Acts 2:3
Verse
Context
The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
2Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Sermons
Duncan Campbell
Leonard RavenhillLeonard Ravenhill
Compilations
Zac Poonen
Vance HavnerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Cloven tongues like as of fire - The tongues were the emblem of the languages they were to speak. The cloven tongues pointed out the diversity of those languages; and the fire seemed to intimate that the whole would be a spiritual gift, and be the means of bringing light and life to the souls who should hear them preach the everlasting Gospel in those languages. Sat upon each of them - Scintillations, coruscations, or flashes of fire, were probably at first frequent through every part of the room where they were sitting; at last these flashes became defined, and a lambent flame, in the form of a cloven tongue, became stationary on the head of each disciple; a proof that the Spirit of God had made each his temple or residence. That unusual appearances of fire were considered emblems of the presence and influence of God, both the Scriptures and the Jewish writings amply prove. Thus God manifested himself to Moses, when he appointed him to deliver Israel, Exo 3:2, Exo 3:3; and thus he manifested himself when he delivered the law on Mount Sinai, Exo 19:16-20. The Jews, in order to support the pretensions of their rabbins, as delivering their instructions by Divine authority and influence, represent them as being surrounded with fire while they were delivering their lectures; and that their words, in consequence, penetrated and exhilarated the souls of their disciples. Some of the Mohammedans represent Divine inspiration in the same way. In a fine copy of a Persian work, entitled Ajaceb al Makhlookat, or Wonders of Creation, now before me, where a marred account of Abraham's sacrifice, mentioned Gen 15:9-17, is given, instead of the burning lamp passing between the divided pieces of the victim, Gen 15:17, Abraham is represented standing between four fowls, the cock, the peacock, the duck, and the crow, with his head almost wrapped in a flame of lambent fire, as the emblem of the Divine communication made to him of the future prosperity of his descendants. The painting in which this is represented is most exquisitely finished. This notion of the manner in which Divine intimations were given was not peculiar to the Jews and Arabians; it exists in all countries; and the glories which appear round the heads of Chinese, Hindoo, and Christian saints, real or supposed, were simply intended to signify that they had especial intercourse with God, and that his Spirit, under the emblem of fire, sat upon them and became resident in them. There are numerous proofs of this in several Chinese and Hindoo paintings in my possession; and how frequently this is to be met with in legends, missals, and in the ancient ecclesiastical books of the different Christian nations of Europe, every reader acquainted with ecclesiastical antiquity knows well. See the dedication of Solomon's temple, Ch2 7:1-3. The Greek and Roman heathens had similar notions of the manner in which Divine communications were given: strong wind, loud and repeated peals of thunder, coruscations of lightning, and lambent flames resting on those who were objects of the Deities regard, are all employed by them to point out the mode in which their gods were reported to make their will known to their votaries. Every thing of this kind was probably borrowed from the account given by Moses of the appearance on Mount Sinai; for traditions of this event were carried through almost every part of the habitable world, partly by the expelled Canaanites, partly by the Greek sages travelling through Asiatic countries in quest of philosophic truth: and partly by means of the Greek version of the Septuagint, made nearly three hundred years before the Christian era. "A flame of fire seen upon the head of any person was, among the heathens, considered as an omen from their gods that the person was under the peculiar care of a supernatural power, and destined to some extraordinary employment. Many proofs of this occur in the Roman poets and historians. Wetstein, in his note on this place, has made an extensive collection of them. I shall quote but one, which almost every reader of the Aeneid of Virgil will recollect: - Talia vociferans gemitu tectum omne replebat: Cum subitum, dictuque oritur mirabile monstrum. Namque manus inter, maestorumque ora parentum. Ecce levis summo de vertice visus Iuli Fundere lumen apex, tactuque innoxia molli Lambere flamma comas, et circum tempora pasci. Nos pavidi trepidare metu, crinemque flagrantem Excutere, et sanctos restinguere fontibus ignes. At pater Anchises oculos ad sidera laetus Extulit, et coelo palamas cum voce tetendit: Jupiter omnipotens - Da auxilium, pater, atque haec omina firma. Virg. Aen. ii. v. 679. While thus she fills the house with clamorous cries, Our hearing is diverted by our eyes; For while I held my son, in the short space Betwixt our kisses and our last embrace, Strange to relate! from young Iulus' head, A lambent flame arose, which gently spread Around his brows, and on his temples fed. Amazed, with running water, we prepare To quench the sacred fire, and slake his hair; But old Anchises, versed in omens, rear'd His hands to heaven, and this request preferr'd: If any vows almighty Jove can bend, Confirm the glad presage which thou art pleased to send. Dryden. There is nothing in this poetic fiction which could be borrowed from our sacred volume; as Virgil died about twenty years before the birth of Christ. It may be just necessary to observe, that tongue of fire may be a Hebraism: for in Isa 5:24, לשון אש leshon esh, which we render simply fire, is literally a tongue of fire, as the margin very properly has it. The Hebrews give the name of tongue to most things which terminate in a blunt point: so a bay is termed in Jos 15:2, לשן lashon, a tongue. And in Jos 15:5, what appears to have been a promontory is called לשון הים leshon hayam, a tongue of the sea. It sat upon each - That is, one of those tongues, like flames, sat upon the head of each disciple; and the continuance of the appearance, which is indicated by the word sat, shows that there could be no illusion in the case. I still think that in all this case the agent was natural, but supernaturally employed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
cloven tongues, like as of fire, &c.--"disparted tongues," that is, tongue-shaped, flame-like appearances, rising from a common center or root, and resting upon each of that large company:--beautiful visible symbol of the burning energy of the Spirit now descending in all His plenitude upon the Church, and about to pour itself through every tongue, and over every tribe of men under heaven!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,.... An emblem of the various tongues and languages, in which they were to preach the Gospel; these appearances were like flames of fire parted, and these parted flames looked like tongues; so, a flame of fire is with, the Jews called, , "a tongue of fire", Isa 5:24 hence the Apostle James compares a tongue to fire, Jam 3:6 this was the baptism with fire, John the Baptist speaks of; see Gill on Mat 3:11; and the Jews say (t), "the holy blessed God baptizeth with fire, and the wise shall understand. Through this baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, the apostles became more knowing, and had a greater understanding of the mysteries of the Gospel, and were more qualified to preach it to people of all nations and languages. The Holy Spirit, in his gifts and graces, is compared to fire, because of its purity, light, and heat, as well as consuming nature; the Spirit sanctifies, and makes men pure and holy, purges from the dross of sin, error and superstition; and enlightens the minds of men, and gives them knowledge of divine and spiritual things; and fills them with zeal and fervour for the glory of God and Christ, and the good of his church and interest, and for the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel; as well as fortifies them against their enemies, whom he consumes, according to Zac 2:5 a passage of Scripture the Jews make use of in an uncommon sense; for they say (u), that as "Jerusalem was destroyed by fire, "by fire it shall be built again"; as it is said, Zac 2:5 "For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about". The pouring forth of the Spirit upon the apostles, in this form of cloven tongues, as of fire, was indeed the means of rebuilding Jerusalem, in a spiritual sense; or of founding the Gospel church state in the world: and it sat upon each of them; the fire, or the Holy Ghost in the appearance of fire. The Syriac and Arabic versions read, "and they sat upon each of them"; and so Beza's most ancient copy; that is, the cloven tongues sat on them; either one upon one of them and another upon another, or many upon each of them: where they sat, whether on their lips, or on their heads, it not certain, probably on the latter; nor how long they sat; however, their sitting upon them may denote the continuance of the gifts and graces of the Spirit with them. These cloven tongues cannot but bring to mind the division and confusion of the tongues or languages at Babel; which gave rise to different nations, and different religions; but these divided tongues gave rise to the spreading of the Gospel, and settling the true religion among the nations of the world. The Jews (w) seem to have respect to this account, when they tell us of. "lights from above, that came forth and dwelt in the synagogues, "on the heads" of those that prayed, and the lights "were divided" upon their heads. (t) R. Menachem in Lev. viii. apud Ainsworth in Gen. xvii. 12. (u) T. Hieros. Taaniot, fol. 65. 3. Seder Tepillot, fol. 23. 2. Ed. Basil. (w) Zohar in Num. fol. 79. 2.
Acts 2:3
The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
2Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Fire of God
By Duncan Campbell9.2K48:28Fire Of God1KI 18:37PSA 85:6ISA 64:1JOL 2:28MAT 6:33ACT 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith in Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the difference between carnal and spiritual aspects of Christianity, and laments the lowering of standards and conformity to worldly ways in evangelistic efforts. The sermon highlights the desperate need for revival in the current world, stating that nothing short of a supernatural manifestation of God's power can address the dire situation.
Purity and Fire - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill6.8K16:03PurityACT 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the liberating power of the fire of God. He uses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel to illustrate this point. The three Hebrew children were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship the king's idol, but instead of being consumed by the fire, they were liberated. The speaker encourages the audience to turn their eyes upon Jesus and gaze upon His wonderful face, as this vision will help them face crisis periods with praise instead of panic. He also explains how God purifies us like gold, removing impurities and making us holy through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts of the Apostles
By Leonard Ravenhill6.5K1:01:28JDG 16:30DAN 6:16MAT 21:12ACT 2:3HEB 3:7REV 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not substituting service for worship with the Lord. He encourages the audience to remember the secret to a fulfilling spiritual life is discipline. The preacher suggests taking time to be holy and getting rid of any hindrances, such as television, that may distract from worship. He also highlights the need to prioritize following the Word of God over public opinion or the opinions of others, even if it means going against the views of pastors or relatives. The sermon references biblical figures like Peter and Jonathan Edwards to illustrate the power of preaching with conviction and the importance of preaching as if it were one's last opportunity. The preacher also discusses the story of the man at the beautiful gate and emphasizes the significance of expecting to receive something from God. Overall, the sermon encourages gratitude, humility, and a deep longing for revival.
Young Donald Mcphail Prays (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K08:33CompilationJER 29:13EZK 1:1MAT 16:18ACT 2:3REV 4:1In this sermon, the preacher recounts his experience of struggling to preach in a church and feeling bound by the powers of hell. He then decides to seek the help of praying men from Baravas, including a young boy named Donald McPhail who had a powerful experience with the Holy Spirit. When they come to pray with him, the preacher notices that Donald is closer to God than he is. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's power and not dictating terms of revival, as well as the transformative impact of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.
The Genuine Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.5K27:48GEN 22:2LEV 1:9MAT 6:7ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ROM 12:11CO 6:19PHP 1:21JAS 4:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering ourselves completely to God, drawing parallels between the burnt offering in Leviticus and the surrender of our lives to God as seen in Romans 12:1. It warns against seeking imitation fires or fake experiences in charismatic churches, stressing the need for genuine surrender and devotion to God to receive the true baptism of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives and frees from sin and worldly desires.
Upon This Rock
By Vance Havner1.8K27:16Promises Of God1KI 18:211KI 19:12JER 2:36MAT 6:33MAT 27:51MAT 28:2ACT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the sunset and listen to the birds during the depression. He references Jesus' example of finding a solitary place to pray and encourages listeners to make time for prayer and reflection. The preacher also highlights the danger of being caught up in the rat race and urges people to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits.
Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 8
By A.W. Tozer1.8K20:25PrayerACT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the past when rationing on gasoline was lifted and everyone rushed to get a full tank. He acknowledges that spiritual matters cannot be reduced to formulas, but rather require a leap of faith and a daring pursuit of God. The preacher appeals to turn away from the world's self-confidence, arrogance, and love of material possessions, and instead seek God's wisdom and spirit. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to speak to the listeners and for them to have a desire to know Him deeply.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K47:40ChristMAL 3:1ACT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He refers to the book of Malachi, which speaks of a messenger of the covenant and the Lord suddenly coming to his temple. The preacher suggests that this prophecy was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost. He explains that the Holy Spirit acted as a refiner, purifying the believers and bringing them into a new dimension. The preacher emphasizes that the Holy Spirit broke down barriers of tradition, nationalism, race, geography, and religion, expanding the believers' horizons to embrace the world.
The Spirit and the Word Change Us
By Zac Poonen1.3K57:09GEN 1:2JER 15:19MAT 8:8MRK 11:23ACT 2:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's promptings and allowing our tongues to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. Drawing parallels between Genesis 1 and Acts 2, the speaker highlights the need for daily renewal and transformation through cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The message stresses the power of words spoken under the authority of the Holy Spirit to drive out darkness and obstacles in our lives.
Darkness Has Crossed a Line
By Carter Conlon1.1K45:28GEN 11:1EXO 20:3PSA 104:9PSA 112:1EZK 36:22MAT 27:36LUK 4:12ACT 2:3JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the belief in a forthcoming spiritual awakening in New York City, not due to human efforts but because darkness has crossed a line, challenging the authority and word of God. The speaker draws parallels from biblical stories like Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal and urges the congregation to resist the darkness that challenges God's promises. The message calls for a revival, unity among believers, and a return to the centrality of the Word of God, anticipating a powerful move of the Holy Spirit.
(Church Life) the Value of Church Membership - Part 1
By Mose Stoltzfus6901:00:28ACT 2:3ROM 12:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a young boy and a horse to illustrate the importance of teamwork and unity. He emphasizes the need to be taught by the Lord and led by the Holy Spirit in order to achieve accord. The speaker encourages the audience to leave behind old traditions and follow the word of God through the spirit of God. He also highlights the significance of maintaining a teachable spirit and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The sermon references Matthew chapter 16 and the boldness of Peter in proclaiming the gospel despite opposition and persecution.
1.4 the Moment of Revival
By Colin Peckham68610:08Revival1KI 8:64PSA 119:126MAT 6:33ACT 2:3In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of witnessing the presence of God in meetings and conventions. He recounts a specific incident where he handed over the meeting to a Japanese interpreter who led the congregation in seeking God. As people began to cry out and seek God, the atmosphere became filled with a sense of divine activity. The speaker also shares another experience in Japan where pastors and ministers humbled themselves before God, praying and weeping in His presence. These experiences serve as a reminder of the need for divine activity and a call for people to seek God earnestly.
Choose Fire
By G.W. North6031:25:02Holy Spirit1CH 29:232CH 1:1MAT 3:11LUK 12:49ACT 2:3HEB 12:29In this sermon, the preacher continues the theme of fire from the previous night. He emphasizes that Jesus Christ came to send fire, which represents holiness in every aspect of our lives. The preacher refers to the book of Zechariah, where it is stated that the purpose of the fire is to bring holiness to all areas of our lives. Moving on to the second book of Chronicles, the preacher focuses on Solomon, who became king and was greatly blessed by God. The sermon highlights the importance of seeking God's presence and allowing Him to magnify us in our lives.
Cd Gv510 Unser Missionarischer Auftrag Eng - Germ 1.5.1986
By George Verwer56000:001KI 18:371KI 19:4ACT 2:3EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share despite not speaking the audience's language. The main topic of the sermon is knowing God, which is essential for world missions and evangelism. The speaker recommends two books on the subject: "Knowing God" by James Packer and a recently published book on the attributes of God by A.W. Tozer. The speaker shares personal experiences of encountering God's presence and witnessing answered prayers, which strengthened their faith. The sermon also touches on the story of Elijah, highlighting how even great men of God can experience discouragement and depression, but God provides comfort and sustenance. The sermon concludes with a story of a ship called Lagos, which has spread the word of God to millions of people but recently faced a dangerous fire incident that miraculously did not result in any casualties.
Consuming Fire
By George Verwer53958:34Christian LifeEXO 3:2EXO 13:211KI 18:38MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ACT 2:3HEB 12:29In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of faith and the challenges he faced in his search for truth. He initially questioned the exclusivity of Christianity and explored various religions. However, his encounter with the evangelist Billy Graham and hearing the simple message of the gospel transformed his life. The speaker reflects on his struggles with sin, including lying, gambling, and hatred, and how these habits controlled him. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for everyone to recognize their sinfulness and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The Supernatural Today
By A.C. Valdez Sr.461:05:41Supernatural ManifestationsLast Days RevivalDAN 11:32MAT 1:20MAT 2:9JHN 1:48ACT 2:3HEB 1:14A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the relevance of supernatural occurrences in today's world, drawing parallels between biblical events and modern manifestations of God's power. He shares personal experiences of divine encounters, including angelic visitations and miraculous healings, asserting that the same Holy Spirit active in the New Testament is present today. Valdez encourages believers to deepen their relationship with God through prayer and the Holy Spirit to withstand the increasing pressures of the Antichrist in these last days. He believes that as the world faces greater challenges, the Church will witness even more significant manifestations of God's power and the ministry of angels. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of Pentecostal power to equip believers for the trials ahead.
Fire From Heaven (Matt. Iii. 11)
By Seth Rees0ACT 2:3Seth Rees preaches about the powerful symbolism of fire in the Bible, representing God's presence, glory, and purification. He emphasizes the need for the Holy Ghost fire to cleanse and purify believers, removing impurities and transforming hearts. Rees highlights the importance of making a wholehearted offering to God, free from human dependencies, in order to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He stresses the necessity of personal surrender and petitioning to God for the divine fire to fall, bringing about a supernatural transformation and conviction among skeptics.
Pleading for the Fire.
By J. Tudor Rees0PSA 51:10EZK 36:26MAL 3:2ACT 2:32CO 5:17J. Tudor Rees shares the powerful testimony of a young man who experienced deep anguish and distress in his soul, feeling as if all feelings had been swept away. Through a divine encounter with a railway-guard and a heartfelt conversation with 'Mag' Phillips, the young man's icy heart was thawed by the Sun of Righteousness, leading to a mutual blessing. Despite initial relief, clouds of depression lingered until the Fire fell upon him the next morning, igniting a lasting transformation.
The Peculiarity of Revival
By Colin Peckham0PSA 51:10PSA 85:6EZK 36:26MAL 3:3MAT 3:11ACT 2:3HEB 12:29JAS 4:81PE 1:7REV 3:20Colin Peckham preaches on the peculiarity of revival, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the true fire of God to break and transform us. The fire of God illuminates the Word, making it come alive and enabling us to share its living message with others. It also cleanses us, purifying and removing unwanted matter as we sit under the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the fire of God unifies the church, causing hearts to melt and bringing about genuine unity. Lastly, the fire of God attracts and melts our hearts, leading to powerful encounters with God that result in repentance, forgiveness, and transformation.
The Spirit of Fire
By Samuel Chadwick0LEV 9:24NUM 3:4MAT 3:11LUK 12:49ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ROM 12:111CO 3:13HEB 12:29JUD 1:23Samuel Chadwick preaches about the significance of fire as a symbol of God's presence and approval, emphasizing the importance of true worship and devotion. He warns against offering 'strange fire' in place of God's fire, which leads to spiritual death and the secularization of the sanctuary. Chadwick highlights the necessity of the Holy Ghost fire in the Church, describing it as the ultimate gift of God that brings moral and spiritual passion, transforming believers into burning and shining lights for Christ. He stresses that true religion is characterized by fervent devotion, righteousness, and a consuming desire to save the lost, and that the Church's power lies in being clothed with the zeal of the Holy Ghost.
The Pentecostal Life
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ACT 19:2ROM 8:1ROM 8:16ROM 8:261CO 2:10REV 12:11Samuel Chadwick preaches on the profound experience of being the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for a reverential awe and a deep realization of God's indwelling presence. He shares his personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the immediate results of peace, joy, and empowerment that came with the Pentecost experience. Chadwick explains the distinction between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and regeneration, stressing the importance of seeking the fullness of the Spirit for power, service, and effective witnessing. He delves into the certainty of revelation, the vitality in prayer, and the transformative power that comes with being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Fire and the Blessing It Brings
By Andrew Murray0Baptism Of FirePresence of GodMAT 3:11LUK 3:16ACT 1:5ACT 2:3Andrew Murray emphasizes the essential need for the true presence of God in Christianity today, highlighting the significance of the Baptism of Fire. He explains that while John the Baptist could preach about repentance and the coming of Jesus, he could not impart the Baptism of Fire, which is crucial for a profound experience of God's presence. This Baptism, which Jesus could only provide after His sacrifice, fills believers with the Holy Spirit and renews their entire being. Murray stresses that this divine fire brings a deep awareness of God's presence, transforming lives and empowering faith.
The Mark of Anointing
By Gareth Evans0EXO 3:22KI 2:14EZK 10:1ACT 2:3Gareth Evans preaches on the mark of Anointing, focusing on the significance of the burning coals from the presence of the Glory in Ezekiel, symbolizing an anointing upon God's saints for deliverance. He draws parallels to instances of fire in the Bible representing God's presence and anointing, emphasizing the need for ministers to operate under God's anointing. Gareth highlights the story of Isaiah being cleansed and anointed by a burning coal, emphasizing the importance of being touched by God to minister effectively.
Simeon's Farewell to the World
By John Piper0ISA 42:6ISA 49:6LUK 1:15LUK 2:29ACT 2:3ROM 9:32ROM 11:11ROM 11:19EPH 5:181PE 2:6John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing of the era of the law and the prophets, welcoming Jesus as the fulfillment of their faith. Luke emphasizes the importance of continuity between the old and new eras, showing that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts is seen as a continuation of the Spirit's work in the old era, highlighting the unity between the two. Simeon's prophecy reveals that salvation will extend beyond Israel to all nations, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's plan for redemption.
Is Magnetic, Attractive
By Seth Rees0EXO 3:2JER 20:9LUK 12:49ACT 2:3HEB 12:29Seth Rees addresses the challenge faced by Protestantism in reaching the masses, highlighting the futile attempts to attract people through money, eloquent ministers, new church buildings, and various worldly tactics. He emphasizes the need for a spiritual awakening where ministers humble themselves, rely on the Holy Spirit, and allow God's fire to ignite their hearts and churches, drawing people in without the need for sensationalism or human strategies.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Cloven tongues like as of fire - The tongues were the emblem of the languages they were to speak. The cloven tongues pointed out the diversity of those languages; and the fire seemed to intimate that the whole would be a spiritual gift, and be the means of bringing light and life to the souls who should hear them preach the everlasting Gospel in those languages. Sat upon each of them - Scintillations, coruscations, or flashes of fire, were probably at first frequent through every part of the room where they were sitting; at last these flashes became defined, and a lambent flame, in the form of a cloven tongue, became stationary on the head of each disciple; a proof that the Spirit of God had made each his temple or residence. That unusual appearances of fire were considered emblems of the presence and influence of God, both the Scriptures and the Jewish writings amply prove. Thus God manifested himself to Moses, when he appointed him to deliver Israel, Exo 3:2, Exo 3:3; and thus he manifested himself when he delivered the law on Mount Sinai, Exo 19:16-20. The Jews, in order to support the pretensions of their rabbins, as delivering their instructions by Divine authority and influence, represent them as being surrounded with fire while they were delivering their lectures; and that their words, in consequence, penetrated and exhilarated the souls of their disciples. Some of the Mohammedans represent Divine inspiration in the same way. In a fine copy of a Persian work, entitled Ajaceb al Makhlookat, or Wonders of Creation, now before me, where a marred account of Abraham's sacrifice, mentioned Gen 15:9-17, is given, instead of the burning lamp passing between the divided pieces of the victim, Gen 15:17, Abraham is represented standing between four fowls, the cock, the peacock, the duck, and the crow, with his head almost wrapped in a flame of lambent fire, as the emblem of the Divine communication made to him of the future prosperity of his descendants. The painting in which this is represented is most exquisitely finished. This notion of the manner in which Divine intimations were given was not peculiar to the Jews and Arabians; it exists in all countries; and the glories which appear round the heads of Chinese, Hindoo, and Christian saints, real or supposed, were simply intended to signify that they had especial intercourse with God, and that his Spirit, under the emblem of fire, sat upon them and became resident in them. There are numerous proofs of this in several Chinese and Hindoo paintings in my possession; and how frequently this is to be met with in legends, missals, and in the ancient ecclesiastical books of the different Christian nations of Europe, every reader acquainted with ecclesiastical antiquity knows well. See the dedication of Solomon's temple, Ch2 7:1-3. The Greek and Roman heathens had similar notions of the manner in which Divine communications were given: strong wind, loud and repeated peals of thunder, coruscations of lightning, and lambent flames resting on those who were objects of the Deities regard, are all employed by them to point out the mode in which their gods were reported to make their will known to their votaries. Every thing of this kind was probably borrowed from the account given by Moses of the appearance on Mount Sinai; for traditions of this event were carried through almost every part of the habitable world, partly by the expelled Canaanites, partly by the Greek sages travelling through Asiatic countries in quest of philosophic truth: and partly by means of the Greek version of the Septuagint, made nearly three hundred years before the Christian era. "A flame of fire seen upon the head of any person was, among the heathens, considered as an omen from their gods that the person was under the peculiar care of a supernatural power, and destined to some extraordinary employment. Many proofs of this occur in the Roman poets and historians. Wetstein, in his note on this place, has made an extensive collection of them. I shall quote but one, which almost every reader of the Aeneid of Virgil will recollect: - Talia vociferans gemitu tectum omne replebat: Cum subitum, dictuque oritur mirabile monstrum. Namque manus inter, maestorumque ora parentum. Ecce levis summo de vertice visus Iuli Fundere lumen apex, tactuque innoxia molli Lambere flamma comas, et circum tempora pasci. Nos pavidi trepidare metu, crinemque flagrantem Excutere, et sanctos restinguere fontibus ignes. At pater Anchises oculos ad sidera laetus Extulit, et coelo palamas cum voce tetendit: Jupiter omnipotens - Da auxilium, pater, atque haec omina firma. Virg. Aen. ii. v. 679. While thus she fills the house with clamorous cries, Our hearing is diverted by our eyes; For while I held my son, in the short space Betwixt our kisses and our last embrace, Strange to relate! from young Iulus' head, A lambent flame arose, which gently spread Around his brows, and on his temples fed. Amazed, with running water, we prepare To quench the sacred fire, and slake his hair; But old Anchises, versed in omens, rear'd His hands to heaven, and this request preferr'd: If any vows almighty Jove can bend, Confirm the glad presage which thou art pleased to send. Dryden. There is nothing in this poetic fiction which could be borrowed from our sacred volume; as Virgil died about twenty years before the birth of Christ. It may be just necessary to observe, that tongue of fire may be a Hebraism: for in Isa 5:24, לשון אש leshon esh, which we render simply fire, is literally a tongue of fire, as the margin very properly has it. The Hebrews give the name of tongue to most things which terminate in a blunt point: so a bay is termed in Jos 15:2, לשן lashon, a tongue. And in Jos 15:5, what appears to have been a promontory is called לשון הים leshon hayam, a tongue of the sea. It sat upon each - That is, one of those tongues, like flames, sat upon the head of each disciple; and the continuance of the appearance, which is indicated by the word sat, shows that there could be no illusion in the case. I still think that in all this case the agent was natural, but supernaturally employed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
cloven tongues, like as of fire, &c.--"disparted tongues," that is, tongue-shaped, flame-like appearances, rising from a common center or root, and resting upon each of that large company:--beautiful visible symbol of the burning energy of the Spirit now descending in all His plenitude upon the Church, and about to pour itself through every tongue, and over every tribe of men under heaven!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,.... An emblem of the various tongues and languages, in which they were to preach the Gospel; these appearances were like flames of fire parted, and these parted flames looked like tongues; so, a flame of fire is with, the Jews called, , "a tongue of fire", Isa 5:24 hence the Apostle James compares a tongue to fire, Jam 3:6 this was the baptism with fire, John the Baptist speaks of; see Gill on Mat 3:11; and the Jews say (t), "the holy blessed God baptizeth with fire, and the wise shall understand. Through this baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, the apostles became more knowing, and had a greater understanding of the mysteries of the Gospel, and were more qualified to preach it to people of all nations and languages. The Holy Spirit, in his gifts and graces, is compared to fire, because of its purity, light, and heat, as well as consuming nature; the Spirit sanctifies, and makes men pure and holy, purges from the dross of sin, error and superstition; and enlightens the minds of men, and gives them knowledge of divine and spiritual things; and fills them with zeal and fervour for the glory of God and Christ, and the good of his church and interest, and for the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel; as well as fortifies them against their enemies, whom he consumes, according to Zac 2:5 a passage of Scripture the Jews make use of in an uncommon sense; for they say (u), that as "Jerusalem was destroyed by fire, "by fire it shall be built again"; as it is said, Zac 2:5 "For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about". The pouring forth of the Spirit upon the apostles, in this form of cloven tongues, as of fire, was indeed the means of rebuilding Jerusalem, in a spiritual sense; or of founding the Gospel church state in the world: and it sat upon each of them; the fire, or the Holy Ghost in the appearance of fire. The Syriac and Arabic versions read, "and they sat upon each of them"; and so Beza's most ancient copy; that is, the cloven tongues sat on them; either one upon one of them and another upon another, or many upon each of them: where they sat, whether on their lips, or on their heads, it not certain, probably on the latter; nor how long they sat; however, their sitting upon them may denote the continuance of the gifts and graces of the Spirit with them. These cloven tongues cannot but bring to mind the division and confusion of the tongues or languages at Babel; which gave rise to different nations, and different religions; but these divided tongues gave rise to the spreading of the Gospel, and settling the true religion among the nations of the world. The Jews (w) seem to have respect to this account, when they tell us of. "lights from above, that came forth and dwelt in the synagogues, "on the heads" of those that prayed, and the lights "were divided" upon their heads. (t) R. Menachem in Lev. viii. apud Ainsworth in Gen. xvii. 12. (u) T. Hieros. Taaniot, fol. 65. 3. Seder Tepillot, fol. 23. 2. Ed. Basil. (w) Zohar in Num. fol. 79. 2.