Acts 2:37

KJV

¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when they heard {G191} this, they were pricked {G2660} in their heart {G2588}, and {G5037} said {G2036} unto {G4314} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} to the rest {G3062} of the apostles {G652}, Men {G435} and brethren {G80}, what {G5101} shall we do {G4160}?

Complete Jewish Bible

On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Kefa and the other emissaries, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Berean Standard Bible

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

American Standard Version

Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:37 marks a pivotal moment in the nascent Christian church, immediately following Peter's Spirit-empowered sermon on the Day of Pentecost. This verse vividly describes the profound and immediate impact of the gospel message on the diverse multitude gathered in Jerusalem, as their hearts were deeply pierced by the truth, prompting an urgent and collective inquiry into their necessary response.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate climax and turning point of Peter's sermon, which began after the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, as described in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit"). Peter, filled with the Spirit, delivered a powerful and prophetic message, explaining the phenomenon of tongues and boldly proclaiming that Jesus of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, was indeed the Messiah, God's appointed Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:22-36](/acts/2-22-36 "Peter's Pentecost Sermon")). The preceding verses meticulously build the case for Jesus' identity and resurrection, culminating in the direct accusation that the audience had participated in His death. Acts 2:37 captures the audience's visceral reaction to this convicting truth, setting the stage for Peter's call to repentance and the subsequent growth of the early church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 2 occurred during the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, which drew devout Jews and proselytes from across the Roman world to Jerusalem. This diverse audience, representing various languages and cultures, was steeped in the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and the coming of the Spirit. They were familiar with the recent events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and the claims of His followers. The public setting, the miraculous signs (speaking in tongues), and Peter's direct, Spirit-anointed address created an atmosphere ripe for profound spiritual conviction. Their cry, "Men and brethren," reflects a shared identity as Jews and a plea for guidance from those they recognized as fellow Israelites, albeit now endowed with divine authority.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:37 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes central to the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Divine Conviction** brought about by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating His role in illuminating sin and righteousness, as Jesus promised in [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "The Holy Spirit's Work of Conviction"). This verse powerfully illustrates the **Transformative Power of the Gospel**, showing how the message of Christ's death, resurrection, and Lordship, when proclaimed under the Spirit's anointing, can penetrate the deepest parts of the human heart, leading to genuine remorse and a desire for change. The audience's urgent question, "what shall we do?", highlights the theme of **Repentance and Response**, underscoring that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a call to action and a reorientation of life. This moment is also foundational to the **Birth and Growth of the Church**, as it records the initial, powerful response to apostolic preaching that led to the conversion of thousands and the establishment of the first Christian community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pricked (Greek, _katanýssō'_):** This word (G2660) literally means "to pierce thoroughly" or "to sting to the quick." Figuratively, as used here, it conveys a violent agitation, a deep wounding of the inner being, or a sharp, painful conviction. It is not merely intellectual understanding but a profound emotional and spiritual distress caused by the realization of guilt and sin.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** This term (G2588) refers to the innermost part of a person, the seat of thoughts, feelings, will, and moral character. When the audience was "pricked in their heart," it signifies that the message penetrated beyond their minds to their very core, affecting their conscience and generating a deep sense of remorse and conviction concerning their complicity in the crucifixion of Jesus.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb (G4160) implies a wide range of actions, from making and doing to performing and fulfilling. In the context of "what shall we do?", it expresses an urgent desire for a specific course of action, a practical response to the profound conviction they had just experienced. It indicates a readiness to act upon the truth revealed to them, seeking a path to reconciliation and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when they heard this":** This phrase refers to the immediate and direct reception of Peter's sermon, particularly his concluding, convicting declaration that God had made Jesus, whom they had crucified, both Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Jesus is Lord and Christ")). The "this" encompasses the entire weight of Peter's Spirit-empowered message, which exposed their sin and the truth of Jesus' identity.
* **"they were pricked in their heart":** This is the core of the verse, describing the profound internal impact of the gospel. The Holy Spirit used Peter's words to pierce their deepest being, causing a sharp, painful realization of their sin and guilt. This was not just intellectual disagreement but a spiritual wound, a deep conviction that stirred their conscience and brought them to a state of remorse and distress.
* **"and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles":** This indicates a collective, urgent, and public response. The multitude, unified in their distress, turned to those who had delivered the message, recognizing their authority and seeking guidance. Their address to "Peter and to the rest of the apostles" signifies their acknowledgment of the apostles as God's chosen messengers.
* **"Men and brethren, what shall we do?":** This is a desperate, earnest plea for instruction. The address "Men and brethren" underscores their shared Jewish heritage and their appeal to fellow Israelites. The question itself is a direct and urgent cry for a path to reconciliation and salvation, demonstrating that their conviction had moved them beyond mere intellectual assent to a desire for practical action and transformation.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:37 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "pricked in their heart" is a vivid **Metaphor**, depicting a spiritual wound rather than a literal physical one. This metaphor effectively communicates the deep, painful conviction that penetrated the audience's innermost being, highlighting the Holy Spirit's work in exposing sin and bringing remorse. The urgent question, "what shall we do?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question** in the narrative, not because it lacks a genuine desire for an answer, but because it dramatically sets the stage for Peter's subsequent call to repentance and baptism. This question also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the transformative actions that will follow in the narrative, leading to the conversion of thousands. The collective "they" and the unified cry of the crowd also exemplify **Synecdoche**, where the part (the individual's conviction) represents the whole (the collective response of the multitude), emphasizing the widespread and powerful impact of Peter's sermon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:37 stands as a profound testament to the Holy Spirit's indispensable work in bringing conviction of sin and preparing hearts for the gospel. The "pricking" of their hearts was not a result of human eloquence alone, but the divine power of God's Word, wielded by the Spirit, exposing the truth of their complicity in crucifying the Messiah. This deep spiritual wound is a necessary precursor to genuine repentance, demonstrating that true conversion begins with a profound awareness of one's sinfulness and desperate need for God's grace. Their urgent question, "what shall we do?", embodies the appropriate human response to divine conviction—a humble cry for direction, signaling a readiness to abandon self-reliance and embrace God's prescribed path to salvation. This moment underscores the active, transformative power of the gospel to move individuals from spiritual blindness and indifference to a state of contrite inquiry and readiness for new life.

* [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "The Holy Spirit Convicts the World")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Word of God is Living and Active")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:37 offers timeless lessons for both those who proclaim the gospel and those who hear it. For evangelists and communicators of God's Word, it serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual transformation is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, who alone can "prick" hearts and bring about genuine conviction. Our role is to faithfully and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ, trusting the Spirit to do the supernatural work of conviction. For listeners, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: when confronted with the truth of God's Word, do we allow it to penetrate deeply, exposing our sin and need for a Savior? A superficial understanding or intellectual assent is insufficient; true spiritual awakening often begins with a profound, even painful, realization of our fallenness. The urgent question, "what shall we do?", remains the appropriate response to such conviction, leading us to seek God's will and embrace the path of repentance and faith. It encourages us to respond actively and obediently to the Holy Spirit's leading, allowing His truth to transform our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God's Word or the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin or reveals a truth I need to address?**
* **Am I truly open to the Holy Spirit "pricking" my heart, even if it brings discomfort or exposes painful truths about myself?**
* **What "shall I do" in response to the gospel's call and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in my life today?**

### FAQ
**What does "pricked in their heart" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Pricked in their heart" (Greek: *katanýssō*) signifies a profound, deep, and painful conviction that went beyond mere intellectual understanding. It means their innermost being—their conscience, emotions, and will—was sharply pierced or stung by the truth of Peter's sermon, particularly the revelation that they had crucified their Messiah ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Jesus is Lord and Christ")). This was a divinely orchestrated spiritual wound, leading to deep remorse, distress, and a recognition of their sin and desperate need for God's mercy. It was the Holy Spirit's work, preparing them for repentance.

**Why did the audience immediately ask, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"**

Answer: This urgent question was the natural and appropriate response to the profound conviction they experienced. Once their hearts were "pricked" and they realized their guilt in the crucifixion of Jesus, they were left in a state of spiritual desperation, seeking a path to reconciliation with God. Their question expresses a genuine desire for guidance and a readiness to act upon the truth they had just received. It sets the stage for Peter's clear instructions in the very next verse, calling them to repentance and baptism ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Peter's Call to Repentance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The piercing conviction experienced by the multitude in [Acts 2:37](/acts/2-37 "The Audience's Conviction") finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Their question, "what shall we do?", is the quintessential human cry for salvation, and it is answered definitively by the sacrificial Lamb of God. The "pricking" of their hearts, exposing their sin and guilt, perfectly illuminates the necessity of Christ's atoning work. He is the one who, by His perfect life and sinless sacrifice on the cross, took upon Himself the very sins that pricked their consciences ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). The urgent need for a remedy for sin, so acutely felt by the crowd, is met in Jesus, who offers forgiveness and new life through His shed blood ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). Their desperate plea for action is answered not by a list of human works, but by the divine invitation to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by grace through faith in Him that one is saved ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Confess Jesus as Lord and Believe")). Thus, the conviction of sin, powerfully demonstrated on Pentecost, serves to drive humanity to the only One who can truly heal the wounded heart and provide the way to eternal life, Jesus, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Luke 3:10

And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

Acts 22:10

And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

Acts 16:29

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

Acts 16:31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Luke 3:14

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages.