King James Version

What Does Acts 2:1 Mean?

Acts 2:1 in the King James Version says “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:1 · KJV


Context

1

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the day of Pentecost was fully come (ἐν τῷ συμπληροῦσθαι)—The timing was sovereignly appointed, not accidental. Pentecost (Greek for 'fiftieth') occurred fifty days after Passover, fulfilling Jesus' promise of 'not many days hence' (1:5). They were all with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν) emphasizes unity—this Greek word appears eleven times in Acts, always denoting corporate harmony enabling God's work. The 120 believers gathered in prayerful expectation, demonstrating that Pentecost was both divine initiative and human preparation. This moment inaugurates the church age and New Covenant promised by Joel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pentecost was the Feast of Weeks, celebrating wheat harvest and (in Jewish tradition) commemorating the giving of the Law at Sinai. Jerusalem would have been crowded with pilgrims from throughout the Mediterranean world—God's timing made maximum gospel spread possible. Occurred around 30 AD, ten days after Christ's ascension.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does corporate unity ('one accord') play in experiencing God's power today?
  2. How does Pentecost's timing during a Jewish feast reveal God's redemptive continuity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Καὶ1 of 14

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν2 of 14

when

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ3 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συμπληροῦσθαι4 of 14

was fully come

G4845

to implenish completely, i.e., (of space) to swamp (a boat), or (of time) to accomplish (passive, be complete)

τὴν5 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέραν6 of 14

the day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῆς7 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πεντηκοστῆς8 of 14

of Pentecost

G4005

fiftieth (g2250 being implied) from passover, i.e., the festival of "pentecost"

ἦσαν9 of 14

they were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἅπαντες10 of 14

all

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

ὁμοθυμαδὸν11 of 14

with one accord

G3661

unanimously

ἐπὶ12 of 14

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ13 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτό14 of 14

one place

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 2:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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