Acts 2:1-12

Praying in in a language other than your native tongue and praying in the Sprit are powerful tools that God used and still uses to communicate to others and for times when we don’t know what to pray.

Speaking in tongues is a form of prayer because Paul said “one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God” (1 Corinthians 14:2). It is even called praying in the Spirit many times throughout the New Testament (1 Corinthians 14:14-15 , Ephesians 6:18, Jude v.20).

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1 NIV).

Pentecost was one of the three feast days on which all the Jewish men were required to appear in Jerusalem at least once in their lifetime. The divine timing was precise. Now, with the apostles gathered in one place, awaiting the power of the Spirit. Now, with representatives of least fifteen nations gathered in one city…it was time.

The Spirit came suddenly and from heaven. Because of the Holy Spirit, each prayerful follower could speak with such power that people from all over the world heard the story of Jesus in “their own language” (Acts 2:6 NIV). 

Compelling communication was the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. He empowered and empowers Christ followers to declare the wonders of God in the heart languages of the world. Max Lucado

Acts 2:1-12

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” The New King James Version

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks the official inauguration of the new covenant and serves as a witness to the nation of Israel. The Church’s reception of the Holy Spirit, preaching, and sudden growth testify to the reality of Christ’s resurrection and His ongoing reign. 

The Greek word used here, pnoē, sounds like the word for Spirit (pneuma). The intensity of the sound and its origin from heaven announce its divine origin. Fire is often used to describe God’s holy presence and His ability to purify. 

The reference to tongues or languages indicates that this is a reversal of the Tower of Babel, where God confused the languages of those who rebelled against Him. Faithlife Study Bible

The word translated tongues here is the normal Greek word for known languages. Speaking in “tongues” or diverse languages underscored the universal outreach of the church. These witnesses were speaking foreign dialects to the people who had gathered for Pentecost from other nations. The Day of Pentecost, as one of the three major Jewish celebrations, was a pilgrimage event. People who lived outside Israel traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival. They came from Arabia, Crete, Asia, and even as far away as Rome. Many of these people stayed in Jerusalem for the entire 50-day celebration. 

Spirit gave them utterance: Note that the text does not say that the Spirit spoke through the apostles, but that the Spirit gave them the ability to speak in languages that they had not previously known. 

This was a sign from heaven, a supernatural event. It appears that the “speaking in tongues” did not consist of proclaiming the gospel. Rather, the apostles were praising God’s mighty works. The NKJV Study Bible

We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them there were strifes among the disciples which should be the greatest; but now all these strifes were at an end. They had prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit poured out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as there were among those disciples, let us agree to love one another; for where brethren dwell together in unity, there the Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind came with great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and working of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby upon the world. Thus the convictions of the Spirit make way for his comforts; and the rough blasts of that blessed wind, prepare the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an appearance of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them, according to John Baptist’s saying concerning Christ; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled with the graces of the Spirit, and more than ever under his sanctifying influences; more weaned from this world, and better acquainted with the other. They were more filled with the comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears were swallowed up. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation, but as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

The difference in languages which arose at Babel, has much hindered the spread of knowledge and religion. The instruments whom the Lord first employed in spreading the Christian religion, could have made no progress without this gift, which proved that their authority was from God. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.