Acts 2 14

Acts 2:14 kjv

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:14 nkjv

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

Acts 2:14 niv

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

Acts 2:14 esv

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

Acts 2:14 nlt

Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 14 meaning

Acts 2:14 records Peter's authoritative emergence as the spokesperson for the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Amidst the confusion and mockery surrounding the Holy Spirit-empowered speaking in tongues, Peter, together with the other eleven apostles, stood up publicly to address the multitude. This verse marks the beginning of the first recorded Christian sermon, a pivotal moment where Peter refutes the charge of drunkenness, clarifies the supernatural events as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, and prepares the audience for the proclamation of Jesus Christ. It signifies a transition from the miraculous manifestation of the Spirit to an articulate explanation of God's redemptive plan.

Acts 2 14 Context

Acts 2:14 immediately follows the powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Devout Jews from every nation, who had gathered in Jerusalem for the feast, were astounded and confused as the apostles began to speak in various foreign languages. Some were bewildered, asking "What does this mean?" while others scoffed, attributing the phenomenon to drunkenness (Acts 2:12-13). Peter's actions in verse 14 are a direct response to this mocking accusation and the overall bewilderment.

The historical context is crucial: Pentecost (Shavuot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, drawing Jews from across the Roman Empire and beyond to Jerusalem. This gathering provided a unique, divinely ordained opportunity for the gospel to be heard by a diverse audience that would then carry the message back to their homelands. Peter's speech is therefore the first official, public declaration of the resurrected Christ and the advent of the new covenant age, shifting from an awe-inspiring supernatural event to an intelligent, Spirit-empowered theological explanation.

Acts 2 14 Word analysis

• But (Greek: ἀλλά, alla): A strong adversative conjunction. It indicates a sharp contrast or turning point. Here, it introduces Peter's response to the accusations and confusion, setting his declaration against the preceding mockery.
• Peter (Greek: Πέτρος, Petros, lit. "rock"): The chief apostle, designated by Jesus as foundational to the church (Mt 16:18). His immediate emergence as the leader and spokesman here underscores his authoritative role. This moment marks a fulfillment of Jesus' calling for Peter to "strengthen your brothers" (Lk 22:32) and "feed my sheep" (Jn 21:17), demonstrating his restoration and leadership.
• standing up (Greek: σταθείς, statheis): An aorist participle, meaning "having stood." This implies a deliberate and authoritative action, not merely rising. In ancient rhetoric, standing indicated one was about to deliver a formal speech, command attention, and assume authority. It contrasts with the sitting posture often associated with teaching within a synagogue setting, suggesting a broader public declaration.
• with the eleven: Emphasizes unity and corporate authority. Peter does not stand alone, but as the representative and spokesman of the apostolic body (Acts 1:26), validating the message as the apostles' unified testimony, not just Peter's personal opinion. This lends collective weight to his forthcoming explanation.
• lifted up his voice (Greek: ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ, epēren tēn phōnēn autou): An idiom indicating a loud, public declaration. It signifies not just speaking, but speaking with force, authority, and clarity, intended to be heard by a large crowd over the commotion. This reflects a prophetic, authoritative utterance rather than a casual statement.
• and spoke to them: A straightforward verb, but in conjunction with "lifted up his voice," it indicates a formal address. Peter is not debating but proclaiming a truth.
• "Men of Judea (Greek: Ἄνδρες Ἰουδαῖοι, Andres Ioudaioi): This phrase refers to the Jewish people residing in the geographic region of Judea, particularly in Jerusalem, identifying the primary target audience. It is a formal, respectful address used for citizens or noblemen, distinguishing them from foreigners or commoners in some contexts, but here used broadly for the assembled Jewish multitude.
• and all who dwell in Jerusalem (Greek: οἱ κατοικοῦντες Ἱερουσαλὴμ ἅπαντες, hoi katoikountes Hierousalēm hapantes): Expands the audience beyond native Judeans to include all permanent residents of Jerusalem, including proselytes or diaspora Jews who had settled there. This indicates Peter's address is comprehensive, aiming for maximum reach within the capital city.
• let this be known to you (Greek: τοῦτο ὑμῖν τοῦτο γνωστόν ἔστω, touto hymin gnōston estō): A strong imperative. Peter demands their full attention, indicating the urgency and significance of what he is about to reveal. It serves as a command for intellectual and spiritual apprehension, requiring not just passive listening but active understanding.
• and give ear to my words" (Greek: ἐνωτίζεσθε τὰ ῥήματά μου, enōtizesthe ta rhēmata mou): A vivid idiom. Enōtizesthe comes from en (in) + ous (ear), meaning "to put in one's ear" or "to incline the ear." It is an even stronger and more earnest appeal than "listen," carrying the nuance of paying diligent, obedient attention, internalizing the message as something vital for spiritual life. This echoes Old Testament calls to hear God's commands (Deut 32:1; Psa 49:1).

• "But Peter, standing up with the eleven": This phrase highlights Peter's divine calling and restored leadership within the united apostolic group. It signifies a public assertion of authority and preparedness to explain the Spirit's manifestation. His previous denials of Christ are now completely overturned by his bold, Spirit-empowered stance.
• "lifted up his voice and spoke to them": This describes the commencement of formal, public preaching. The "lifting up" implies a voice of authority, breaking through the existing clamor and drawing the attention of a large and diverse crowd. It marks the transition from extraordinary supernatural phenomena to ordered, authoritative proclamation of God's Word.
• "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words": This constitutes a direct and respectful, yet urgent and authoritative, call for the entire audience's attention. Peter addresses them clearly by their location and identity, emphasizing that the message he is about to deliver is critical for all gathered in the city, demanding both cognitive understanding ("let this be known") and receptive, spiritual hearing ("give ear to my words"). It sets the stage for a defense and explanation rooted in scriptural truth, specifically aimed at refuting the accusations and proclaiming the gospel.

Acts 2 14 Bonus section

Peter's actions here highlight a significant shift in his character and ministry. Before Pentecost, despite his fervor, he was prone to denial and fear (Lk 22:54-62). Now, empowered by the Holy Spirit, he stands firm, fearless, and articulate, boldly confronting opposition. This transformation serves as a profound testament to the power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers for courageous witness. The public setting of Peter's address – not within a synagogue but out in the open, before a diverse and mocking crowd – signifies the gospel's reach beyond traditional Jewish structures. It anticipates the universal scope of the early church's mission as the gospel message would spread "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8), originating from this bold, public declaration in Jerusalem. The carefully chosen Greek words for "standing up" and "give ear" are echoes of classical Greek oratory and Old Testament prophetic injunctions, demonstrating the divine orchestrating of a truly authoritative and compelling communication of truth.

Acts 2 14 Commentary

Acts 2:14 is the pivotal verse where the narrative shifts from the miraculous display of the Holy Spirit to its theological interpretation and evangelistic proclamation. Peter's action of "standing up with the eleven" is a bold assertion of leadership and apostolic unity in the face of widespread confusion and outright mockery. It signifies the commencement of the church's public witness, moving from a spontaneous spiritual outburst to an articulate defense of God's work. His posture and raised voice convey divine authority and urgency, characteristic of a prophet declaring the Word of God, not just a man responding to a taunt.

The direct address, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem," is strategically chosen to command the attention of the immediate and broader Jewish audience, implying that the message concerns them all. The double imperative, "let this be known to you, and give ear to my words," underscores the critical importance of what is about to be said. It's a call not merely for passive listening but for active, engaged understanding and reception of divine truth. This verse sets the stage for the longest and most comprehensive sermon in Acts, where Peter brilliantly connects the Spirit's outpouring, a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, to the resurrection and Lordship of Jesus Christ, marking the inauguration of the church's mission to declare the gospel.