So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that these thousands didn't just hear the message, they "received his word," implying a willing and eager acceptance that moved them to immediate action. This wasn't merely a passive listening, but an active embrace leading to baptism and joining the new community.
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Peter’s powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost, which began with the Holy Spirit’s dramatic outpouring, those who heard and understood were deeply moved. This verse marks the immediate, joyful response of a large number of people who embraced the message about Jesus. They weren't just curious onlookers; they were people who willingly received the truth and were then incorporated into the growing community of believers.
Imagine hearing life-changing news that instantly makes you want to act. That's the heart of this moment!
The verse highlights those who 'gladly received his word.' While some manuscripts omit 'gladly,' the core idea remains: the reception of Peter's message was willing and joyful. This wasn't forced compliance; it was a free-hearted embrace of the gospel. It shows that true faith begins with a readiness and a willingness to obey God's call, not out of obligation, but out of a deep, inner conviction and joy in the truth presented.
This immediate, cheerful response is a powerful model for how we are called to engage with God's truth today. It's an invitation to not just hear, but to welcome God's word into our lives with open hearts.
Three thousand people join a new community in a single day. What does this tell us about faith and belonging?
Immediately after receiving the word, these 3,000 were baptized. Baptism here signifies a public declaration of their new allegiance to Christ and their repentance. It wasn't just a personal decision; it was a visible step into a new community.
The verse states they were 'added... unto them about three thousand souls.' This signifies their incorporation into the existing community of believers, which at the start of the day numbered about 120 (Acts 1:15). This wasn't a random gathering; it was the organic, Spirit-led growth of the Church. The speed and scale highlight the powerful, transformative work of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the gospel's ability to create a unified, vibrant community rapidly.
Understand the original words
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apodechomai · Greek Verb
The act of receiving the gospel message with faith and acceptance, often implying an internal transformation by the Holy Spirit.
baptizō · Greek Verb
A rite of initiation commanded by Christ signifying identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, and public confession of faith.
psychē · Greek Noun
In a biblical sense, it denotes the whole person, the seat of life, emotions, and intellect, often used to emphasize the counting of individual lives saved.
The dramatic conversion of 3,000 people on the Day of Pentecost wasn't an isolated miracle; it was the powerful inauguration of a movement that would soon face intense opposition, leading to scattering and further expansion.
c. AD 30— this verse
Pentecost in Jerusalem
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers, empowering them to speak in other languages. Peter preaches a sermon about Jesus, leading to the first mass conversion in the early church.
c. AD 30
Early Church Growth
Following Pentecost, the number of believers rapidly grows. The apostles perform many signs and wonders, inspiring awe and increasing the church's reputation.
c. AD 30-33
Persecution Begins
The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, becomes increasingly hostile to the apostles' message. Apostles are arrested and threatened, but the church continues to grow.
c. AD 33-35
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, a prominent deacon, is stoned to death for his faith, marking the first Christian martyr. This event intensifies persecution and causes many believers to scatter from Jerusalem.
c. AD 35
Saul's Conversion
Saul, a fierce persecutor of the church, has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. He becomes a fervent follower and a key apostle to the Gentiles.
This passage highlights how God's word, like rain, accomplishes His purpose and does not return void, mirroring how Peter's word in Acts 2 effectively brought about spiritual fruit.
Matthew 28:19-20Jesus' Great Commission instructs His followers to go and make disciples, baptizing them, which is precisely what happens immediately after Peter's sermon in Acts 2, showing the disciples carrying out Jesus' command.
Psalm 110:3This verse speaks of God's people being willing in the day of His power, which is a beautiful parallel to the three thousand souls who willingly received Peter's message and were added to the church on the day of Pentecost, the ultimate day of God's power in the early church.
Acts 4:4Following this massive conversion, the number of believers grew significantly, as stated in Acts 4:4 ('But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand'), showing the continued impact and growth of the gospel after Pentecost.
John 3:5-7Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being born of water and the Spirit. This connects to the baptism that followed the acceptance of the Word in Acts 2, signifying the new spiritual birth experienced by the converts.
barnesActs 2:41: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
They that gladly received - The word rendered "gladly" means "freely, cheerfully, joyfully." It implies that they did it without compulsion, and with joy. Religion is not compulsion. They who become Christians do it cheerfully; they do it rejoicing in the privilege of becoming reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Though so many received his word and were…
calvinActs 2:40-42: "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation."
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Be ye saved from this froward generation. 41. Those, therefore, which willingly embraced his words were baptized: and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42. And they continued in the apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship, and breaking of bread, and prayers.
And with many Although in th…
The verse highlights that these thousands didn't just hear the message, they "received his word," implying a willing and eager acceptance that moved them to immediate action. This wasn't merely a passive listening, but an active embrace leading to baptism and joining the new community.
Following Peter’s powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost, which began with the Holy Spirit’s dramatic outpouring, those who heard and understood were deeply moved. This verse marks the immediate, joyful response of a large number of people who embraced the message about Jesus. They weren't just curious onlookers; they were people who willingly received the truth and were then incorporated into the growing community of believers.
Following Peter’s powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost, which began with the Holy Spirit’s dramatic outpouring, those who heard and understood were deeply moved. This verse marks the immediate, joyful response of a large number of people who embraced the message about Jesus. They weren't just curious onlookers; they were people who willingly received the truth and were then incorporated into the growing community of believers.
"So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." — The verse highlights that these thousands didn't just hear the message, they "received his word," implying a willing and eager acceptance that moved them to immediate action. This wasn't merely a pas…
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Last reviewed October 2026