Acts study section
Acts word studies
A handful of Greek words carry the theology of Acts. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
πνεῦμα (pneuma) — “Spirit”
Usage: Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38; 4:31; 13:2
Meaning: Spirit, breath, wind — especially the Holy Spirit poured out on the church.
Theological Significance: Acts is the story of the Spirit’s work: He empowers, fills, guides, and sends the church for witness. The mission of the church is never merely human effort but the ongoing work of the Spirit of the risen Christ (Acts 1:8; 2:4).
δύναμις (dynamis) — “Power”
Usage: Acts 1:8; 4:33; 10:38
Meaning: Power, might, strength, the ability to accomplish something. The word behind “dynamite.”
Theological Significance: Jesus promised His witnesses “power” from the Spirit, and Acts shows that power at work in bold preaching, signs, and transformed lives. The advance of the gospel is by God’s power, not human strength (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
μάρτυς (martys) — “Witness”
Usage: Acts 1:8, 22; 2:32; 22:15; 26:16
Meaning: A witness, one who testifies to what he has seen and knows. The root of the word “martyr.”
Theological Significance: The apostles are witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, and their testimony, often at great cost, is the means by which the gospel spreads. Every believer is called to bear witness to Christ (Acts 1:8; 22:15).
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) — “Church, Assembly”
Usage: Acts 2:47; 5:11; 9:31; 14:23; 20:28
Meaning: An assembly, a called-out gathering; the community of Jesus’ people.
Theological Significance: Acts records the birth and growth of the ekklēsia, which the Lord “obtained with his own blood” and to which He adds those being saved. The church is God’s redeemed people, gathered by the Spirit and sent on mission (Acts 2:47; 20:28).
μετάνοια (metanoia) — “Repentance”
Usage: Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 26:20
Meaning: A change of mind and heart; turning from sin to God.
Theological Significance: The apostolic message calls all people to metanoia — to turn from sin and toward Christ for the forgiveness of sins. God “commands all people everywhere to repent,” and grants repentance that leads to life (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 11:18).
My notes
Private unless you specifically share them with another.