Peter’s sermon at Solomon’s Colonnade climaxes with a solemn citation: “Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among the people” (Acts 3:23). The verb translated “completely cut off” is the single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s 1842. Positioned after the promise of Messianic refreshment (Acts 3:19) and the identification of Jesus as the promised Prophet like Moses (Acts 3:22), the word marks the stark alternative to repentance—removal from the covenant community and ultimately from the presence of God.

Old Testament covenant warnings

Peter’s wording echoes Deuteronomy 18:19, where the Lord warns Israel concerning the coming Prophet: “I Myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name”. In the Greek Old Testament the same term appears repeatedly to describe the fate of the unrepentant (for example Exodus 12:15; Leviticus 23:29; Joshua 7:25). These passages portray not mere physical death but decisive exclusion from God’s people and promises. By selecting this verb, Peter links the apostolic proclamation of Christ to the familiar covenant penalties of the Law.

Christological fulfillment

The context makes clear that the Prophet to whom obedience is demanded is Jesus, crucified and risen. Refusal to heed Him incurs the very penalty the Torah reserved for idolatry, covenant violation, and high-handed sin. Thus the early church insisted that the gospel is not optional advice but a divine mandate; unbelief is lawlessness, carrying the gravest consequence.

Eschatological dimension

While some Old Testament occurrences describe temporal judgments within Israel’s history, Acts 3:23 extends the concept to final judgment. The “cutting off” foretells eternal separation, paralleling expressions such as “outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12) and “second death” (Revelation 20:14-15). Peter’s warning therefore reaches beyond national Israel to every hearer in every age.

Pastoral and evangelistic use

1. Clarifying the stakes: preaching that includes the reality of divine exclusion magnifies the grace offered in Christ (Acts 3:19).
2. Calling to repentance: the threat of being “cut off” underscores the urgency of turning to Jesus now (2 Corinthians 6:2).
3. Encouraging holiness: believers are reminded that habitual, defiant sin is incompatible with membership in the people of God (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Historical church interpretation

Early apologists such as Justin Martyr appealed to Acts 3:23 when demonstrating to Jewish audiences that disobedience to the Messiah jeopardizes covenant standing. Medieval commentators linked the verse to church discipline, seeing temporal excommunication as a sober anticipation of the ultimate severance Scripture describes. Reformers stressed that salvation is by faith alone, yet genuine faith is always marked by obedient listening to Christ, lest profession prove empty (James 2:17).

Contemporary ministry implications

• Proclamation must maintain the biblical balance of promise and warning.
• Discipleship should train believers to “hear Him” (Matthew 17:5) in Scripture, trusting that obedience is evidence of belonging.
• Missions and evangelism may freely offer mercy to all while clarifying that neglecting Jesus brings irrevocable loss.

Summary

Strong’s 1842 spotlights the irreversible judgment that awaits persistent unbelief. In Acts 3 it serves the gospel by pressing hearers toward repentance and faith in the risen Prophet-King, Jesus Christ, whose word is life to all who heed Him and separation to all who refuse.