Breakdown of Acts 2:14-21

"But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only…" — Peter doesn't just casually address the crowd; he uses the unique Greek word "spake forth" (apophtheggomai) for his utterance, signifying a deliberate, weighty, and possibly loud pronouncement, disti…

All verses

Acts 2:14-21

What does Acts 2:14-21 mean?

Peter doesn't just casually address the crowd; he uses the unique Greek word "spake forth" (apophtheggomai) for his utterance, signifying a deliberate, weighty, and possibly loud pronouncement, distinct from ordinary speech. He's not just talking; he's making a public declaration, commanding their attention with solemnity.

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Acts 2:14-21 means

The disciples have just experienced the incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit, speaking in various languages and causing a stir among the crowds gathered in Jerusalem. Some onlookers mock them, assuming they're drunk. In this moment, Peter, stepping forward with the other apostles, takes a bold stance to address the bewildered and critical crowd. He prepares to explain what is truly happening, defending the disciples and proclaiming the message of Jesus.

A Spiritually Empowered Defense

They heard the apostles speaking in other languages and assumed they were drunk. But Peter, stepping forward, was ready to give a clear, bold explanation.

Imagine the scene: a crowd is buzzing with confusion and mockery. The Holy Spirit has just descended, empowering the disciples to speak in tongues. Some mock, saying, “They are full of new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, doesn't shrink back. Instead, he 'lifted up his voice'—a sign of courage and conviction—and addressed the crowd with authority. This wasn't just Peter's natural boldness; it was a transformation by the Spirit. He was no longer the man who had denied Jesus out of fear. Now, empowered by God, he steps forward to defend the miraculous events and preach the gospel, showing that divine empowerment enables us to face opposition with truth and clarity. He begins by stating clearly, 'let this be known to you, and give ear to my words,' signaling a pivotal moment where confusion meets divine truth.

Addressing a Diverse and Expectant Crowd

Peter didn't just speak to a homogenous group; he addressed a crowd filled with people from all over the known world, each with their own background and expectations.

Peter’s opening words, 'Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem,' were strategic. He recognized the diverse audience before him. There were native Jews from Judea, but also 'all who dwell in Jerusalem' – a vast number of people from various nations and backgrounds who had gathered for the feast. The scholars note that these were likely Jews and proselytes from across the Roman Empire and beyond, having heard about God in their own lands through synagogues. Peter’s inclusive address acknowledges everyone present. He uses a respectful, formal tone, 'be this known to you, and give ear to my words,' to capture the attention of all, regardless of their origin. This was crucial because the message of Pentecost was for people, a reality that would unfold more fully in Peter's sermon.

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Acts 2:14-21 means

The original words in Acts 2:14-21

drunkμεθύω

methyō · Greek Verb

The state of being under the influence of alcohol, frequently used in Scripture as a contrast to being 'filled with the Spirit.'

last daysἐσχάταις ἡμέραις

eschatais hēmerais · Greek Noun phrase

Refers to the era encompassing the period between Christ's first coming and His second coming, characterized by the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

my Spiritπνεῦμά μου

pneuma mou · Greek Noun

The third person of the Trinity, the active agent of God’s power, presence, and transformation in the life of the believer and the church.

prophesyπροφητεύσουσιν

prophēteusousin · Greek Verb

To speak under divine inspiration, communicating God's truth to His people, often involving both forth-telling and foretelling.

visionsὁράσεις

horaseis · Greek Noun

A supernatural manifestation or divine communication given by God to reveal His will or future events to individuals.

dreamsἐνυπνίοις

enypniois · Greek Noun

A means by which God communicates revelation, guidance, or warnings to people while they are asleep.

wondersτέρατα

terata · Greek Noun

Supernatural events or phenomena intended to point toward divine action, provoke awe, and confirm the message of God.

signsσημεῖα

sēmeia · Greek Noun

Visible proofs or markers that authenticate a message or messenger as being from God.

day of the Lordἡμέρα κυρίου

hēmera kyriou · Greek Noun phrase

A period of divine intervention and eschatological judgment, often associated with the return of Christ to judge the wicked and vindicate His people.

calls upon the name of the Lordἐπικαλέω

epikaleomai · Greek Verb

In a biblical context, to invoke or call upon the name of the Lord is to appeal to His authority, character, and person for help or salvation, acknowledging His sovereignty. It signifies a public confession of faith and reliance on God.

savedσῴζω

sōzō · Greek Verb

A theological term denoting deliverance from danger, bondage, or ultimately from sin and the wrath of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses justification, sanctification, and eternal life.

What does Acts 2:14-21 mean?

What Acts 2:14-21 means

A Spiritually Empowered Defense

Addressing a Diverse and Expectant Crowd

Ask Sola about this verse

What Acts 2:14-21 means

A Spiritually Empowered Defense

Addressing a Diverse and Expectant Crowd

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Acts 2:14-21

The situation behind Acts 2:14-21

The historical timeline around Acts 2:14-21

Key themes in Acts 2:14-21

Verses connected to Acts 2:14-21

Scholarly commentary on Acts 2:14-21

Frequently asked questions about Acts 2:14-21

Study this verse in Sola