What is the meaning of Acts 2:43?

A sense of awe

- “A sense of awe” (Acts 2:43) speaks of holy fear, the reverent wonder that settles in when God unmistakably moves.

- Similar reactions appear when Jesus raises the widow’s son—“They were all filled with awe” (Luke 7:16)—and when the early church confronts Ananias and Sapphira—“Great fear seized the whole church” (Acts 5:11).

- Such awe is not dread but worshipful recognition that the Lord is present and powerful (Psalm 33:8; Hebrews 12:28-29).

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came over everyone

- This wasn’t limited to the Twelve or an inner circle; “everyone” includes the 3,000 just added (Acts 2:41) and likely many onlookers in Jerusalem.

- God’s works are meant to bless and convict whole communities (Exodus 19:16; Jonah 3:5).

- Widespread awe prepared hearts for continued teaching and fellowship (Acts 2:42) and for daily growth of the church (Acts 2:47).

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and the apostles

- The Holy Spirit had just filled these men at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Now He channels authority through them, fulfilling Jesus’ promise: “You will be My witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

- Leadership matters. Christ authenticated His chosen messengers so the newborn church could anchor its faith in true doctrine (Ephesians 2:20).

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performed many

- “Many” underscores frequency. Miracles were not isolated headlines but ongoing evidences of God’s kingdom breaking in (John 14:12; Acts 4:33).

- Repetition built credibility; the gospel advanced as people repeatedly saw God at work (Acts 9:32-35; 19:11-12).

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wonders and signs

- “Wonders” stir amazement; “signs” point to a message. Together they reveal Jesus is alive and reigning (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).

- These acts mirrored Christ’s own ministry—healing the lame (Acts 3:6-8), raising the dead (Acts 9:40-42)—showing continuity between the Lord and His apostles (John 20:21).

- The pairing also refutes any idea that miracles are ends in themselves; they validate the gospel and call for repentance (Acts 3:19).

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summary

Acts 2:43 records the atmosphere of Pentecost’s aftermath: a Spirit-given awe spreads through the whole community while God continually authenticates the apostles with miracles. The verse reminds us that where the risen Christ is proclaimed, reverence rises, hearts open, and the Lord confirms His word with visible power, drawing people to saving faith and establishing His church in truth.