The Greek word trischílioi, represented by G5153, is a number meaning three thousand. It is formed from the words for "three times" and "a thousand." It is a highly specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single use of G5153 occurs in the book of Acts at a pivotal moment in the formation of the early church. On the day of Pentecost, after the apostle Peter preaches his first sermon, the crowd's response is recorded: "they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" Acts 2:41. This number quantifies the immediate and powerful result of the first gospel proclamation after the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Several related words in the immediate context of Acts 2:41 illuminate the significance of this event:
- G3056 lógos (word): This refers to the message or "something said" that was preached by Peter. The reception of this word was the catalyst for the conversion of the three thousand Acts 2:41. The power of God's word is a recurring theme Hebrews 4:12.
- G4369 prostíthēmi (added): This verb means "to place additionally" or "annex." It describes the divine action of growing the church, as the Lord added these souls to the body of believers (Acts 2:41, Acts 2:47).
- G5590 psychḗ (souls): This term, meaning "soul" or "life," specifies that the three thousand were individual persons, not just a nameless crowd. Each soul was counted as part of this foundational addition to the church Acts 2:41.
- G907 baptízō (baptize): This describes the action of being immersed, the ordinance that those who believed the word underwent. This act of being baptized was a key component of their response (Acts 2:41, Acts 2:38).
The theological weight of G5153 is tied entirely to its singular context, marking the birth of the New Testament church.
- The Power of the Gospel: The number three thousand provides a tangible measure of the effectiveness of the first apostolic sermon. It demonstrates the power of the proclaimed word G3056 to bring about immediate, large-scale conversion Acts 2:41.
- The Foundation of the Church: This event represents the first great harvest of souls. The three thousand who were added G4369 formed the foundational community of the Jerusalem church, establishing a pattern of growth that would continue Acts 2:47.
- Response to the Spirit: The conversion of the three thousand is the direct outcome of the events of Pentecost, where believers were instructed to repent and be baptized G907 to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost Acts 2:38.
In summary, G5153 trischílioi is more than a statistic; it is a monument in redemptive history. Its sole appearance in scripture quantifies the initial, explosive growth of the church on the day of Pentecost. It serves as a permanent record of the power of the Holy Spirit, working through the preached word, to bring three thousand souls into the kingdom in a single day Acts 2:41.
TRV