Acts 2:21 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord.— See Ezekiel 9:4-6. This context being quoted thus, was a strong intimation that nothing but their acceptance of the gospel could secure them from impending ruin. Brennius has proved, by an ample collection of texts, that calling on the name of the Lord, is often put for the whole of religion; and if it do not here directly signify invoking Christ, which is sometimes used to express the whole of the Christian character, (Comp. Ch. Acts 9:14; Acts 9:21 Acts 22:16. Romans 10:12-13 and 1 Corinthians 1:2.) it must imply, that it is impossible for any who reject him, to pray in an acceptable manner. How awful a reflection! See the note on Joel 2:32.