Acts 2:35 Meaning and Explanation
“Until I make thy foes thy footstool.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Psalm 110 prophecy concludes: the Messiah will reign until all enemies surrender.
The Context of Acts 2:35
Peter finishes quoting Psalm 110:1, which David spoke prophetically about the Messiah. The early church recognized this as Jesus speaking through David centuries before, showing that the One crucified was also the One exalted.
What Does Acts 2:35 Mean?
David, centuries before Bethlehem, saw the Messiah seated at God's right hand and heard the Father say: 'Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool.' These are not words of weakness but of patience. The Lord does not need to defeat his enemies quickly; he rules from heaven's throne while the world below still resists. We live in that 'until'—the ascended Christ reigns now, though not all recognize his lordship yet.
This verse reminds us that Christ's victory is certain even when the world appears unchanged. The footstool is not yet visible to earthly eyes, but Scripture promises it. When we feel the church is small or the kingdom invisible, we remember that the One who suffered on the cross now sits in glory, waiting for his final triumph. Our faith rests not on what we see but on his risen presence.
Acts 2:35 in the Original Language
hypopodion (Greek), 'footstool' -- literally the place where one rests one's feet, a sign of complete subjection and authority over an enemy
How to Apply Acts 2:35 Today
When we face setbacks or opposition, we remember that Christ already reigns. His victory is secure even as we wait. We need not fear the world's resistance; we trust the One who sits at the Father's right hand and whose triumph is already certain in God's eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 2:35
What does Acts 2:35 mean?
The Psalm 110 prophecy concludes: the Messiah will reign until all enemies surrender.
What is the context of Acts 2:35?
Peter finishes quoting Psalm 110:1, which David spoke prophetically about the Messiah. The early church recognized this as Jesus speaking through David centuries before, showing that the One crucified was also the One exalted.
How can I apply Acts 2:35 today?
When we face setbacks or opposition, we remember that Christ already reigns. His victory is secure even as we wait. We need not fear the world's resistance; we trust the One who sits at the Father's right hand and whose triumph is already certain in God's eyes.