In the Old Testament this phrase describes the people of Israel who rebelled against God in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 32:5). In the New Testament, however, the crooked and corrupt generation
includes all human beings (Jews and Gentiles) in rebellion against God (Philippians 2:15; 1 Peter 2:18).1 In this instance, perhaps particularly the Jewish leaders are in mind.2 The Jews must break with the religious leaders of their day if they are to follow Christ.3 The apostles are thus adamant that without repentance and faith in Christ there will be no salvation for their Jewish compatriots.4
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”