Acts 2:14 - But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

Generated Verse: Acts 2:14

What does "Acts 2:14" mean?


This verse, Acts 2:14, is the beginning of Peter's powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost. Let's break down what it means:

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven...": This highlights Peter taking a leadership role. He is not acting alone; he is supported by the other eleven apostles (excluding Judas, who had betrayed Jesus). Standing up is a common posture for delivering a speech or making an important declaration.

"...lifted up his voice...": This suggests Peter spoke loudly and clearly, ensuring he could be heard by the large crowd that had gathered. It indicates the importance and seriousness of what he was about to say.

"...and spoke out to them...": This emphasizes that Peter directly addressed the crowd. He wasn't murmuring or speaking privately; he was delivering a public message.

"“You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem...": This identifies his audience. He is speaking to two main groups:
"Men of Judea": This refers to Jewish men who were likely visiting Jerusalem for the Pentecost festival. They were probably from various parts of Judea.
"All you who dwell at Jerusalem": This includes anyone living in Jerusalem, whether they were native to the city or had settled there. This would include a mix of Jewish residents and potentially others who lived in the city.

"...let this be known to you, and listen to my words.": This is a direct call to attention. Peter is urging his audience to understand the importance of what he is about to say and to pay close attention to his message. He's signaling that something significant is about to be revealed.

In essence, this verse marks the transition from the miraculous events of Pentecost (the tongues of fire, the speaking in other languages) to Peter's explanation of those events. It's the beginning of his explanation of what has happened and its significance in light of the prophecies and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The verse establishes Peter as the spokesperson for the apostles, addresses a broad audience, and emphasizes the importance of listening to the message he is about to deliver. It sets the stage for the proclamation of the Gospel and the birth of the early Christian church.