Acts 2:14

Peter. A remarkable change has come over the apostle during the few weeks since his denial. He has been converted. His mind has been opened by the Lord’s instruction so that he can understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). He has been endued with insight and power by the Holy Spirit. As a result, he stands forth as a sanctified leader of men.

Instead of uncertainty, there is conviction; instead of fear, boldness; instead of hasty words, as in the Gospels, there is a detailed, well-reasoned discourse. The prophecies concerning Christ are unfolded with method and clarity. Here is an unstudied proof of genuineness. An inventor of tales would hardly have dared to show such a change in character as Luke shows in Peter.

With the eleven. Peter is not speaking in isolation. He stands as a representative of his brethren. They have been individually addressing the different national groups, but Peter addresses the multitude and binds off this great evangelistic meeting. “The eleven” reveals that Matthias is included among the apostles, and thus has rapidly taken to his responsibilities.

Lifted up. Although this expression is found in the LXX and in classical Greek, it is also a Hebraism (Gen. 21:16; 27:38), and suggests a raising of the voice, a crying out aloud. This was necessary in order for Peter to make himself heard by the large crowd.

Said. Gr. apophtheggomai, “to speak forth” (cf. on v. 4). The use of this word adds color to the fact that Peter was speaking with the Spirit’s gift. The apostle was not just “saying”; he was “speaking forth” that which the Spirit gave him.

Men of Judaea. This part of v. 14 reads literally, “Men, Jews, and inhabitants of Jerusalem.” It would appear that Peter was first speaking to local Jews (see v. 13), as distinct from the Jews of vs. 5-11, who were of the Dispersion.

Dwell at Jerusalem. This phrase may also be taken in the local sense, as referring to those whose home was in the capital. Peter’s words, however, would reach the whole assembly, and it is clear from v. 22 that the apostle is eventually addressing the wider company.

Hearken. Literally, “give ear to.” This is another Hebraism, and may possibly indicate that Peter was speaking in Aramaic. Opinion on this matter is divided, for many Hebraisms are carried over into the Greek of the LXX, and the scriptural quotations are from the LXX.