Acts 2:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Acts 2:5 (KJV)

Acts 2:5 sets the stage for the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, emphasizing the diverse audience present in Jerusalem. This verse highlights God's intentional preparation for the global spread of the Gospel message.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the dramatic event of the disciples speaking in various tongues after the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Jerusalem, as the spiritual center of Judaism, was a natural gathering point for major feasts like Pentecost (Shavuot). At this time, it was customary for Jews from across the Roman Empire and beyond to make pilgrimages to the city. The description "dwelling at Jerusalem" suggests not just casual visitors, but a significant number of devout individuals who had either settled there or were present for an extended period, perhaps for the feast.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preparation: The presence of "Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven" was no accident. God orchestrated this diverse gathering to ensure that the initial proclamation of the Gospel would immediately reach a multitude of languages and cultures, ready to carry the message back to their homelands.
  • Universal Reach of the Gospel: The phrase "every nation under heaven" is profoundly significant. It immediately signals that the good news of Jesus Christ was not to be confined to a single ethnic group or geographical location, but was intended for all humanity. This foreshadows the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
  • Devotion and Piety: The description "devout men" signifies their deep religious commitment and reverence for God. These were serious worshippers, attentive to the Law and the traditions, making them receptive to a divine manifestation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "devout" is eulabeis (εὐλαβεῖς), which denotes someone who is pious, reverent, and careful in their religious observance. It speaks of a respectful fear of God and a conscientious adherence to religious duties. This term distinguishes them from mere casual observers, emphasizing their spiritual earnestness. The phrase "every nation under heaven" (pantos ethnous tēs hypo ton ouranon) literally means "from every ethnic group under the heaven," underscoring the vast geographical and cultural spread of the Jewish diaspora.

Significance and Application

Acts 2:5 serves as a foundational verse for understanding the global mission of the early church. It illustrates God's immediate intention for the Gospel to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. For believers today, this verse:

  • Challenges Ethnocentrism: It reminds us that God's love and salvation are for all people, regardless of their background or origin.
  • Inspires Global Missions: The diversity of the audience at Pentecost is a powerful picture of the Church's calling to reach every corner of the earth.
  • Highlights Unity in Diversity: Despite their varied national origins, these individuals were united by their Jewish faith. This foreshadows the unity that believers from all nations find in Christ, forming one body.

This verse underscores that from its very inception, the Christian faith was designed to be a worldwide movement, touching lives "out of every nation under heaven."

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 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,

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