Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
Then
G3303
μὲν
Then
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
ἀποδεξάμενοι
received
G588
ἀποδεξάμενοι
received
Strong's:
G588
Word #:
5 of 17
to take fully, i.e., welcome (persons), approve (things)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
word
G3056
λόγον
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 17
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
ἐβαπτίσθησαν
were baptized
G907
ἐβαπτίσθησαν
were baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
9 of 17
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσετέθησαν
there were added
G4369
προσετέθησαν
there were added
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
11 of 17
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
13 of 17
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
ἐκείνῃ
the same
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
the same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
14 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Cross References
Acts 4:4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Acts 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.Acts 13:48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.Psalms 110:3Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Historical Context
Three thousand converts from one sermon contrasts sharply with Moses' golden calf judgment - three thousand died (Exodus 32:28). Pentecost reverses Sinai's death sentence through gospel power. The number also fulfills Ezekiel's vision of dead bones receiving life (Ezekiel 37), Israel's restoration beginning.
Questions for Reflection
- What does three thousand conversions in one day teach about God's power in evangelism?
- How does Pentecost's harvest contrast with Sinai's judgment, revealing law versus gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The response - 'they that gladly received his word were baptized' - indicates true conversion requires willing reception, not coercion. The Greek 'apodexamenoi' (gladly received) suggests enthusiastic embrace, not reluctant assent. 'About three thousand souls' added in one day demonstrates Spirit's sovereign power to produce mass conversions while maintaining individual agency. This validates apostolic preaching's supernatural effectiveness.