Acts 2:12 Study Bible: They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?"

◄ Acts 2:12 ►

Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

Astounded and perplexed
The words "astounded" and "perplexed" capture the emotional and intellectual response of the crowd witnessing the events of Pentecost. The Greek word for "astounded" is "existanto," which conveys a sense of being amazed or astonished beyond comprehension. This reflects the supernatural nature of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, which defied natural explanation. The word "perplexed" comes from the Greek "diaporeo," meaning to be entirely at a loss or in doubt. This indicates the depth of their confusion and the challenge of understanding divine intervention. Historically, this moment marked a pivotal shift in God's interaction with humanity, as the Holy Spirit was now actively working within believers, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29.

they asked one another
This phrase highlights the communal nature of the inquiry. The crowd, composed of devout Jews from every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5), engaged in dialogue to make sense of the miraculous signs they were witnessing. This reflects a common human response to the divine: seeking understanding through community and shared experience. Theologically, it underscores the importance of fellowship and collective discernment in the Christian faith. The early church would continue to grow through such communal interactions, as believers gathered to study the apostles' teachings and break bread together (Acts 2:42).

'What does this mean?'
This question is central to the narrative of Acts 2. It signifies a moment of spiritual awakening and curiosity, as the crowd grapples with the implications of the Holy Spirit's arrival. Theologically, this question invites reflection on the fulfillment of God's promises and the inauguration of a new covenant through Jesus Christ. The Greek phrase "Ti thelei touto einai?" can be seen as an open door to revelation and understanding, prompting Peter's subsequent sermon, which explains the significance of the events in light of Scripture. This question remains relevant for believers today, encouraging a continual pursuit of understanding God's work in the world and in our lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Apostles
The primary figures in Acts 2, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in various tongues.

2. The Crowd
Composed of Jews from every nation under heaven, gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the events of Pentecost take place, a central location for Jewish worship and pilgrimage.

4. Pentecost
A Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the giving of the Law at Sinai and now the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

5. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, whose arrival fulfills Jesus' promise and empowers the apostles for ministry.

Teaching Points

The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness and fulfill God's mission. We should seek His guidance and strength in our daily lives.

God's Sovereignty in Timing
The events of Pentecost occur at a divinely appointed time, reminding us that God's timing is perfect in our lives.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse crowd hearing the apostles in their own languages illustrates God's desire for unity among His people, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

The Importance of Seeking Understanding
The crowd's question, "What does this mean?" encourages us to seek understanding and clarity in our spiritual journey.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The events of Pentecost demonstrate the reliability of God's promises and prophecies, encouraging us to trust in His Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the crowd in Acts 2:12 reflect the human response to the supernatural, and how can we apply this to our own experiences with God's work in our lives?

2. In what ways does the event of Pentecost fulfill Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, and how can this assurance impact our faith today?

3. How does the unity displayed at Pentecost challenge us to pursue unity within the body of Christ, despite our differences?

4. What can we learn from the crowd's question, "What does this mean?" about the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual walk?

5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Acts 2 encourage us to trust in God's promises, and what specific promises are you holding onto in your life right now?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2:28-32
Peter later quotes this prophecy, explaining the outpouring of the Spirit as a fulfillment of Joel's words.

John 14:16-17
Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and empower the disciples.

Genesis 11:1-9
The Tower of Babel, where God confused languages, contrasts with Pentecost, where language barriers are supernaturally overcome.

1 Corinthians 14:22
Paul discusses the purpose of tongues as a sign for unbelievers, connecting to the crowd's reaction in Acts 2:12.

Sermons

The Coming of God in Power	W. Clarkson	Acts 2:1-13
The Day of Pentecost, and its Immediate Gifts	P.C. Barker	Acts 2:1-41
Men's Attitudes Toward Things Beyond Explanation	R. Tuck	Acts 2:5-13
Spiritual Facts in a World Unprepared to Receive Them	R.A. Redford	Acts 2:5-13
The Amazement of the Multitude	E. Johnson	Acts 2:5-13
The Multitude in Amazement	F. Wagstaff.	Acts 2:12,13
Whit Sunday, or What Our Churches Need	A. G. Brown.	Acts 2:12,13

People

Arabians, David, Elam, Elamites, Israelites, Joel, Parthians, Peter

Places

Asia, Cappadocia, Crete, Cyrene, Egypt, Jerusalem, Judea, Libya, Mesopotamia, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Pontus, Rome

Topics

Amazed, Amazement, Astounded, Bewildered, Continued, Doubt, Mean, Meaneth, Perplexed, Perplexity, Reason, Saying, Surprised, Wish

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Acts 2:12

5784 amazement
5815 confusion

Acts 2:1-12

1444 revelation, NT

Acts 2:1-13

     5345   influence
     7757   preaching, effects
     8817   ridicule, objects of

Acts 2:1-21

4544 wine
7241 Jerusalem, significance

Acts 2:1-41

7505 Jews, the

Acts 2:5-12

7505 Jews, the

Acts 2:5-14

8427 evangelism, kinds of

Library

November 25 Evening
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.--ACTS 2:21. Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.--And …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 3 Evening
Things which are despised, hath God chosen.--I COR. 1:28. Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? Jesus, . . . saw two brethren, . . . casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me.--Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 4. "They were all Filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4).
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4). Blessed secret of spiritual purity, victory and joy, of physical life and healing, and all power for service. Filled with the Spirit there is no room for self or sin, for fret or care. Filled with the Spirit we repel the elements of disease that are in the air as the red-hot iron repels the water that touches it. Filled with the Spirit we are always ready for service, and Satan turns away when he finds the Holy Ghost enrobing us in His garments …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Pentecost
Text: Acts 2, 1-13. 1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Monday
Text: Acts 2, 14-28. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works. This and the following epistle text are too long to consider here, as they contain so many beautiful quotations from the Old Testament, which should not be passed over too briefly. Hence their discussion is reserved for their proper place. …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Tuesday
Text: Acts 2, 29-36. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works. …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Name Above Every Name
'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.'--ACTS ii. 36. It is no part of my purpose at this time to consider the special circumstances under which these words were spoken, nor even to enter upon an exposition of their whole scope. I select them for one reason, the occurrence in them of the three names by which we designate our Saviour--Jesus, Lord, Christ. To us they are very little more than three proper …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Fourfold Cord
'And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' --ACTS ii. 42. The Early Church was not a pattern for us, and the idea of its greatly superior purity is very largely a delusion. But still, though that be true, the occasional glimpses that we get at intervals in the early chapters of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles do present a very instructive and beautiful picture of what a Christian society may be, and therefore of what Christian …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Pure Church an Increasing Church
'And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.'--ACTS ii. 47. 'And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved.'--(R. V.) You observe that the principal alterations of these words in the Revised Version are two: the one the omission of 'the church,' the other the substitution of 'were being saved' for 'such as should be saved.' The former of these changes has an interest as suggesting that at the early period referred to the name of 'the church' had not yet been …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments
'And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Peter's First Sermon
'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, 35. Until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ
"Him, being by the determined will and foreknowledge of God given up, through the hand of lawless men, ye affixed to a cross and slew."--ACTS II. 23. St. Paul places this in the very forefront of that gospel which, as it had been delivered to him, so he in his turn had delivered to the Corinthians, that "Christ died for our sins." Neglecting all, deeper interpretations of this, it is at least clear that in the apostle's mind there was the closest and most intimate connexion between the death of …
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
Eccles. 4:9-12 -- "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe be to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Among the many reasons assignable for the sad decay of true Christianity, perhaps the neglecting …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Great Assize
[i.e., The Last Judgment -- GL] [21] "We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ." Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances concur to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity! -- The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighboring, but from distant, parts; criminals, speedily to be brought forth and having no way to escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Means of Grace
"Ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Mal. 3:7. I. 1. But are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there, under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained of God, as the usual channels of his grace? This question could never have been proposed in the apostolical church, unless by one who openly avowed himself to be a Heathen; the whole body of Christians being agreed, that Christ had ordained certain outward means, …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Pricked in their Heart
Peter's discourse was not distinguished by any special rhetorical display: he used not the words of man's wisdom or eloquence. It was not an oration, but it was a heart-moving argument, entreaty, and exhortation. He gave his hearers a simple, well-reasoned, Scriptural discourse, sustained by the facts of experience; and every passage of it pointed to the Lord Jesus. It was in these respects a model of what a sermon ought to be as to its contents. His plea was personally addressed to the people who …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Baptism of the Spirit
And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.' (Acts ii. 2, 4.) The Holy Ghost is the active force in all spiritual life. It is, therefore, important that we should realize the close connexion between the experience of Holiness and that 'Promise of the Father' for which the early disciples were to wait. All followers of Jesus should realize, as truly as the disciples did on that historic day, that their day of Pentecost …
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Promises of the Christian Home.
"The promise is unto you, and to your children." ACTS II., 39. "Parent who plantedst in the joy of love, Yet hast not gather'd fruit,--save rankling thorns, Or Sodom's bitter apples,--hast thou read Heaven's promise to the seeker? Thou may'st bring Those o'er whose cradle thou didst watch with pride, And lay them at thy Savior's feet, for lo! His shadow falling on the wayward soul, May give it holy health. And when thou kneel'st Low at the pavement of sweet Mercy's gate, Beseeching for thine erring …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
This is subject enough for volumes. There is scarcely a text in the Bible but what has been perverted by some one confused by the fogs of Babylon. Perhaps you can not find two individuals in the whole of sectism that see "eye to eye" upon the whole truth. To mention all the erroneous teachings of apostates would be almost impossible. However we believe it to be compatible with this work and to the glory of God to mention and refute a few of the false doctrines that have been most effectual in obscuring …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian? …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

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