Acts 2:1

KJV

¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G1722} the day {G2250} of Pentecost {G4005} was fully come {G4845}, they were {G2258} all {G537} with one accord {G3661} in {G1909} one place {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The festival of Shavu‘ot arrived, and the believers all gathered together in one place.

Berean Standard Bible

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

American Standard Version

And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:1 introduces the pivotal moment of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, marking the birth of the Christian church and the inauguration of the New Covenant. This verse precisely sets the stage, highlighting the divine timing of the event on the Day of Pentecost and emphasizing the unified state of the early believers as they awaited God's promised empowerment. It underscores the culmination of God's redemptive plan, transitioning from the Old Covenant's shadows to the Spirit-filled reality of the new age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:1 serves as the climactic fulfillment of the promises made in the preceding chapter. Following Jesus' ascension, the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the "promise of the Father" ([Acts 1:4](/acts/1-4 "Acts 1:4 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), which Jesus identified as being "baptized with the Holy Spirit" ([Acts 1:5](/acts/1-5 "Acts 1:5 - Baptism with the Holy Spirit")). The disciples, numbering about 120, had gathered consistently in prayer and supplication ([Acts 1:14](/acts/1-14 "Acts 1:14 - Disciples United in Prayer")) and had just selected Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot ([Acts 1:15-26](/acts/1-15-26 "Acts 1:15-26 - Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas")). This verse, therefore, marks the dramatic answer to their obedient waiting and collective anticipation, setting the stage for the powerful events of Peter's sermon, the conversion of thousands, and the rapid expansion of the early church described throughout the rest of [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Day of Pentecost" (Shavuot in Hebrew) was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, requiring all males to travel to Jerusalem. Occurring fifty days after Passover, it was originally an agricultural festival celebrating the firstfruits of the wheat harvest ([Leviticus 23:15-17](/leviticus/23-15-17 "Leviticus 23:15-17 - The Feast of Weeks")). By the first century, it had also become associated with the commemoration of God's giving of the Law (Torah) to Moses on Mount Sinai, an event that occurred approximately fifty days after the Exodus from Egypt. The presence of devout Jews "from every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Devout Jews from Every Nation")) in Jerusalem for this festival provided a divinely orchestrated global audience for the Spirit's outpouring and the subsequent proclamation of the Gospel. This confluence of Jewish tradition and divine timing underscores the significance of the event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Acts and Christian theology. The concept of **Divine Timing and Fulfillment** is paramount, as the Spirit's arrival on Pentecost signifies God's precise orchestration of salvation history, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' promises, particularly those found in [Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of Power from On High") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses"). The theme of **Unity and Accord** is also central, highlighted by the phrase "with one accord" (Greek: _homothymadón_). This spiritual unanimity and shared purpose among the believers was crucial, demonstrating that the corporate presence and readiness of the community were prerequisites for the corporate outpouring of the Spirit. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Empowerment for Mission**, as the Spirit's arrival was not merely for personal experience but to equip the disciples to be Christ's witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pentecost (Greek, _pentēkostḗ'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "fiftieth," this term refers to the Jewish festival of Shavuot, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. Its significance here is profound, marking the precise, divinely appointed moment for the Holy Spirit's descent, paralleling the giving of the Law at Sinai fifty days after the Exodus, thus establishing a new covenant.
* **fully come (Greek, _symplēróō'_):** This verb means "to implenish completely" or "to accomplish" in a passive sense, indicating something that "is complete." Its use here emphasizes that the Day of Pentecost had not merely arrived, but had reached its divinely appointed and perfect culmination, signifying that all preparatory conditions were met for God's grand act.
* **with one accord (Greek, _homothymadón'_):** An adverb meaning "unanimously" or "with one mind." This powerful term, frequently used in Acts, describes the deep spiritual unity, shared purpose, and harmonious disposition of the early believers. It implies not just physical proximity but a profound agreement in spirit and intention, essential for the corporate reception of the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come":** This clause establishes the precise timing of the event, linking it to a significant Jewish festival. The phrase "fully come" underscores that this was not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated moment, the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' promises regarding the Holy Spirit.
* **"they were all with one accord":** This highlights the spiritual state of the believers. "They all" refers to the approximately 120 disciples mentioned in [Acts 1:15](/acts/1-15 "Acts 1:15 - The Number of Disciples"), encompassing apostles, women, and Jesus' family. The crucial phrase "with one accord" (Greek: _homothymadón_) signifies their profound unity, shared purpose, and spiritual harmony. This unanimity was a vital precondition for the corporate outpouring of the Spirit.
* **"in one place":** This indicates their physical gathering. While the exact location is debated (an upper room or a temple court), their collective presence in a single location further emphasizes their unity and readiness. This physical gathering facilitated the corporate experience of the Spirit's descent, demonstrating the communal nature of the church's birth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke, as a skilled historian and theologian, employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Divine Timing**, where the specific mention of "the day of Pentecost" underscores God's sovereign control over history and the precise fulfillment of His promises. The phrase "was fully come" acts as a form of **Culmination**, indicating that this event was the preordained and perfect moment for the Spirit's arrival, drawing a clear line from Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment. Furthermore, the emphasis on "all with one accord in one place" highlights **Unity** as a foundational characteristic of the nascent church, serving as a **Prerequisite** for the Spirit's corporate outpouring. This collective posture is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, suggesting that communal harmony is essential for experiencing God's presence and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:1 marks a profound theological shift, signifying the transition from the Old Covenant era, characterized by the Law given at Sinai (commemorated by Pentecost), to the New Covenant, defined by the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This event is the inauguration of the Church as the new temple of God, where God's presence now dwells not in a physical building, but within His gathered people. The Spirit's descent on a diverse group of believers, united in purpose, signals the universal scope of God's salvation and the breaking down of barriers, preparing the way for the Gospel to be proclaimed to all nations. This divine empowerment enables believers to live out the new covenant, fulfilling the Law's righteous requirements not through external adherence, but through internal transformation and Spirit-led obedience.

* [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")
* [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Helper")
* [Ephesians 4:3-6](/ephesians/4-3-6 "Ephesians 4:3-6 - Unity in the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the Church. The emphasis on divine timing reminds us that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, calling for patient waiting and faithful perseverance rather than anxious striving. Just as the early disciples were "with one accord," unity remains a vital prerequisite for the Church's health, spiritual vitality, and effective mission. Disagreements and divisions hinder the Spirit's work and dim the Church's witness. Therefore, actively pursuing spiritual harmony, shared purpose, and mutual submission within our communities is not merely optional but essential for experiencing God's corporate blessing and power. This verse encourages us to gather intentionally, pray fervently, and seek genuine unity, knowing that God delights to pour out His Spirit where His people are ready and united in heart and mind.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "divine timing" in Acts 2:1 shape your perspective on waiting for God's answers or plans in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate "one accord" (unity and shared purpose) within your local church or Christian community?**
* **What might be hindering the "one accord" in your community, and what steps can be taken to address it?**
* **How does the Spirit's empowerment, initiated on Pentecost, continue to equip believers for mission today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1?**

Answer: The Day of Pentecost is profoundly significant because it marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of Power from On High"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")) and the inauguration of the Christian Church. Historically, Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival commemorating the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In Acts 2, it takes on new meaning as the day God poured out His Spirit, establishing the New Covenant, where God's law is written on hearts by the Spirit, and empowering believers for global witness. It signifies a new era of God's direct indwelling presence within His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:1, while seemingly a simple statement of timing and location, points powerfully to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Day of Pentecost, originally commemorating the giving of the Law at Sinai, now becomes the day of the Spirit's outpouring, demonstrating that Christ's finished work on the cross and His resurrection have inaugurated a new covenant. Jesus, as the ascended Lord, is the one who sends the Holy Spirit ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit")), fulfilling His promise to His disciples. The "one accord" of the believers in "one place" foreshadows the unity of the Church, which is the body of Christ ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit")), empowered by His Spirit to continue His mission in the world. Thus, Pentecost is not merely an event but the direct consequence of Christ's triumph, signifying His continued presence and power through His Spirit in His Church, making believers His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 15:6

That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Acts 1:15

¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Philippians 1:27

¶ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1 Corinthians 16:8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

Zephaniah 3:9

For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.