Acts 2:35

Acts 2:35, in plain English

God will put all of Jesus' enemies under His feet—He will ultimately win, and His enemies will be completely subdued.

Why it's here

Peter continues the psalm promise: Jesus' triumph isn't just spiritual or internal—it's complete. His enemies will be made a footstool. The crowd would have recognized the imagery of a victorious king with his enemies beneath him.

Who's speaking

Peter, continuing Psalm 110

Where it sits in the story

This points forward to the final victory of Christ over all opposition. Nothing stands against Him. Evil, death, and all forces opposed to God will eventually be completely subject to Jesus.

The scholarly reading

Peter completes the Psalm 110 citation, presenting Christ's enemies as placed beneath His feet—a formulation expressing universal victory and the subjection of all opposing powers.

Language and setting

The phrase 'I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet' (ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου) employs the imagery of ancient Near Eastern royal iconography: conquered enemies are literally placed beneath the victor's feet as a visible emblem of subjection. The subjunctive 'until I make' (ἕως ἂν θῶ) suggests an ongoing process—Christ's enemies remain unfinished business, subject to progressive subjection across history. This becomes foundational to what Paul would develop as Christus Victor soteriology: Christ's death and resurrection constitute his essential victory, yet the full manifestation and enforcement of that victory unfolds across time. The Reformation theologians, particularly Luther and Calvin, would emphasize that Christ's kingship is already established yet awaits its final public recognition.

Voice

Peter, quoting Psalm 110:1 (LXX)

Significance

The resurrection and exaltation are not merely personal vindications of Jesus but cosmic declarations of His universal dominion. All history from this moment forward is the history of Christ's enemies being systematically subjected to His rule—a victory already won but still being enforced.

33Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

34For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand

35until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

36Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Read all of Acts 2 — The Spirit arrives like wind and fire. The church is born in a single day. A movement that will never stop starts in one room.