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Tongues of fire
Acts 2:1-3
1When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Receiving the Spirit
- The disciples are together, and something happens that can be explained only by analogy, not from past experience: “Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind,” and “divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them” (Acts 2:2, 3).
- Luke uses the word “filled” in the sense of filling to capacity
Fire of God
The wind-like sound and the appearance of tongues like fire indicate: both point to the presence of God
1 Kings 19:11–13
11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
- This image of fire in Acts 2 may be compared to the Lord’s appearing to Moses in a burning bush (Ex. 3:1–6)
- The people of Israel as a pillar of fire, leading them at night in their desert journey.
- The fire can also be an echo of Isaiah 6:4–7, where the prophet’s tongue is cleansed with a burning coal.
The presence of God
- The presence of God in Acts 2 is accompanied by an act of God. His presence is confirmed by the direction from which the sound comes: from heaven, the place of God.
- Jesus went into heaven; now the Spirit from heaven will invade the earthly realm, filling the apostles for witness.
- When the apostles receive the Spirit here, this is not the moment they are “saved” or regenerated. In fact, it is not the first time they receive the Spirit. After his resurrection, Jesus appears to the Eleven and breathes on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).
- The flames on their heads had set fire to the knowledge of God, and turned it into passion.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myeveningdevotional.substack.com/subscribe
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By Tony SilveiraActs 2:1-3
1When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Receiving the Spirit
- The disciples are together, and something happens that can be explained only by analogy, not from past experience: “Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind,” and “divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them” (Acts 2:2, 3).
- Luke uses the word “filled” in the sense of filling to capacity
Fire of God
The wind-like sound and the appearance of tongues like fire indicate: both point to the presence of God
1 Kings 19:11–13
11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
- This image of fire in Acts 2 may be compared to the Lord’s appearing to Moses in a burning bush (Ex. 3:1–6)
- The people of Israel as a pillar of fire, leading them at night in their desert journey.
- The fire can also be an echo of Isaiah 6:4–7, where the prophet’s tongue is cleansed with a burning coal.
The presence of God
- The presence of God in Acts 2 is accompanied by an act of God. His presence is confirmed by the direction from which the sound comes: from heaven, the place of God.
- Jesus went into heaven; now the Spirit from heaven will invade the earthly realm, filling the apostles for witness.
- When the apostles receive the Spirit here, this is not the moment they are “saved” or regenerated. In fact, it is not the first time they receive the Spirit. After his resurrection, Jesus appears to the Eleven and breathes on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).
- The flames on their heads had set fire to the knowledge of God, and turned it into passion.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myeveningdevotional.substack.com/subscribe