Acts 2:41

What does Acts 2:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 2:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 2:41 means

This verse records the remarkable and immediate impact of Peter's sermon: 'They then that received his word were baptized.' This signifies genuine conversion and public commitment to Christ. The result was extraordinary church growth, with 'about three thousand souls' added to their number in a single day. This massive influx dramatically demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit working through the preached Word, marking a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then those who gave hearing to his words had baptism: and about three thousand souls were joined to them that day.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then those, indeed, who did gladly receive his word were baptized, and there were added on that day, as it were, three thousand souls,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They therefore that received his word were baptized: and there were added in that day about three thousand souls.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Those then who had accepted his word were baptised; and there were added in that day about three thousand souls.

Context

This verse records the astounding and immediate result of Peter's preaching and exhortation. The reception of his word leads directly to baptism and an enormous addition of new believers to the nascent church. This dramatic growth sets the stage for the following description of the early church's practices and way of life.

v.40And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

v.41This passage

v.42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 4:4

    But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

  • Acts 1:15

    And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about a hundred and twenty),

  • Acts 16:31

    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house.

  • Galatians 4:14

    and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

  • John 14:12

    Verily, 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 the Father.

  • Psalms 110:3

    Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Related questions readers ask