Acts 2:43

What does Acts 2:43 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 2:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 2:43 means

A sense of 'fear came upon every soul,' indicating a reverent awe and recognition of God’s powerful activity among them, both within the church and perhaps among outsiders. This holy fear was a response to the ongoing spiritual presence and validation of God's work. The verse also highlights that 'many wonders and signs were done through the apostles,' demonstrating that divine power continued to be dramatically manifest, authenticating their ministry and reinforcing the message.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But fear came on every soul: and all sorts of wonders and signs were done by the Apostles.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And fear came on every soul, many wonders also and signs were being done through the apostles,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And fear came upon every soul. Many wonders also and signs were done by the apostles in Jerusalem: and there was great fervor in all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And fear was upon every soul, and many wonders and signs took place through the apostles' means.

Context

Building on the description of the early church's communal practices, this verse highlights the spiritual atmosphere among them and the ongoing manifestation of divine power. The 'fear' signals a reverence for God's work, which is then explicitly linked to the apostles' continued performance of wonders and signs. This sets up further details about their communal living and shared resources.

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

v.43This passage

v.44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Cross references

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

  • Acts 3:6

    But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.

  • Acts 9:40

    But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

  • Acts 5:11

    And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

  • Luke 7:16

    And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people.

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues;

  • Luke 8:37

    And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes round about asked him to depart from them; for they were holden with great fear: and he entered into a boat, and returned.

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