prince and Saviour. to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Him hasGod exalted by his right hand as leader and saviour, to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins.
Context
This verse follows the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection and grounds the apostles’ obedience in who Jesus now is. It emphasizes both His status and His saving mission. The next verse will add the dimension of witness—the apostles and the Holy Spirit testify to these realities. Together, these verses form the core of apostolic preaching: Jesus’ death, resurrection, exaltation, and the gracious gift of repentance and forgiveness. This clear testimony will provoke a sharp reaction from the council, who will be cut to the heart and contemplate deadly measures.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 1:4
to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
- Luke 24:47
and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
- 2 Peter 2:20
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.
- Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.
- Daniel 9:25
Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.
- Ezekiel 37:25
And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children’s children, for ever: and David my servant shall be their prince for ever.
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