Acts 2:43

KJV

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} fear {G5401} came upon {G1096} every {G3956} soul {G5590}: and {G5037} many {G4183} wonders {G5059} and {G2532} signs {G4592} were done {G1096} by {G1223} the apostles {G652}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone was filled with awe, and many miracles and signs took place through the emissaries.

Berean Standard Bible

A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.

American Standard Version

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:43 describes the immediate aftermath of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, highlighting the profound spiritual awe that permeated the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem. This awe was a direct response to the undeniable presence and power of God, visibly demonstrated through numerous miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles, serving as divine authentication of their message and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:43 serves as a pivotal summary statement, bridging the dramatic events of Pentecost and Peter's inaugural sermon (Acts 2:1-41) with the subsequent communal life and practices of the early church (Acts 2:44-47). Following the Holy Spirit's descent, the speaking in tongues, Peter's powerful exposition of Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus's resurrection and ascension, and the conversion of about three thousand souls, this verse captures the immediate spiritual climate. It transitions from the initial evangelistic explosion to the internal reality of the new community, setting the stage for the church's continued growth and the apostles' ongoing ministry of demonstrating God's power. The "fear" and "wonders and signs" described here provide the spiritual foundation upon which the communal sharing and devotion of [Acts 2:44-47](/acts/2-44-47 "The Early Church's Communal Life") are built, indicating that the church's unity and generosity were rooted in a profound reverence for God and His active presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 2 occurred in Jerusalem during the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), a harvest festival that drew devout Jews from across the Roman world (Acts 2:5-11). This diverse audience, accustomed to the Temple's sacrificial system and the authority of the Sanhedrin, would have been deeply sensitive to divine manifestations. Miracles, signs, and wonders were understood within Jewish tradition as authenticating marks of prophetic ministry and divine intervention, as seen throughout the Old Testament narratives (e.g., [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God's Signs and Wonders Through Moses")). The "fear" that came upon every soul was not mere terror but a profound, reverential awe, akin to the "fear of the Lord" in the Old Testament, which signifies respect for God's holiness and power. In a society where supernatural occurrences were often attributed to various deities or spirits, the specific nature and source of these "wonders and signs" performed by the apostles would have profoundly impacted the perception of the Christian message, validating its divine origin in a culturally comprehensible way.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and active presence of God** in the early church, demonstrating that the Spirit's outpouring was not a one-time event but initiated an ongoing divine work. Secondly, it highlights the **apostolic authority and authenticity**, established through the miraculous deeds that confirmed their status as God's chosen instruments and the truth of their message about Jesus Christ, echoing Jesus's own ministry of signs (e.g., [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "Jesus' First Sign at Cana")). Thirdly, the "fear" signifies the theme of **reverence and awe** that should characterize a community living in the manifest presence of God, fostering a deep respect for His power and holiness. This awe contributes to the communal ethos of the early church, leading to the unity and sharing described in [Acts 2:44-47](/acts/2-44-47 "The Early Church's Communal Life"), where believers held all things in common, driven by a shared sense of God's miraculous work among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** This term, while sometimes denoting terror, here carries the primary meaning of profound awe, reverence, or holy dread. It signifies a solemn respect and recognition of the divine presence and power, rather than a debilitating fright. In this context, it describes the widespread, overwhelming sense of God's majesty and active intervention among both believers and onlookers.
* **came upon (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb means "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." It indicates that the fear was not self-generated but occurred as a direct result of external, divine action. It emphasizes the sudden, impactful, and pervasive nature of this spiritual awe that settled over everyone.
* **wonders (Greek, _téras'_):** Referring to a "prodigy" or "omen," this word describes events that are extraordinary and awe-inspiring, designed to evoke astonishment and amazement. These are typically supernatural occurrences that defy natural explanation, drawing attention to a divine source.
* **signs (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This term denotes an "indication" or "token," especially one that is ceremonially or supernaturally significant. Unlike "wonders" which emphasize the emotional impact, "signs" highlight the purpose of the miracle – to point to a deeper truth, validate a message, or confirm divine authority. Together, "wonders and signs" describe miracles that both amaze and instruct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And fear came upon every soul":** This clause describes a pervasive spiritual phenomenon that gripped all individuals, both within and outside the nascent Christian community. The "fear" (phóbos) is not mere terror but a profound, reverential awe, a holy dread that acknowledges the manifest presence and power of God. The phrase "came upon" (ginomai) suggests a divinely initiated, overwhelming experience, indicating that this awe was a supernatural response to the extraordinary events of Pentecost and the subsequent divine activity. "Every soul" emphasizes the universal impact, signifying that the Holy Spirit's work was undeniable and recognized by all.
* **"and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles":** This second clause provides the concrete evidence and immediate cause for the widespread awe. The terms "wonders" (terata) and "signs" (semeia) are often paired in the New Testament to describe miraculous acts that are both astonishing and indicative of divine power and purpose. "Wonders" evoke amazement, while "signs" point to a deeper spiritual truth, validating the apostles' message and authenticating their divine commission. The phrase "were done by the apostles" highlights their role as God's chosen instruments, through whom His power was visibly manifested, confirming their authority and the truth of the gospel they proclaimed. The "many" emphasizes the frequency and abundance of these supernatural occurrences.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy** through the phrase "every soul," where "soul" (psychē) stands in for the entire person, emphasizing the deep, internal impact of the fear that permeated individuals. The pairing of "wonders and signs" is an example of a **Hendiadys**, where two nouns are used to express a single, complex idea – in this case, miraculous acts that are both awe-inspiring and purposeful, designed to authenticate a divine message. This common biblical **Idiom** (terata kai semeia) underscores the dual nature of these divine interventions: they evoke astonishment (wonders) and provide evidence of God's truth (signs). The entire verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the spiritual atmosphere and the visible manifestations of God's power that characterized the early Jerusalem church, serving as a transition from the initial Pentecost event to the description of the community's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:43 profoundly illustrates the foundational role of divine authentication in the establishment of the early church. The "fear" that permeated every soul was a natural and appropriate response to the tangible evidence of God's active presence and power, manifest through the apostles. This awe was not merely emotional but theological, recognizing the majesty and holiness of the God who had poured out His Spirit and was now working miracles through His chosen servants. These wonders and signs served as irrefutable proof that the apostles' message about Jesus's resurrection and ascension was true, validating their claims and compelling belief. The divine endorsement of their ministry underscored the authority of the apostolic teaching, which became the bedrock of the nascent Christian community, fostering unity, devotion, and sacrificial living among the believers.

* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "God's Attestation Through Signs and Wonders")
* [Mark 16:20](/mark/16-20 "The Apostles Preaching with Confirming Signs")
* [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Paul's Ministry Confirmed by Signs and Wonders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:43 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual awakening often involves a profound sense of awe and reverence for God's manifest presence and power. While the specific nature of apostolic signs and wonders may have been unique to the foundational period of the church, the underlying principle remains: God's active work in and through His people should evoke a deep, reverential fear. For believers today, this means cultivating a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's work, recognizing that God continues to demonstrate His power, perhaps not always through dramatic miracles, but certainly through transformed lives, answered prayers, and the supernatural fruit of the Spirit. This verse challenges us to consider if our own lives and church communities are marked by such a tangible sense of God's presence that it inspires awe in those around us. It encourages us to pray for and expect God to work powerfully, not for spectacle, but for the authentication of His truth and the advancement of His kingdom, leading others to acknowledge His reality and authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "fear" described in Acts 2:43 differ from ordinary fear, and what does it teach us about a proper response to God's presence?**
* **In what ways can God's "wonders and signs" be evident in the church today, even if not in the same miraculous forms as in Acts?**
* **How can a healthy sense of awe for God's power impact our personal spiritual lives and the collective life of our church community?**
* **What might prevent us from experiencing or recognizing God's active presence and power in a way that evokes such reverence?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear came upon every soul" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 2:43, "fear" (Greek: _phóbos_) does not primarily refer to terror or fright, but rather a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's power and holiness. It signifies a deep sense of solemnity and recognition of the divine presence that permeated everyone, both believers and non-believers, as they witnessed the extraordinary events of Pentecost and the subsequent miracles performed by the apostles. This "fear of the Lord" is a foundational concept in biblical wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), denoting a proper posture of humility and reverence before God's majesty.

**Why were "wonders and signs" so important in the early church?**

Answer: "Wonders" (Greek: _téras_) and "signs" (Greek: _sēmeîon_) were crucial because they served as divine authentication for the apostles' message and ministry. "Wonders" captured attention and evoked astonishment, while "signs" pointed to a deeper spiritual truth, confirming that the apostles were indeed God's messengers and that their proclamation of Jesus's resurrection was true. These miracles provided tangible, undeniable proof of God's active involvement, validating the gospel in a way that resonated with the cultural understanding of divine intervention. They were not mere displays of power but purposeful demonstrations that confirmed the authority of the apostles and the truth of the message they preached about the [risen Christ](/acts/2-36 "Peter's Conclusion: Jesus is Lord and Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:43, with its emphasis on "fear" and "wonders and signs" performed by the apostles, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The awe that fell upon every soul was a response to the continuing manifestation of God's power, which had been perfectly embodied in Jesus Himself. Jesus's ministry was characterized by numerous "wonders and signs" (e.g., [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "Jesus' First Sign at Cana"), [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of John's Gospel")), which served to authenticate His divine identity and messianic claims. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, were simply continuing the work that Jesus had begun, demonstrating the ongoing reality of His resurrection and ascension. The fear that came upon souls was a recognition of the living Lord, whose power was now at work through His church. Ultimately, the "signs and wonders" pointed to the greater reality of God's redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ, leading people to acknowledge Him as both [Lord and Christ](/acts/2-36 "Peter's Conclusion: Jesus is Lord and Christ"), and to experience the profound transformation that comes from believing in His name. The awe generated by these apostolic acts was a reflection of the awe due to the crucified and risen King, whose kingdom was now powerfully advancing through His Spirit-filled followers.

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

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.

Luke 8:37

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Jeremiah 33:9

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.