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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Peter {G4074}, standing up {G2476} with {G4862} the eleven {G1733}, lifted up {G1869} his {G846} voice {G5456}, and {G2532} said {G669} unto them {G846}, Ye men {G435} of Judaea {G2453}, and {G2532} all {G537} ye that dwell {G2730} at Jerusalem {G2419}, be {G2077} this {G5124} known {G1110} unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} hearken {G1801} to my {G3450} words {G4487}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Kefa stood up with the Eleven and raised his voice to address them: “You Judeans, and all of you staying here in Yerushalayim! Let me tell you what this means! Listen carefully to me!

Berean Standard Bible

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.

American Standard Version

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:14 marks the pivotal moment when Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, steps forward as the spokesman for the apostles to address the diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Following the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit and the disciples speaking in various tongues, which some onlookers mocked as drunkenness, Peter authoritatively calls for attention, preparing to explain the divine significance of the events unfolding before them and to proclaim the Gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled and began to speak in other tongues, leading to a mix of amazement and confusion among the multitude. The accusation of drunkenness in [Acts 2:13](/acts/2-13 "Acts 2:13 - Accusation of Drunkenness") provides the direct impetus for Peter's address. Acts 2:14 serves as the critical transition from the miraculous display of the Spirit's power to the authoritative proclamation of the Gospel, setting the stage for Peter's first sermon, which will explain the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") unfold during the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, which drew devout Jews from across the Roman Empire and beyond to Jerusalem. This explains the "multitude" of "men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem" (Acts 2:14), comprising both native Judeans and diaspora Jews who had settled or were temporarily residing in the city. The public nature of the accusation and Peter's response highlights the importance of public discourse and the need to address misconceptions directly within the cultural and religious framework of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's action in [Acts 2:14](/acts/2-14 "Acts 2:14 - Peter's Bold Proclamation") introduces several key themes that will permeate the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **Apostolic Boldness and Leadership**, as Peter, once timid, now stands as a confident spokesman, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Addressing Misconceptions** and **Authoritative Proclamation**, as Peter refutes the charge of drunkenness and prepares to deliver a clear, Spirit-inspired explanation of God's work. Finally, it signals the **Inauguration of the Church's Public Witness**, as the miraculous events of Pentecost transition into the verbal declaration of the Gospel, fulfilling Christ's commission to His disciples found in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** This word, meaning "a (piece of) rock," refers to Simon Peter, the apostle. His name, given by Jesus, signifies his foundational role in the early church, particularly as a spokesman and leader. Here, he embodies the solidity and unwavering resolve necessary for the initial public proclamation of the Gospel.
* **standing up (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** Derived from a primary word meaning "to stand," this term implies taking a firm, fixed, or authoritative position. In this context, Peter's act of "standing up" is not merely a physical action but a symbolic posture of authority, readiness, and public declaration, distinguishing him as the one prepared to address the crowd.
* **hearken (Greek, _enōtízomai'_):** This middle voice verb, literally meaning "to take in one's ear," strongly conveys the command to listen intently and pay close attention. It is a forceful imperative, underscoring the urgency and importance of the words Peter is about to speak, demanding a receptive audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Peter, standing up with the eleven":** This clause emphasizes Peter's leadership role while simultaneously highlighting the unity and collective authority of the apostles. He is not acting in isolation but as the designated voice of the entire apostolic body, lending weight and credibility to his forthcoming message.
* **"lifted up his voice, and said unto them":** This phrase conveys a sense of public, authoritative, and clear declaration. "Lifting up his voice" implies speaking loudly enough to be heard by a large crowd, indicating a deliberate and forceful proclamation rather than a casual remark.
* **"Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem":** Peter precisely identifies his audience, encompassing both native Judeans and the diverse Jewish pilgrims and residents who had gathered in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost. This inclusive address signals the universal scope of the message to follow.
* **"be this known unto you, and hearken to my words":** This is a direct, imperative command for the audience to acknowledge the truth of what is about to be revealed and to listen carefully. It serves as a powerful rhetorical device to capture attention and impress upon the listeners the gravity and truthfulness of Peter's explanation.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:14 employs several significant literary devices. The act of Peter **standing up** and **lifting up his voice** is a form of **Symbolism**, representing his emergence as a bold, Spirit-empowered leader and the public inauguration of the apostolic witness. This physical action serves as a visual cue of **Apostolic Authority**, signaling to the crowd that an official and significant declaration is about to be made. The phrase "hearken to my words" is a **Direct Address** and an **Imperative**, a rhetorical technique designed to command immediate attention and underscore the urgency and importance of the message. This direct engagement with the audience creates a sense of immediacy and demands a response, setting the stage for the powerful sermon that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:14 is a foundational moment illustrating the Holy Spirit's empowerment for witness and the church's mission to proclaim the Gospel. Peter's transformation from a denying disciple to a bold proclaimer demonstrates the Spirit's ability to equip believers for courageous truth-telling. This verse sets the precedent for the apostles' public ministry, emphasizing that the miraculous signs of Pentecost were not an end in themselves, but a divine validation for the authoritative declaration of God's saving work through Christ. It underscores the necessity of clear, unashamed proclamation of the truth, especially in the face of misunderstanding or opposition, a task to which all believers are called.

* [Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - Promise of the Holy Spirit")
* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - The Spirit Will Speak Through You")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding our call to witness. Just as Peter, once fearful, was transformed by the Holy Spirit to boldly declare the truth, so too are we empowered to speak God's Word in a world that often misunderstands or dismisses it. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive faith to active proclamation, to be prepared to articulate the hope we have in Christ, even when facing skepticism or opposition. Furthermore, Peter's standing "with the eleven" reminds us of the vital importance of unity in our witness; the collective voice of the body of Christ carries greater impact and credibility. Our mission is not merely to believe, but to make known the incredible works of God, clarifying misconceptions and inviting others to "hearken" to the life-changing message of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Holy Spirit empower believers today to speak God's truth with boldness, even in challenging environments?**
* **In what ways can we, like Peter, effectively address misconceptions about faith or the church in our contemporary society?**
* **How can the principle of "standing up with the eleven" inspire greater unity and collective witness among believers in our local communities?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter stand up "with the eleven" instead of alone?**

Answer: Peter stood "with the eleven" to signify the unity and collective authority of the apostolic witness. While Peter was the primary spokesman, his message was not a personal opinion but the shared truth proclaimed by all of Christ's chosen apostles, who were also empowered by the Holy Spirit. This collective stance lent greater weight and credibility to the message, demonstrating that the events of Pentecost and the subsequent proclamation were a unified, divine act through the appointed leaders of the nascent church.

**What was the significance of Peter "lifting up his voice"?**

Answer: Peter "lifting up his voice" was a deliberate and significant action. It indicated a public, authoritative declaration, designed to capture the attention of a large and diverse crowd amidst the commotion of the festival. It marked a transition from the miraculous display of tongues to a clear, verbal proclamation of the Gospel. This act conveyed the urgency and importance of his message, demanding that the multitude listen intently to the explanation of what they had just witnessed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:14, though not directly a prophecy, is a crucial moment in the unfolding of Christ's redemptive plan and the establishment of His church. Peter's bold stance and authoritative voice are a direct fulfillment of Jesus' promise that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The Peter who once denied Christ ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial")) is now utterly transformed, a living testament to the resurrection power of Christ and the empowering presence of the Spirit, which Jesus promised to send from the Father ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")). Peter's subsequent sermon, initiated by this verse, will center entirely on Jesus as the crucified, resurrected, and exalted Messiah, demonstrating that the outpouring of the Spirit is the direct result of Christ's finished work and His ascension to the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted")). Thus, Peter's act of speaking forth is a Christ-centered act, making known the Lordship of Jesus and inviting all to believe in Him for salvation ([Acts 2:36-38](/acts/2-36-38 "Acts 2:36-38 - Peter's Call to Repentance")).

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

Isaiah 51:7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Isaiah 51:1

¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.

Deuteronomy 27:9

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Acts 5:35

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.