Acts 2:33

KJV

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} being {G5312} by the right hand {G1188} of God {G2316} exalted {G5312}, and {G5037} having received {G2983} of {G3844} the Father {G3962} the promise {G1860} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, he hath shed forth {G1632} this {G5124}, which {G3739} ye {G5210} now {G3568} see {G991} and {G2532} hear {G191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Moreover, he has been exalted to the right hand of God; has received from the Father what he promised, namely, the Ruach HaKodesh; and has poured out this gift, which you are both seeing and hearing.

Berean Standard Bible

Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

American Standard Version

Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:33 stands as a foundational declaration by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost, succinctly explaining the profound spiritual phenomena witnessed by the astonished crowd. It articulates that Jesus, having been supremely exalted to the right hand of God after His resurrection and ascension, has consequently received from the Father the long-promised Holy Spirit. This Spirit, then, has been poured out by Jesus Himself, resulting in the undeniable visible and audible manifestations that the gathered multitude was experiencing, thereby ushering in a new era of divine presence and empowerment for believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic point in Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, delivered to a diverse, multilingual crowd in Jerusalem. Having witnessed the disciples speaking in tongues, the crowd was perplexed, with some mocking them as drunk. Peter rises to address this confusion, systematically arguing that the events are not intoxication but the direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the immediate consequence of Jesus' resurrection and ascension. He has just presented compelling evidence for Jesus' messianic identity, drawing heavily from the Psalms, notably [Psalm 16:8-11](/psalms/16-8-11 "Psalm 16:8-11 - David's Prophecy of Resurrection") concerning Christ's resurrection and [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed at God's Right Hand") regarding His exaltation to God's right hand. Acts 2:33 serves as the logical and theological bridge, connecting Jesus' glorification directly to the visible and audible outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which was the initial event described in [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - The Initial Outpouring of the Holy Spirit"). It provides the divine explanation for the miraculous phenomena, attributing them to the sovereign work of the exalted Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals for Jews. This meant the city was teeming with devout Jews from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Devout Jews from Every Nation")), making the multilingual speaking in tongues particularly impactful and verifiable. The concept of the "right hand of God" held profound significance in Jewish culture, symbolizing supreme power, authority, and honor. To be seated at God's right hand meant sharing in His dominion and majesty, a concept deeply rooted in biblical tradition (e.g., [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed at God's Right Hand")). Furthermore, there was a long-standing expectation of a future outpouring of God's Spirit, prophesied by prophets like Joel (quoted by Peter in [Acts 2:17-21](/acts/2-17-21 "Acts 2:17-21 - Peter Quotes Joel's Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")), which would mark the dawn of the Messianic age. The events of Pentecost, therefore, were understood by those with spiritual discernment as the long-awaited fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, authenticated by the very signs and wonders they were witnessing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Acts and Christian theology. Foremost is the **Exaltation and Lordship of Jesus Christ**, emphasizing His post-resurrection glorification and His current reign at God's right hand, signifying His ultimate authority and successful completion of His redemptive work. This theme is foundational to Peter's entire sermon, culminating in the declaration that God has made Jesus "both Lord and Christ" ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). Another crucial theme is the **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**, particularly concerning the Holy Spirit. The "promise of the Holy Ghost" refers to God's covenantal pledge to send His Spirit, reiterated by Jesus Himself prior to His ascension, as seen in [Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - Jesus' Promise of the Father's Spirit") and [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit as Helper"). The outpouring on Pentecost serves as the tangible and dramatic fulfillment of this long-anticipated divine covenant. Finally, the verse highlights the **Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit**, marking a new era where the Spirit is poured out not just on prophets or kings, but on all believers. This event signifies the inauguration of the church age, where believers are indwelt and empowered by the Spirit for witness and service, directly fulfilling prophecies like [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **exalted (Greek, _hypsóō_):** From G5312, meaning to elevate (literally or figuratively); to lift up or glorify. In this context, it signifies Jesus being raised to a position of supreme honor, power, and authority at the right hand of God, far above all earthly or heavenly powers. It speaks to His divine vindication and glorification after His suffering and resurrection.
* **received (Greek, _lambánō_):** From G2983, meaning to take, get hold of, or obtain. This word emphasizes Jesus' active reception of the Holy Spirit from the Father. It is not merely a passive experience but an active taking or obtaining of the promised Spirit, which He then, in turn, bestows upon His followers. This highlights Jesus' active role in the divine economy of salvation and the distribution of spiritual gifts.
* **shed forth (Greek, _ekchéō_):** From G1632, meaning to pour forth, often in abundance; figuratively, to bestow. This term vividly describes the generous, copious, and undeniable outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It conveys the idea of a mighty flood, not a mere trickle, emphasizing the overwhelming and manifest presence of the Spirit that was evident to all present through the "see and hear" phenomena.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted":** This clause establishes the foundational premise for the Spirit's outpouring. Peter asserts Jesus' post-resurrection glorification and ascension to the place of ultimate authority and honor—the right hand of God. This position signifies His divine vindication, His completed work of redemption, and His supreme rule over all creation. It is His status as the exalted Lord that enables the subsequent action.
* **"and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost":** This part reveals the direct consequence of Jesus' exaltation. Having ascended to the Father, Jesus, as the glorified Son, actively receives the Holy Spirit, which had been promised by the Father throughout salvation history and specifically by Jesus Himself before His departure. This highlights the Trinitarian cooperation in salvation: the Father promises, the Son receives, and then the Spirit is sent.
* **"he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear":** This final clause connects Jesus' reception of the Spirit directly to the Pentecost event. The exalted Jesus is the one who "pours out" the Spirit in abundance. The "this" refers to the tangible, observable manifestations of the Spirit—the speaking in tongues, the prophetic utterances, and the accompanying divine power—which were undeniable to the crowd. The phrase "see and hear" emphasizes the empirical, sensory evidence of the Spirit's arrival, validating Peter's claims and demonstrating God's active presence.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's sermon, and this verse in particular, employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is evident in "the right hand of God," which universally symbolizes supreme power, authority, and honor. Jesus' exaltation to this position signifies His ultimate victory and sovereign rule. The phrase "shed forth" utilizes a powerful **Metaphor** of pouring water or liquid, vividly conveying the abundant, overflowing, and undeniable nature of the Holy Spirit's outpouring. This is not a hesitant drip but a mighty torrent. The verse also functions as a powerful **Cause and Effect** statement: Jesus' exaltation (cause) leads to His reception of the Spirit, which in turn leads to the Spirit's outpouring (effect), resulting in the visible and audible phenomena. This logical progression strengthens Peter's argument. Finally, the use of **Sensory Language** ("see and hear") directly appeals to the audience's immediate experience, grounding the theological explanation in their empirical reality and making the divine event undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:33 is a cornerstone for understanding the work of the Trinity in salvation history and the inauguration of the new covenant. It reveals the Father's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises, the Son's active role as the exalted Lord who mediates the Spirit, and the Spirit's empowering presence as a tangible reality for the church. The outpouring signifies the new era where God's Spirit indwells all believers, not just a select few, enabling them for worship, witness, and service. This event marks the birth of the church, empowered by God Himself to carry out the Great Commission. The Spirit's presence is the down payment of our inheritance, assuring believers of their adoption into God's family and their future glorification with Christ.

* [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - Jesus Promises the Helper, the Spirit of Truth")
* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Promised Holy Spirit")
* [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of God Dwells in Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:33 offers profound encouragement and a call to action for believers today. It assures us that the Holy Spirit, the very power of God, is not merely a historical phenomenon confined to the early church but remains an active, empowering, and indwelling presence in the lives of all who believe in the exalted Christ. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and the same Spirit that equipped the early disciples for their extraordinary witness is available to us to empower us for our own unique callings in a complex world. Recognizing that the Spirit has been "shed forth" means we are recipients of an abundant, not meager, supply of divine power, wisdom, and comfort. This should compel us to live in conscious reliance on the Spirit, seeking His guidance, yielding to His sanctifying work, and boldly proclaiming the Gospel with the assurance that He will empower our words and actions. The visible and audible manifestations of Pentecost may differ from the Spirit's work today, but His transformative power in changed lives, spiritual gifts, and the ongoing spread of the Gospel remains undeniable evidence of His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' exaltation to the "right hand of God" deepen your appreciation for His authority and ongoing work in the world?**
* **In what ways do you "see and hear" the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in your life, your church, or the world today?**
* **How does the truth that Jesus "shed forth" the Spirit encourage you to live more boldly and dependently on His power?**
* **What "promise of the Holy Ghost" are you currently relying on in your walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for Jesus to be "by the right hand of God exalted"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies Jesus' ultimate glorification, vindication, and supreme authority after His resurrection and ascension. In ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts, the "right hand" symbolized power, honor, and authority. Therefore, being "exalted by the right hand of God" means that God the Father has raised Jesus to the highest possible position of honor and power in the universe. It underscores His divine sovereignty and His reigning status as Lord over all creation, as prophesied in passages like [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed at God's Right Hand"). This exaltation is the basis for His subsequent action of pouring out the Holy Spirit.

**How does Acts 2:33 relate to the concept of the Trinity?**

Answer: Acts 2:33 beautifully illustrates the distinct yet cooperative roles of the three persons of the Trinity in the plan of salvation. It shows God the Father as the source of the promise of the Holy Spirit and the one who exalts Jesus. Jesus, God the Son, is the exalted mediator who "receives" the promised Spirit from the Father and then "sheds forth" or pours out the Spirit upon humanity. The Holy Spirit is the divine Person who is sent, manifesting God's presence and power in the world. This verse demonstrates the unity of purpose and action within the Godhead, with each person fulfilling their unique role in bringing about the new covenant and empowering the church.

**Is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit described in Acts 2:33 still happening today?**

Answer: Yes, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit initiated on Pentecost continues to be a reality for believers today, though its manifestations may vary. Peter's sermon immediately following this verse quotes Joel 2:28-29, indicating that the Spirit would be poured out on "all flesh"—sons and daughters, young and old, male and female servants ([Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17-18 "Acts 2:17-18 - Peter Quotes Joel on the Spirit's Outpouring")). While the dramatic, initial signs of Pentecost (like speaking in tongues as a universal language for evangelism) were unique to that foundational event, the indwelling presence, empowering work, and spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit remain active in the lives of believers and in the church throughout history. The Spirit continues to convict, regenerate, sanctify, empower for witness, and bestow spiritual gifts, enabling the church to fulfill its mission until Christ's return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:33 stands as a pivotal declaration of Christ's ultimate triumph and the inauguration of the new covenant age, centered entirely on His finished work. The "exalted" Christ, having completed His redemptive mission through His atoning death, victorious resurrection, and glorious ascension, now sits at the "right hand of God," signifying His supreme authority and ongoing reign as Lord of all ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship")). It is from this position of divine authority that He "received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost," fulfilling His own promise to send the Helper to His disciples ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Promises to Send the Helper")). The act of "shedding forth this, which ye now see and hear" is the tangible demonstration of Christ's continued active ministry from heaven. He is not merely a historical figure, but the living Lord who pours out His Spirit, empowering His church to continue His mission on earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). This outpouring of the Spirit is the very lifeblood of the church, uniting believers to Christ as His body ([1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - Baptized into One Body by One Spirit")) and enabling them to live out the new creation reality in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, Acts 2:33 powerfully demonstrates that the Pentecost event is not merely an isolated miracle but the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, establishing the Spirit's indwelling as the ongoing reality for all who are united to the exalted Christ.

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

Acts 1:4

And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 2:17

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:7

¶ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 16:15

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

Mark 16:19

¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.