Bible Strands
Acts 2:5
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the immediate aftermath of the disciples' Spirit-empowered speech, establishing the demographic makeup of the crowd before their reaction in Acts 2:6.
The words — κατοικοῦντες (katoikountes) literally means "dwelling" or "residing," while εὐλαβεῖς (eulabeis) translates directly to "devout" or "God-fearing." These terms specify both the physical location and the religious status of the audience.
The thread — The description of εὐλαβεῖς (God-fearing) individuals parallels Luke 2:25 and Acts 8:2. The phrase "every nation under heaven" aligns with the global reach of the gospel outlined in Colossians 1:23.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that the event originates from a diverse, non-local audience rather than a single ethnic group. It demands attention to the text's explicit demographic catalog before drawing theological conclusions about the crowd's composition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Cross-references
- Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
- Acts 8:2 God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.
- Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
- Exodus 23:16 You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field. And keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field.
- Deuteronomy 2:25 This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”
- Isaiah 66:18 “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.
- Zechariah 8:18 Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,
- Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
- Luke 17:24 For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day.
- Luke 24:18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?”