Acts 2:14

St Peter's Sermon. Refutation of the Mockers

14. But Peter, standing up, &c. The twelve naturally take the leading place among the disciples, and Peter, who had been spokesman before, begins the general address now, directing it principally to those who were dwellers in Jerusalem and the neighbouring country, for it was more likely to be these who gave vent to the mocking speeches than the foreigners who would better recognize the astounding nature of what had come to pass.

and said unto them Better, and spake forth onto them. The original word is the same as that used to describe the gift which they had just received. "They spake as the Spirit gave them utterance," lit. to speak forth (Acts 2:4). St Paul employs it when Festus had said he was mad. "I speak forththe words of truth and soberness" (Acts 26:25).

and hearken The word is only found here in the N. T. It signifies to take anything into the ears.