Acts 2:14
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Acts 2:14 · King James Version
Meaning
When Peter stood up with the eleven disciples and addressed the crowd in Jerusalem, he was taking on a leadership role among the followers of Jesus. By lifting up his voice and speaking boldly, Peter was fulfilling his role as one of the key figures in the early Christian movement. The phrase "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem" indicates that Peter's message was meant for a specific audience - the people of Judea and Jerusalem who were present at that moment. He wanted to make sure that his words were heard and understood by those who were listening. By urging the crowd to pay attention to what he was about to say, Peter was emphasizing the importance and relevance of his message. Overall, this verse highlights Peter's role as a spokesperson for the early Christian community and sets the stage for the message he is about to deliver.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of Acts 2:14, we can see that Peter's address to the crowd in Jerusalem carries significant weight. Peter, standing with the eleven disciples, takes on a leadership role by speaking boldly and confidently. By specifically addressing the men of Judaea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, Peter acknowledges the importance of reaching out to both the Jewish community and those who have made Jerusalem their home. His use of the term "lifted up his voice" signifies the seriousness and urgency of his message, indicating that what he has to say is of utmost importance. Additionally, by asking the crowd to listen to his words, Peter is inviting them to heed his message and pay attention to the truth he is about to reveal. Overall, this verse showcases Peter's role as a spokesperson for the early Church and sets the stage for the powerful sermon he will deliver in the following verses.
Acts 2:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, [saying], Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.
World English Bible
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
Douay-Rheims
But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke to them: Ye men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known to you and with your ears receive my words.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But Peter standing with ye Eleuen, lift vp his voice, and said vnto them, Ye men of Iudea, and ye all that inhabite Hierusalem, be this knowen vnto you, and hearken vnto my woordes.