Acts 2:47

Commentary on Acts 2:47 (KJV)

Acts 2:47 concludes a profound passage describing the life and growth of the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem immediately following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. This verse encapsulates the vibrant spirit, divine favor, and miraculous expansion of the early church, serving as a powerful model for believers.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse describes the daily life of the first Christians after Peter's sermon and the baptism of about three thousand new believers (Acts 2:41). The community was characterized by devotion, fellowship, and sharing, as detailed in Acts 2:42-46. Their public praise and evident unity stood in stark contrast to the religious establishment and garnered respect from the wider Jewish population in Jerusalem, setting the stage for significant growth.

Key Themes and Messages

• Praise and Worship: The phrase "Praising God" highlights that worship was a central, continuous activity for the early church. Their joy and gratitude for God's redemptive work were expressed openly, attracting attention and demonstrating their spiritual vitality.
• Divine Favor and Public Esteem: "And having favour with all the people" indicates that the community's conduct, love, and miraculous signs (Acts 2:43) earned them widespread respect and goodwill from the general populace, even those who had not yet converted. This favor was a clear sign of God's blessing upon their mission.
• Divine Initiative in Church Growth: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." This crucial part emphasizes that church growth is ultimately a work of God. It was not merely human effort or persuasive preaching, but the Lord Himself actively drawing people into the community of believers. This highlights God's sovereign role in salvation and church expansion.
• Ongoing Salvation: The Greek phrase for "such as should be saved" is tous sōzomenous, a present participle meaning "those who were being saved" or "the ones being saved." This suggests an ongoing process, indicating that salvation was not a one-time event without subsequent transformation, and that new individuals were continually coming to faith.

Linguistic Insights

The verb "added" (Greek: prostithēmi) literally means "to put to, to add to, to join." Its use here underscores the deliberate, supernatural action of God in bringing people into His church, not just increasing numbers but integrating new members into the existing body. The active role of "the Lord" (referring to Jesus Christ, often understood in the context of His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit) is paramount.

Practical Application

Acts 2:47 offers timeless principles for the church today:

• Authentic Worship: A vibrant, God-centered worship life is essential for spiritual health and attracts others to Christ.
• Community Impact: When believers live out their faith genuinely, marked by love and good deeds, they can earn respect and favor in society, opening doors for the Gospel.
• Dependence on God: True church growth is not solely dependent on programs or strategies, but on the Lord's active work in drawing people to Himself. Our role is to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and live out its principles, trusting God for the results. As Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him."
• Daily Evangelism: The church experienced daily additions, reminding us that salvation is an ongoing reality and the mission of sharing the Gospel is a continuous endeavor.