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Book of Acts - Chapter 19 - Verse 7

19:7
And all the men were about twelve.

Meaning

When the verse states "And all the men were about twelve", it is referring to a specific event in the Bible where the Apostle Paul encountered twelve men in Ephesus who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. These men were followers of John the Baptist and had only received his baptism of repentance. After Paul spoke to them about Jesus and baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus, they received the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues and prophesying. This passage highlights the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit in order to fully experience the power and presence of God in our lives. It also demonstrates the transformative nature of encountering Jesus and being baptized in his name. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and the importance of continually seeking a deeper relationship with God.

Theological Overview

The phrase "And all the men were about twelve." found in Acts 19:7 provides an interesting insight into the theological interpretation of the passage. This verse comes from the narrative of Paul's ministry in Ephesus, where he encountered a group of disciples who had not received the Holy Spirit. The number twelve is significant in the Bible, often symbolizing completeness or fullness, as seen in the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. In this context, the fact that there were twelve men lacking the Holy Spirit emphasizes the need for wholeness and spiritual empowerment. Through this verse, we can see that God's plan includes all individuals being filled with the Holy Spirit, not just a select few. Additionally, the word "about" indicates an approximation, suggesting that the exact number may have varied slightly but still held significance in the larger narrative. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit for a complete and empowered Christian life.

American Standard Version

And they were in all about twelve men.
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