Acts 2:5

KJV

¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there were {G2258} dwelling {G2730} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419} Jews {G2453}, devout {G2126} men {G435}, out of {G575} every {G3956} nation {G1484} under {G5259} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now there were staying in Yerushalayim religious Jews from every nation under heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.

American Standard Version

Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:5 introduces the diverse and international audience present in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, setting the stage for the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the inaugural proclamation of the Gospel. This verse underscores God's providential orchestration of a global gathering, ensuring that the initial message of salvation would immediately resonate across various languages and cultures, thus laying the groundwork for the worldwide expansion of the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of Acts 2:1-4, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, manifesting as a sound like a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire, empowering them to speak in other tongues. Acts 2:5 serves to explain *who* was present to witness and understand this unprecedented phenomenon. It provides the crucial background for the subsequent amazement and confusion of the crowd (Acts 2:6-13) and Peter's powerful sermon (Acts 2:14-41), which directly addresses this diverse assembly. The presence of "Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven" is not a casual detail but an essential narrative element, demonstrating the immediate, universal reach of the Spirit's work and the Gospel message from its very inception.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), occurring fifty days after Passover, was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews. During this time, Jerusalem would swell with Jewish pilgrims from across the vast Roman Empire and beyond, including regions as far-flung as Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Crete, and Arabia, as listed in Acts 2:9-11. These were not merely tourists but often "devout men" who had traveled great distances to observe the festival, demonstrating their deep commitment to their faith. Many would have been diaspora Jews, born and raised in foreign lands, speaking various languages, but maintaining their religious identity and ties to Jerusalem. The city thus became a unique crucible for the intersection of Jewish piety and global diversity, perfectly positioned for a message intended for all humanity.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:5 is pivotal in establishing several key themes foundational to the book of Acts and Christian theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Preparation and Providence**, demonstrating how God meticulously arranged for a globally representative audience to be present at the birth of the Church, ensuring the rapid dissemination of the Gospel. Secondly, the phrase "every nation under heaven" immediately signals the **Universal Reach of the Gospel**, emphasizing that the good news of Jesus Christ is not ethnically exclusive but intended for all peoples, fulfilling prophecies found in the Old Testament, such as [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"). This anticipates the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") to make disciples of all nations. Thirdly, the description "devout men" underscores the theme of **Receptivity and Spiritual Earnestness**, indicating that those present were serious seekers of God, making them more open to a divine manifestation and the subsequent message of salvation. This devotion stands in contrast to mere curiosity, suggesting a prepared heart for the Spirit's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelling (Greek, _katoikéō'_):** From G2730, this verb signifies to "house permanently" or "reside," suggesting more than just temporary visitors. While many would have been pilgrims for the feast, the term implies a significant number had either settled in Jerusalem or were staying for an extended period, perhaps even having immigrated there. This indicates a stable, diverse population base in the city, ready to receive and carry the message back to their respective homelands.
* **devout (Greek, _eulabḗs'_):** From G2126, this adjective describes someone "taking well (carefully)," meaning circumspect, religiously pious, or reverent. It denotes a deep respect for God, a careful adherence to religious duties, and a conscientious, respectful fear of the divine. These were not merely nominal Jews but individuals committed to their faith, making them particularly attentive to extraordinary spiritual phenomena.
* **nation (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, this term refers to a "race" or "tribe," and specifically, in a broader sense, a foreign or non-Jewish people, often implying pagan. In this context, it highlights the ethnic and geographical diversity of the Jewish diaspora, indicating that these individuals, though Jewish by faith, originated from distinct cultural and linguistic backgrounds across the known world. The use of "every nation" emphasizes the vast scope of their origins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews,"**: This clause establishes the primary demographic present in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost. It identifies them as "Jews," indicating their religious and ethnic identity, and highlights their presence in the spiritual capital, Jerusalem. The term "dwelling" (katoikéō) suggests a settled or prolonged presence, rather than just transient visitors, amplifying the significance of their witness.
* **"devout men,"**: This phrase qualifies the "Jews" previously mentioned, specifying their character. They were not just any Jews, but "devout men" (eulabḗs anḗr), indicating a deep piety, reverence for God, and serious commitment to their religious practices. This spiritual earnestness made them particularly receptive to the divine outpouring they were about to witness.
* **"out of every nation under heaven."**: This is a crucial descriptive phrase that emphasizes the extraordinary geographical and ethnic diversity of the audience. It signifies that these devout Jews originated from virtually every corner of the known world, representing a vast array of languages and cultures. This detail is essential for understanding the immediate, global implications of the Holy Spirit's coming and the subsequent proclamation of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Hyperbole** or **Merism** through the phrase "every nation under heaven." While not literally every single nation on earth was represented, the expression vividly conveys an immense and comprehensive global diversity, encompassing all known regions from which Jewish diaspora communities had originated. This serves to emphasize the truly universal scope of the gathering. Furthermore, the verse functions as powerful **Foreshadowing** (or Prolepsis), setting the stage for the global mission of the church that will unfold throughout the book of Acts. The immediate presence of people from "every nation" at the very inception of the church highlights God's immediate intention for the Gospel to transcend all geographical, linguistic, and ethnic boundaries, paving the way for the fulfillment of the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:5 is a foundational verse for understanding the global nature of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that from the very moment of the church's birth, God's intention was for the Gospel to spread far beyond the confines of Jerusalem or even Judea. The presence of devout Jews from "every nation under heaven" demonstrates God's sovereign hand in gathering a diverse multitude who would become the initial carriers of the Good News back to their respective homelands. This immediate, international reach underscores the universal call of the Gospel and foreshadows the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God, breaking down barriers of ethnicity and nationality.

* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the church was birthed with a global vision. The diversity of the audience at Pentecost challenges any ethnocentric or nationalistic tendencies within the church, compelling us to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and peoples that God desires to bring into His kingdom. This verse serves as a powerful impetus for global missions, urging us to actively participate in reaching "every nation under heaven" with the transformative message of the Gospel. It also highlights the importance of spiritual devotion and earnestness, as those who were "devout" were uniquely positioned to witness and receive the Spirit's outpouring. For us, this means cultivating a deep, reverent relationship with God, making us more sensitive to His Spirit's leading and more effective in our witness to a diverse world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of the audience in Acts 2:5 challenge my own perspectives on who the Gospel is for?**
* **In what ways can my local church better reflect the "every nation under heaven" vision of Acts 2:5?**
* **What does being a "devout" person mean in my daily life, and how does that devotion prepare me to experience God's work?**

### FAQ
**Was "every nation under heaven" meant literally?**

Answer: While the phrase "every nation under heaven" (πᾶν ἔθνος τὸ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν) is a sweeping statement, it's generally understood as a hyperbole or a merism, signifying a vast and comprehensive representation of the known world at that time, rather than literally every single geopolitical nation on earth. The subsequent list in Acts 2:9-11 details specific regions and peoples, illustrating the breadth of this diversity. The intent is to convey that the audience was extraordinarily international, encompassing the full scope of the Jewish diaspora across the Roman Empire and beyond, thereby underscoring the universal reach of the Gospel message from its very beginning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:5, with its emphasis on "Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven," powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work and the global mission of His church. Jesus Himself declared that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The gathering of diverse nations at Pentecost is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that spoke of God's salvation extending to the ends of the earth and all peoples coming to worship Him (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles")). Jesus' Great Commission, given before His ascension, explicitly commanded His followers to "make disciples of all nations" (cf. [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), a command directly enabled by the Spirit's outpouring and the immediate global reach seen in Acts 2:5. Ultimately, the presence of these diverse peoples points to Christ as the one in whom all nations will be blessed (cf. [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the Savior who unites people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation into one body (cf. [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Tribe")). The Pentecost event, initiated by the Spirit, reveals that Christ's kingdom is not bound by ethnic or geographical limitations but is for all who believe, fulfilling His global reign.

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

Acts 8:2

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.

Luke 2:25

¶ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 10:7

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

Deuteronomy 2:25

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations [that are] under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

Zechariah 8:18

¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,