Acts 11:21

Authorized King James Version

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦν

G2258

was

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

χεὶρ

G5495

the hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

κύριον

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μετ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῶν

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πολύς

G4183

a great

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἀριθμὸς

G706

number

a number (as reckoned up)

#10

πιστεύσας

G4100

believed

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#11

ἐπέστρεψεν

G1994

and turned

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

#12

ἐπὶ

G1909

unto

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#13

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

κύριον

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul