2:42 2:42

Acts 2:43

2:44 2:44

Bible Versions

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
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}.
Everyone was filled with awe, and many miracles and signs took place through the emissaries.
A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

Context of Acts 2:43

Acts 2:43 appears immediately after the transformative events of Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter's powerful sermon, and the conversion of about three thousand souls. This verse, along with the subsequent verses (Acts 2:44-47), describes the remarkable characteristics of the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem. It sets the scene for the early church's growth and the immediate impact of God's presence among them, following the establishment of the new covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Awe and Reverence: The phrase "fear came upon every soul" signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect, rather than mere terror. The Greek word for "fear" here, phobos, often carries the connotation of a holy dread or solemn respect in the presence of the divine. This widespread awe was a direct response to the powerful display of God's presence and activity within the newly formed community. It underscores the spiritual gravity and undeniable reality of what was happening.
  • Apostolic Authority and Divine Power: The verse highlights that "many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." These acts were not random occurrences but purposeful demonstrations of God's power working through His chosen instruments. "Wonders" (Greek: terata) were awe-inspiring events that caused astonishment, while "signs" (Greek: semeia) pointed to a deeper truth, validating the apostles' message and confirming their divine commission. These miracles served as irrefutable proof that the apostles' preaching about Jesus Christ was from God.
  • Confirmation of the Gospel Message: The miracles performed by the apostles served as powerful endorsements of the gospel they proclaimed. In a culture accustomed to divine intervention, these signs and wonders provided tangible evidence of God's active involvement and the truth of the resurrection of Jesus, compelling many to believe and acknowledge the authority of the apostles.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "fear" for the Greek phobos in this context is best understood as a reverential awe. It's the kind of holy respect that acknowledges God's majesty and power, distinct from crippling terror. The pairing of "wonders and signs" (Greek: terata kai semeia) is a common biblical phrase, especially in Acts and the Gospels, always pointing to supernatural acts that evoke amazement and serve as indicators of divine presence and purpose. These were not mere magic tricks but demonstrations of God's active endorsement of the apostles and their message.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse sets the stage for many subsequent accounts of apostolic miracles, such as Peter healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3:6-8, further demonstrating God's power.
  • The idea of "signs and wonders" being performed by God's servants is also seen in the Old Testament, for example, through Moses in Exodus 7:3, establishing a pattern of divine confirmation.
  • The early church's devotion described in Acts 2:42 (to the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers) provides the immediate context for why such awe and power were present.

Practical Application

Acts 2:43 reminds believers today of the profound impact of God's presence. While the specific nature of apostolic signs may have been unique to the foundational period of the church, the principle remains: God's work evokes reverence. It challenges us to live with a similar sense of awe for God's power and His work in the world. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of the church being a place where God's power is evident, bringing conviction and demonstrating His truth, even if through different means than the initial apostolic miracles. The spiritual health of a community can often be measured by the degree of reverent awe and the evidence of God's transformative work among its members.

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.

  • 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.
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