Acts 2:11

Cretes and Arabians. The two names appear to have been added to the preceding list, and this has been cited as an illustration of the genuine nature of Luke’s account, as though Luke were reporting what an eyewitness had informally told him. The island of Crete, south of Greece, held a large Jewish population. Arabia, bordering on Palestine, was the home of many thousands of Jews.

A study of the countries mentioned in vs. 9-11 reveals that many names that might have been expected are missing, and some minor ones are included. This may be taken as further evidence that Luke did not invent the list, but received it from those who had actually witnessed the miracle at Pentecost. The list should not be regarded as an exact inventory of all who were in Jerusalem, however. It is rather an attempt to describe the cosmopolitan nature of those to whom the disciples spoke, and the many different languages thus employed.

The wonderful works. Rather, “the great things,” or “the majesty.” The term would cover God’s providences that were manifested throughout the life and work of Jesus.