Acts Chapter 11 · Verse 21
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χεὶρ
the hand
G5495
χεὶρ
the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
3 of 14
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
κύριον
of the Lord
G2962
κύριον
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 14
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
a great
G4183
πολύς
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
πιστεύσας
believed
G4100
πιστεύσας
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
10 of 14
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
ἐπέστρεψεν
and turned
G1994
ἐπέστρεψεν
and turned
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
11 of 14
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Luke 1:66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.Isaiah 59:1Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:Acts 9:35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Historical Context
This Gentile harvest in Antioch circa AD 40-42 established the church that would send Paul and Barnabas on missionary journeys (Acts 13:1-3). Antioch became the center of Gentile Christianity, rivaling Jerusalem's role as center of Jewish Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the 'hand of the Lord' being with preachers accomplish that human effort alone cannot?
- How does this passage demonstrate that both faith and repentance are necessary for salvation?
- Why does successful evangelism always indicate God's sovereign work, not merely human technique?
Analysis & Commentary
Luke reports: 'the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.' The 'hand of the Lord' signifies divine power and blessing on their ministry. The twofold response - believing and turning - describes conversion: faith in the gospel and repentance toward God. The 'great number' shows God's sovereign election extends to many among the Gentiles. Reformed theology sees effective calling here - the Spirit working through gospel preaching to grant faith and repentance to the elect. Human preaching is instrumental; God's power is effectual.