Acts 2:37

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An Exegetical Analysis of Acts 2:37: The Temporal Implications of ἀκούσαντες

This exegetical study of “Acts 2.37 – ἀκούσαντες” is based on a b-greek discussion from Mon Sep 16 03:28:49 EDT 2002. The initial inquiry questioned whether the aorist active participle ἀκούσαντες in Acts 2:37 might justify inferring a period of time passing between Peter’s Pentecost sermon and the subsequent reaction of the hearers, as suggested by earlier interpreters like Thomas Hooker.

The central exegetical issue revolves around the precise semantic force of the aorist participle ἀκούσαντες in its relationship to the main verb κατενύγησαν (they were cut to the heart/pierced). Specifically, the discussion seeks to determine if the aorist participle inherently conveys a temporal interval between the act of hearing and the subsequent emotional response, or if it merely denotes an antecedent or circumstantial action without prescribing a specific temporal gap. Understanding the aspectual nature of the aorist participle is crucial for accurately interpreting the sequence and immediacy of events described in this pivotal passage, particularly in the context of the Pentecost sermon’s impact.

ἀκούσαντες δὲ κατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν εἶπόν τε πρὸς τὸν Πέτρον καὶ τοὺς λοιποὺς ἀποστόλους, Τί ποιήσωμεν, ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί;

(Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• Nestle 1904 reads εἶπόν τε (“and they said”), while SBLGNT 2010 reads καὶ εἶπον (“and they said”). Both convey a conjunctive relationship, indicating that the saying followed the piercing of the heart. The use of the postpositive particle τε in Nestle 1904 (often translated as “and” or “and so”) versus the conjunction καὶ in SBLGNT 2010 represents a minor textual variant without significant impact on the overall meaning or temporal sequencing of the events.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes

The critical apparatus of NA28 shows no significant variants affecting the participle ἀκούσαντες itself in Acts 2:37, confirming its stability across major manuscript traditions. The primary textual variant in this verse concerns the conjunction preceding εἶπον, fluctuating between τε (attested by 𝔓74, ℵ, B, C, D, E, Ψ, vg, syr^p, cop^{sa, bo}) and καὶ (attested by A, P, H, L, 049, Byz, syr^h). Both readings essentially convey a sequential or additive relationship, rendering the impact on the overall narrative flow minimal.

Lexically, the terms central to this verse are ἀκούσαντες and κατενύγησαν.

• ἀκούσαντες (aorist active participle of ἀκούω): According to BDAG, ἀκούω primarily means “to hear,” but can also imply “to listen,” “to understand,” or “to heed” (BDAG, 34). In the context of Peter’s sermon, it denotes not merely the physical act of hearing sounds but the reception and comprehension of his message concerning Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. KITTEL (TDNT I, 216–225) elaborates on the theological depth of ἀκούω, particularly in religious contexts, where “hearing” often implies a receptive posture toward divine revelation, leading to understanding and response. Thus, “having heard” carries the weight of having processed the content of the sermon.
• κατενύγησαν (aorist passive indicative of κατανύσσω): BDAG defines κατανύσσω as “to prick,” “to pierce,” “to strike forcibly,” or “to deeply affect, move profoundly” (BDAG, 524). The passive voice here (they “were pricked”) emphasizes the effect wrought upon them rather than an action they performed. The phrase “to be cut/pierced to the heart” (κατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν) is an idiom for profound conviction, remorse, or anguish. This suggests an intense, internal emotional and spiritual impact, a deep awakening to the truth of their sin and its implications.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The interpretation of the aorist participle ἀκούσαντες in Acts 2:37 is crucial for understanding the temporal relationship between hearing Peter’s sermon and the audience’s profound conviction. Grammatically, the aorist participle typically describes an action completed prior to or coincident with the action of the main verb, without necessarily specifying a temporal interval. Its primary function is aspect (completed action) rather than precise time.

When an aorist participle precedes the main verb, it can often express antecedent action, but this does not automatically imply a significant time gap. It could mean “having heard” (antecedent), “when they heard” (temporal-coincident), or even “because they heard” (causal). The immediate context and the nature of the actions usually clarify the nuance.

• Antecedent Action: If understood strictly as antecedent, the participle suggests that the act of hearing was completed before the piercing of the heart occurred. This interpretation allows for a potential (but not mandated) time lapse for the message to sink in. Rhetorically, it emphasizes the sequential nature of cognitive reception followed by emotional/spiritual impact.
• Circumstantial/Coincident Action: Alternatively, the aorist participle can function circumstantially, describing the circumstances under which the main verb’s action takes place. This could be rendered as “when they heard” or “as they heard.” This interpretation emphasizes a more immediate or simultaneous relationship between hearing and being cut to the heart, suggesting a rapid and profound impact without an intervening delay. This aligns with the argument that the aorist participle itself does not dictate a time interval.
• Causal Nuance: While less prominent than temporal or antecedent in this context, the participle could implicitly carry a causal nuance: “because they had heard” or “since they heard.” This highlights the sermon as the direct cause of their conviction, regardless of the precise timing.

The rhetorical force of the aorist participle here leans towards emphasizing the decisive and completed nature of their hearing of Peter’s message, which then resulted in their conviction. The grammatical structure does not compel the inference of a significant time lapse; rather, it highlights the sequence of events (hearing then being cut to the heart) without specifying the duration of the interval. The context of a dynamic Pentecost sermon suggests a powerful, immediate effect rather than a delayed reaction.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on the grammatical and lexical analysis, the aorist participle ἀκούσαντες in Acts 2:37 indicates a completed action of hearing that precedes or is closely coincidental with the profound emotional response of being “cut to the heart.” While it allows for a conceptual sequence, it does not grammatically mandate a significant temporal interval. The immediacy suggested by the narrative flow and the powerful nature of the Pentecost sermon points towards a rapid and profound impact. The question of a time lapse, therefore, appears to be an inference beyond the explicit grammatical force of the participle itself, aligning with scholarly consensus regarding the aspectual nature of the aorist participle.

Here are three possible translations reflecting different nuances of the participle’s function:

1. “When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’”
   This translation emphasizes the immediate temporal connection, suggesting the “cutting to the heart” happened as a direct and swift consequence of hearing.
2. “Having heard this, they were profoundly moved and asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what are we to do?’”
   This option highlights the antecedent nature of their hearing, acknowledging the completed action before the emotional response, without strictly implying a delay. “Profoundly moved” captures the nuance of κατενύγησαν.
3. “And so, because they heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men, brothers, what should we do?’”
   This translation incorporates a subtle causal nuance, emphasizing that the hearing was the reason for their profound conviction, while still maintaining the sequential flow. “Pierced” offers a more visceral rendering of κατενύγησαν.

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