2:39a

This promise: The promise refers to what God had promised to give his people, including the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins.

to you and your children: The phrase you and your children refers to the people who were listening to Peter and also to their descendants. In some languages a literal translation would not indicate or imply descendants. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Indicate the correct meaning in the text. For example:

you and your descendants

• Explain the correct meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This refers to their descendants as well.

to all who are far off: This phrase refers to people in distant places. That would include people who were not Jews. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

all who are far away (Good News Translation)

all: It is implied that this word is connected to “all” in 2:39. In other words, of all the people whom God calls, some are far from Jerusalem.

2:39b

to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself: This phrase is a summary. The word all includes “you and your children” and “all who are far off.” It also gives more information about who receives the promise. They will be called by God. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

⌊indeed,⌋ ⌊the promise is⌋ for all whom the Lord our God will call

the Lord our God: Here this phrase refers to God the Father. The word our indicates a relationship between God and some people including Peter. In some languages it is not natural to use the pronoun our with the word God. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the relationship in the text. For example:

the Lord God ⌊whom⌋ we ⌊worship⌋
-or-
the Lord God ⌊who cares for⌋ us

God: See how you translated this word in 1:3 or 2:11.

call: Here the word call means “summoned” or “asked (them) to join him.” Here are some other ways to translate this word:

invite
-or-
told/commanded to follow

General Comment on 2:39a–b

The most general reference (“all whom the Lord our God will call”) is last. In some languages it is more natural to have it first. For example:

The promise is for all whom the Lord our(incl) God will call, including you(plur), your descendants, and all who are far off.

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