Acts 2:41

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

Then {G3303}{G3767} they that gladly {G780} received {G588} his {G846} word {G3056} were baptized {G907}: and {G2532} the same {G1565} day {G2250} there were added {G4369} unto them about {G5616} three thousand {G5153} souls {G5590}.

So those who accepted what he said were immersed, and there were added to the group that day about three thousand people.

Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.

They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

Context

Acts 2:41 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the early church, immediately following Peter's powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost. The sermon, delivered after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (as described in Acts 2:1-4), convicted many of their sin and their role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Peter's message called for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, with the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit. This verse describes the immediate and overwhelming response to that divine proclamation.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Response to the Gospel: The phrase "gladly received his word" highlights the readiness and eagerness of the listeners to accept the truth of Peter's message. Their hearts, pricked by conviction, were open to the divine invitation to repentance and faith in Jesus.
  • The Significance of Baptism: Baptism is presented here as the immediate and public act of obedience for those who believed. It symbolized their identification with Christ, their washing away of sins, and their entry into the new community of believers. This was not merely a ritual but a profound step of faith and commitment.
  • Rapid and Divine Church Growth: The addition of "about three thousand souls" in a single day is a testament to the power of God's Spirit working through the preached Word. This miraculous growth demonstrates the foundational expansion of the Christian church, showing God's intention to build His kingdom rapidly and powerfully. It was a direct fulfillment of Jesus' promise of power to His disciples to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).
  • Community and Fellowship: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the act of being "added unto them" implies joining a new spiritual family. This massive influx of new believers laid the groundwork for the vibrant fellowship, teaching, and sharing that characterized the early church, as detailed in Acts 2:42-47.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "gladly received" is apodechomai (ἀποδέχομαι), which means "to receive with pleasure, welcome, approve of, accept." This emphasizes a willing, eager, and positive reception, not a reluctant or forced one. It suggests a genuine embrace of the message. The word "added" comes from prosetethēsan (προσετέθησαν), meaning "they were added to." This passive construction highlights that it was God who was doing the adding, bringing these new believers into His fold and His church, underscoring the divine initiative behind the growth.

Practical Application

Acts 2:41 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Power of the Gospel: This verse reminds us of the transformative power of God's Word when it is faithfully proclaimed and received with an open heart. The same Spirit who convicted and converted on Pentecost is at work today.
  • The Importance of Response: Just as those in Jerusalem were called to respond to Peter's sermon, individuals today are called to respond to the Gospel message with repentance and faith. This immediate and public commitment, often expressed through baptism, remains a vital step in the Christian journey.
  • God's Heart for Growth: The rapid expansion of the early church demonstrates God's desire for His kingdom to grow. It encourages Christians to pray for and participate in evangelism, trusting that God will bring the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
  • The Call to Community: Being "added" implies joining a body. New believers are not meant to walk alone but to be integrated into a local community of faith where they can be discipled, encouraged, and grow in their faith.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 4:4

    Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

  • Acts 2:47

    Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

  • Acts 16:31

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

  • Acts 16:34

    And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

  • Acts 2:37

    ¶ 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?

  • John 14:12

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

  • Acts 13:48

    And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

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