Acts 2:7

KJV

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they were {G1839} all {G3956} amazed {G1839} and {G2532} marvelled {G2296}, saying {G3004} one to another {G4314}{G240}, Behold {G2400}, are {G1526} not {G3756} all {G3956} these {G3778} which {G3588} speak {G2980} Galilaeans {G1057}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Totally amazed, they asked, “How is this possible? Aren’t all these people who are speaking from the Galil?

Berean Standard Bible

Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?

American Standard Version

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilæans?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:7 powerfully captures the immediate, astonished reaction of the diverse crowd in Jerusalem to the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. As the disciples, perceived as ordinary Galileans, began speaking in various foreign languages, the onlookers were utterly bewildered, questioning how such uneducated provincials could possess such profound linguistic abilities, thereby underscoring the supernatural nature of the event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the dramatic manifestation of the Holy Spirit, where the sound of a rushing mighty wind filled the house, cloven tongues as of fire rested on each disciple, and they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). The preceding verses describe the gathering of devout Jews from every nation under heaven, residing in Jerusalem ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "The Diverse Crowd in Jerusalem")), and the subsequent commotion caused by the sound, drawing a multitude together ([Acts 2:6](/acts/2-6 "The Crowd Gathers")). Acts 2:7 then presents the crowd's initial, incredulous reaction, setting the stage for Peter's Pentecost sermon, which begins to explain the meaning of these unprecedented events ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")). The question posed in this verse highlights the perceived incongruity between the speakers' origins and their miraculous abilities, emphasizing the divine origin of the phenomenon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Pentecost (Shavuot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, drawing devout individuals from across the Roman Empire and beyond to Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Three Annual Festivals")). This explains the presence of the "multitude" mentioned in [Acts 2:6](/acts/2-6 "The Crowd Gathers"), comprising people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, as detailed in [Acts 2:9-11](/acts/2-9-11 "List of Nations Present"). Galileans were often viewed with a degree of disdain by the more educated and culturally refined Judeans, who considered them provincial, less sophisticated, and sometimes even religiously lax. The region of Galilee was known for its mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, and its inhabitants spoke with a distinctive Aramaic accent, making their sudden fluency in a multitude of foreign languages utterly astonishing and inexplicable by natural means to the Jerusalemites. This cultural prejudice adds weight to the crowd's rhetorical question, emphasizing their bewilderment.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Empowerment** of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that God equips ordinary people for extraordinary tasks, transcending their natural limitations. Secondly, it highlights the **Miraculous Nature of God's Work**, presenting an undeniable sign that defied human explanation and pointed directly to a supernatural intervention. This miraculous display serves as a foundational event for the nascent church. Thirdly, the event foreshadows the **Breaking of Barriers**—linguistic, cultural, and social—as the gospel message is now proclaimed in a way that transcends the traditional boundaries of Israel, signaling its universal reach to "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "The Diverse Crowd in Jerusalem")). This theme of universal access to the gospel is central to the book of Acts, culminating in the worldwide mission of the church ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission in Acts")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **amazed (Greek, _exístēmi_):** From *ek* (out of) and *hístēmi* (to stand), meaning literally "to stand out of oneself" or "to be out of wits." It conveys a state of profound shock, astonishment, or bewilderment, suggesting that the observers were so overwhelmed by the phenomenon that they were beside themselves, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing through natural reasoning.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō_):** Derived from *thaûma* (a wonder), this word signifies a deep sense of wonder, admiration, or astonishment. While similar to *exístēmi*, it often implies a more sustained and reflective state of awe, indicating that the crowd was not merely momentarily shocked but continued to ponder and be deeply impressed by the extraordinary event.
* **Galilaeans (Greek, _Galilaîos_):** This term refers to inhabitants of Galilee, a region in northern Israel. Culturally, Galileans were often looked down upon by Judeans as less sophisticated, less educated, and more provincial. The crowd's emphasis on the speakers being "Galilaeans" highlights the perceived incongruity between their humble origin and their sudden, miraculous linguistic abilities, thereby underscoring the supernatural nature of the event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were all amazed and marvelled,"**: This phrase describes the collective, intense reaction of the multitude. The use of two strong verbs, "amazed" and "marvelled," emphasizes the depth of their astonishment and wonder, indicating a profound emotional and intellectual disorientation in the face of the inexplicable phenomenon.
* **"saying one to another,"**: This indicates that the astonishment was not a solitary experience but led to immediate, communal discussion and questioning among the crowd members. It suggests a shared sense of bewilderment and an attempt to collectively make sense of what was happening.
* **"Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?"**: This is a rhetorical question that expresses the core of their incredulity. The interjection "Behold" (Greek: *idoú*) draws attention to the obvious, while the question itself highlights the perceived impossibility of Galileans—known for their provincialism and lack of formal education—possessing such diverse linguistic skills. It implicitly challenges any natural explanation for the phenomenon, pointing towards a supernatural cause.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to express the crowd's profound incredulity and to underscore the seemingly impossible nature of the event from a human perspective. It serves to highlight the divine intervention, as no natural explanation could account for Galileans speaking in so many foreign languages. There is also an element of **Irony** present; those who were culturally looked down upon (the Galileans) are precisely the ones God chooses to use as instruments for this miraculous display, subverting societal expectations and emphasizing God's ability to use the humble for His glorious purposes. Furthermore, the use of two strong verbs, "amazed" and "marvelled," creates **Emphasis**, intensifying the description of the crowd's reaction and conveying the overwhelming nature of the Pentecost experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:7 serves as a pivotal moment, affirming the divine origin of the Pentecost event and its profound implications for God's redemptive plan. The crowd's astonishment at "uneducated" Galileans speaking in diverse tongues underscores the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that God's work transcends human limitations and societal expectations. This miraculous communication not only validated the disciples' message but also symbolized the breaking down of linguistic and cultural barriers, foreshadowing the universal reach of the gospel. It reveals God's intention to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation, initiating the global mission of the church.

* [Isaiah 28:11](/isaiah/28-11 "Isaiah's Prophecy of Stammering Lips")
* [1 Corinthians 14:22](/1_corinthians/14-22 "Tongues as a Sign")
* [Mark 16:17](/mark/16-17 "Signs Following Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:7 invites us to consider the profound and often surprising ways God chooses to work in the world. The crowd's astonishment at the Galileans' miraculous speaking highlights that God's power is not limited by human education, social standing, or perceived ability. This should inspire us to embrace our own callings, recognizing that it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us for ministry, not our inherent talents alone. The initial confusion and wonder of the crowd also serve as a reminder that genuine encounters with God's power often defy our expectations and challenge our preconceived notions, leading to undeniable conviction. For the church today, this verse underscores the Holy Spirit's essential role in empowering evangelism and mission, enabling the message of salvation to transcend cultural and linguistic divides, just as it did on that first Pentecost in Jerusalem. We are called to be open to God's surprising and extraordinary ways of working, trusting that He can use anyone, anywhere, to proclaim His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the crowd's astonishment at the Galileans challenge our own preconceptions about who God can use in ministry?**
* **In what ways might we be limiting God's work by relying on human ability rather than seeking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What "impossible" situations in our lives or communities might God be waiting to transform through His supernatural power, much like the speaking in tongues?**

### FAQ

**Why were the speakers specifically identified as "Galilaeans"?**

Answer: The identification of the speakers as "Galilaeans" is crucial because it highlights the miraculous nature of the event. Galileans were generally perceived by the more sophisticated Judeans in Jerusalem as provincial, less educated, and culturally inferior, often speaking with a distinctive accent. The idea that these "unsophisticated" individuals could suddenly speak fluently in a multitude of foreign languages was utterly astounding and defied any natural explanation. This rhetorical question in [Acts 2:7](/acts/2-7 "Acts 2:7 - The Crowd's Astonishment") serves to underscore that the linguistic ability was not a result of human learning or skill but a direct, supernatural empowerment by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:7, with its depiction of the crowd's astonishment at the Galileans speaking in diverse tongues, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the universal scope of the gospel inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The miraculous breaking of linguistic barriers on Pentecost is a direct consequence of Christ's finished work on the cross and His subsequent ascension, leading to the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Peter's Explanation of the Spirit's Outpouring")). Jesus's Great Commission commanded His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")), and the Pentecost event demonstrates the divine enabling for this global mission. The Spirit's empowerment of "uneducated" Galileans to speak in the languages of the world foreshadows the truth that in Christ, there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ")). The unified proclamation of God's mighty works in diverse tongues points to Christ as the one who breaks down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")), creating a new humanity from every nation, united by the Spirit through faith in Him. This event is a powerful testament to the fact that Christ's redemption is for all peoples, transcending every human barrier, and His Spirit empowers His followers to carry this message to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission in Acts")).

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 2:12

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Acts 14:11

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

Acts 14:12

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

John 7:52

They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

Acts 3:10

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.