Acts 2:41

Authorized King James Version

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
μὲν
Then
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#3
οὖν
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#4
ἀσμένως
they that gladly
with pleasure
#5
ἀποδεξάμενοι
received
to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)
#6
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
λόγον
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#8
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#9
ἐβαπτίσθησαν
were baptized
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
προσετέθησαν
there were added
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
#12
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἡμέρᾳ
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#14
ἐκείνῃ
the same
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#15
ψυχαὶ
souls
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#16
ὡσεὶ
unto them about
as if
#17
τρισχίλιαι
three thousand
three times a thousand

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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