Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 2:39

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He next gives a persuasive turn to his address, adding, "For the promise is unto you": for he had spoken of a promise above. "And to your children," he says: the gift is greater, when these are to be heirs of the blessings. "And to all," he continues, "that are afar off:" if to those that are afar off, much more to you that are near: "even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Observe the time he takes for saying, "To those that are afar off." It is when he finds them conciliated and self-accusing. …

Homily on Acts 7 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Note: Peter showed that the gift of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit are one and the same gift, since their dignity is also one and the same. Speaking above, he called this gift a promise, which "belongs to you… and to your children," because a gift is more valuable when the blessings pass also to one's heirs, "and to all who are far off." If this gift is for those who are far off, then all the more so for you who are near. …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

And by saying, "For to you is the promise and to your children and to all who are far off, and to those who are near," he indicates the greatness of the gift, that it is sufficient not only for them but also for their children. And it is bestowed upon the Gentiles as well. For he hinted at this by "those who are far off"; but if to those who are far off, then all the more to you who are near. Consider also that then he hinted at the faith of the Gentiles, when he found them humbled and having judged themselves. …

Commentary on Acts ↗