Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχοντες
having
G2192
ἔχοντες
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
χάριν
favour
G5485
χάριν
favour
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
6 of 20
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὅλον
all
G3650
ὅλον
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
8 of 20
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
the people
G2992
λαόν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
10 of 20
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
προσετίθει
added
G4369
προσετίθει
added
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
14 of 20
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῳζομένους
such as should be saved
G4982
σῳζομένους
such as should be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
16 of 20
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
καθ'
daily
G2596
καθ'
daily
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
17 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
G2250
ἡμέραν
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
18 of 20
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
Cross References
Acts 16:5And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.Acts 2:39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.Romans 14:18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.Acts 11:24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.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.Romans 9:27Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:Romans 8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem church grew from 120 (1:15) to 3,000 (2:41) to 5,000 men (4:4) within months. This explosive growth occurred despite no evangelistic infrastructure—simply authentic community and Spirit-empowered witness. Public favor was temporary; persecution erupted by chapter 4. The church met in temple courts and homes simultaneously.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'adding to the church' inform your understanding of evangelistic methods?
- What elements of Acts 2:42-47 community life are reproducible today versus culturally specific?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Praising God, and having favour with all the people—The early church's joyful worship and generous community living attracted public goodwill despite later persecution. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (ὁ κύριος προσετίθει... τοὺς σῳζομένους)—Luke emphasizes God's initiative in salvation ('the Lord added') while using a present participle ('being saved') suggesting ongoing process. The church's growth was both supernatural (divine adding) and natural (community witness). 'Daily' growth reflects sustained evangelistic fruitfulness, not isolated campaigns. This summary statement (vv.42-47) establishes Acts' pattern: Spirit-filled community leads to bold witness resulting in conversions and opposition.