Acts 2:4
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To speak with other tongues - At the building of Babel the language of the people was confounded; and, in consequence of this, they became scattered over the face of the earth: at this foundation of the Christian Church, the gift of various languages was given to the apostles, that the scattered nations might be gathered; and united under one shepherd and superintendent (επισκοπος) of all souls. As the Spirit gave them utterance - The word αποφθεγγεσθαι seems to imply such utterance as proceeded from immediate inspiration, and included oracular communications.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they . . . began to speak with . . . tongues, &c.--real, living languages, as is plain from what follows. The thing uttered, probably the same by all, was "the wonderful works of God," perhaps in the inspired words of the Old Testament evangelical hymns; though it is next to certain that the speakers themselves understood nothing of what they uttered (see on 1Co. 14:1-25).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,.... With the gifts of the Holy Spirit; they had received the Spirit before, as a Spirit of grace, and were endowed with great gifts; but now they had great plenty of them, a large abundance; they were like vessels filled to the brim; they were as it were covered with them; there was an overflow of them upon them; and now it was, that they were baptized with him; See Gill on Act 1:5. Not only the twelve apostles, but the seventy disciples; and it may be all the hundred and twenty, that were together, even women as well as men: Act 2:17. And began to speak with other tongues; besides, and different from that in which they were born and brought up, and usually spake; they spake divers languages, one spoke one language, and another, another; and the same person spoke with various tongues, sometimes one language, and sometimes another. These are the new tongues, Christ told them they should speak with, Mar 16:17 such as they had never heard, learned, nor known before: as the Spirit gave them utterance; they did not utter anything of themselves, and what came into their minds, things of little or no importance; nor in a confused and disorderly manner; but they were wise and weighty sentences they delivered, as the word signifies; even the wonderful works of God, Act 2:11 the great doctrines of the Gospel; and though in different languages, yet in a very orderly and distinct manner, so as to be heard and understood by the people. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, "as the Holy Spirit", &c.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit: This event marks the coming of the Holy Spirit to fill Jesus’ disciples, as he had promised, so that they could be powerful witnesses (1:4-5, 8). The Spirit’s wisdom, energy, and power were the driving force behind the church’s work and witness (e.g., 2:14-41, 43; 4:31; 9:17, 20; 13:9-12; see also Eph 5:18). • began speaking in other languages: The Holy Spirit gave extraordinary communication that made it possible for people from other countries to hear in their own languages about what God had done (Acts 2:6-11). This passage is one of several references to speaking in “other languages” or “tongues” (see also 10:44-48; 19:6; 1 Cor 14:2-28, 39). Here, this supernatural gift reveals the energizing presence of God’s Spirit and inaugurates the proclamation of the Good News to people of every nation.
Acts 2:4
The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
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
Authority Over Demons
By Corrie Ten Boom52K53:31Spiritual WarfareMAT 28:19MRK 16:15MRK 16:20ACT 1:9ACT 2:4ACT 28:3In this sermon, Corey Ten Boom shares her personal experiences of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. She recounts a time when she was in a concentration camp and witnessed the cruelty and hatred in people's hearts. Despite the fear and nervousness of the prisoners, Corey encouraged them to have faith in the power of the gospel and the authority given to believers by Jesus. She emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and relying on Jesus to do the work through us. Corey references Mark 16 in the Bible, where Jesus commands his disciples to go and proclaim the gospel, drive out evil spirits, speak in new tongues, and lay hands on the sick for healing. She concludes by urging listeners to share these powerful messages with others.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman32K43:51Holy Spirit BaptismGEN 41:38LUK 24:45JHN 14:12ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 10:44In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previous beliefs were wrong to his oldest son, who had been taught to respect his father's word. Miss Coleman emphasizes the bondage that many people are in, whether it be spiritual darkness or being bound by organizations or sin. She also mentions the joy and freedom that comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit's work, particularly through holy laughter. Overall, the sermon highlights the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and breaking free from any bondage that hinders our relationship with God.
Concerning Spiritual Gifts
By Smith Wigglesworth18K33:22Audio BooksMAT 6:33ACT 2:4ROM 10:9ROM 14:92CO 12:1EPH 5:18COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the secret of power, which is the unveiling of Christ within us. He uses the story of Peter and John encountering a crippled man at the beautiful gate to illustrate this point. The preacher highlights the importance of faith in God and the belief that there is no limit to what God can do. He also emphasizes the need for believers to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and to not become stagnant in their spiritual journey.
Deliverance to the Captives
By Smith Wigglesworth12K17:34Audio BooksMAT 12:43MRK 16:15LUK 1:1LUK 4:18ACT 1:4ACT 2:42CO 10:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of encountering a man who was distressed and believed he had committed the unpardonable sin. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the preacher commands the lying spirit to leave the man, and he is set free. The sermon then focuses on the power of Jesus to bring deliverance to the captives, as mentioned in Luke 4:18. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus is the source of forgiveness, healing, and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by highlighting the ongoing ministry of Jesus through those who are filled with His Spirit.
Anahiem Talk on Revival
By Leonard Ravenhill12K1:12:33RevivalISA 6:5MAT 14:13JHN 2:13ACT 2:4REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response from the congregation by asking if anyone wanted to be saved or healed. When no one responded to the question of salvation, a woman raised her hand when asked about healing. The preacher then brings a boy with a deep shoe onto the platform and declares himself as Jesus' ambassador. The congregation is asked to pray, and everyone participates, demonstrating unity. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to know God and do exploits, rather than being consumed by worldly distractions like watching sports on TV. The sermon concludes with a reference to Isaiah 6:7-8, where the prophet Isaiah is cleansed and commissioned by God.
Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill10K29:56ProphetJHN 3:16JHN 14:2ACT 2:4ACT 2:372TI 4:32PE 1:20REV 5:6In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a powerful impact on the audience, causing soldiers and the general public to cry out and seek guidance on what to do. The preacher also highlights the significance of Jesus' baptism and the proclamation made by John the Baptist, declaring Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The sermon concludes with a reference to a historical event in Northern Ireland in 1922, where a revival occurred, bringing about a spiritual awakening.
Book of Acts - Short Overview
By Jim Cymbala9.7K04:16OverviewACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 2:42ACT 4:29ACT 4:33ACT 9:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of fervent prayer and bold proclamation of the Word of God in the face of opposition. The story of Peter and John being threatened by the religious establishment and their subsequent prayer for boldness and divine help is highlighted. The speaker emphasizes that the same principles of prayer and proclamation are still relevant for Christians today. The sermon also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and producing strong leadership in the early church.
Either Pentecost or Holocaust
By Leonard Ravenhill8.7K1:12:00HolinessEXO 13:21ACT 2:4ACT 2:36ROM 12:2HEB 12:29In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of God leading the children of Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. He emphasizes that our God is a consuming fire, highlighting the power and presence of God. The speaker then shifts to discussing Peter's preaching, noting that it was powerful, pointed, and painful. He shares an anecdote about a little boy demonstrating the importance of watching and praying. The sermon concludes with a story about a small gathering where the speaker is encouraged by a message from his father about a woman and her son with a physical ailment, prompting him to preach a simple salvation message and offer healing.
Today Inherit the Mind of Christ
By Kathryn Kuhlman8.6K28:09Mind of ChristMAT 3:16MAT 6:33LUK 4:18JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They highlight the significance of Jesus being God in the flesh and how he revealed the clearest understanding of God. The speaker then focuses on the baptism of Jesus, explaining that it was a moment when all three persons of the Trinity were present. They emphasize the joy and power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit and how it is a part of every Christian's inheritance. The sermon concludes by discussing the Holy Spirit's relationship with God the Father and the Son, highlighting the importance of understanding this relationship in the Word of God.
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin
By Zac Poonen8.3K52:06Law Of The Holy Spirit2SA 24:24PSA 51:3MAT 7:21MAT 12:24MAT 16:17ACT 2:4HEB 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of learning to swim to illustrate this point, explaining that just as someone who has learned to swim can teach others, mature Christians should be able to teach and guide others in their faith. The speaker also highlights the difference between "milk" and "solid food" in the Christian message, with milk representing the basic message of forgiveness of sins and solid food representing the word of righteousness and holiness. He urges listeners to discern between good and evil, not just in a worldly sense, but also in terms of living a life that reflects the way Jesus lived on earth.
Baptism of Repentance
By Leonard Ravenhill8.3K1:25:30RepentanceGEN 6:3MAT 3:11MRK 1:8ACT 1:5ACT 2:4ROM 6:41CO 12:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difference between walking in a normal regenerate state and walking in the power of the Holy Ghost. He highlights the radical transformation that occurs when someone is born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker uses the analogy of a rocket launch to illustrate the power of fire, comparing it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He also shares a testimony of a woman named Miss Swan who captivated a bored and tired congregation with her passionate testimony. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the biblical way of shining is through burning, which signifies being completely surrendered to God's will.
(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 1- the Success of the First Century Church
By B.H. Clendennen6.9K56:34ApostolicEXO 15:23LUK 10:17ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 2:41ACT 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal witness for Christ. They highlight that while television, radio, and printed materials are valuable tools for spreading the gospel, nothing can replace the impact of a personal testimony. The speaker mentions a survey that found that only one person in a thousand is in the church because of television, while 98% of people come to church because someone personally shared their faith with them. The sermon also emphasizes the need for believers to actively engage in sharing the gospel with others, rather than relying solely on financial contributions or media outreach. The speaker shares examples of the power of the gospel to transform lives and communities, and encourages listeners to have a deep love for Jesus as their motivation for sharing the good news.
Finishing the Course Well
By J. Oswald Sanders6.3K1:04:36Finishing WellISA 54:2JHN 1:14JHN 1:50ACT 2:41CO 9:24EPH 3:201TI 4:72TI 4:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive observers. He compares our tendency to be "TV athletes" who watch sports without actually participating, to how many of us approach our spiritual lives. The speaker encourages us to have a single-minded focus on our relationship with God and to pour all of our energy and effort into it. He gives examples of individuals who achieved great things by dedicating themselves to a specific goal, and challenges us to have the same ambition in our Christian walk.
What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?
By A.W. Tozer5.2K44:58Holy SpiritMRK 16:15ACT 1:4ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 2:41ACT 4:31ACT 5:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of wonder and vague sense of reality that many people live by. He then tells a story about the disciples and how the Holy Spirit brought a change in their lives. The Holy Spirit gave them a sense of joy and transformed their emotional tone. The preacher contrasts the lack of joy in the Four Gospels with the abundance of joy in the book of Acts. He also criticizes the idea of trying to bring the world into the church without regeneration or sanctification. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to have a separation that allows them to see another world and to have the authority to proclaim the message of God. He also comments on the superficial attempts to find joy in dance halls and rock and roll sessions.
Christian Responsibility
By Alan Redpath5.1K57:56ResponsibilityMAT 10:34LUK 9:23ACT 2:4ACT 13:38ACT 13:46ACT 13:48In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the word of God in order to shine for Jesus and experience the reality of Christ. The disciples in the early church were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit after preaching the word of God. The speaker suggests that simply having intellectual knowledge or a theological training is not enough to truly know Jesus, but rather it requires a personal commitment to Him. The sermon also includes a story about a tightrope walker and a little boy, illustrating the importance of trust and faith in Jesus.
Dry Valleys Filled With Water
By Duncan Campbell4.5K40:55Spirit Of GodGEN 2:102KI 3:10MAT 6:33ACT 2:4ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of two young girls who had a conviction and a vision from God. The speaker recounts how he knelt beside one of the girls as she poured out her heart in tears, believing that God would not disappoint them. Meanwhile, the speaker also shares another story of 14 young men who gathered to decide on the amount of whiskey to bring to a parish event. One of the men had a strange conviction that it would be the last time alcohol would come to the parish. The speaker then draws a parallel between these stories and the need for spiritual revival in the church today, emphasizing the importance of having the living water of God's presence and power. The sermon concludes with a call to make our hearts and lives like valleys full of ditches, ready to receive the outpouring of God's Spirit.
The Great and Final Separation
By David Wilkerson4.2K47:282CH 7:14MRK 13:37ACT 2:42CO 6:171TI 4:12TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and being separated from the world. He challenges the congregation to examine their commitment to living a strict Christian life and not being swayed by worldly desires. The preacher acknowledges that while 95% of the Christian life may be good, it is the remaining 5% that can be detrimental. He also highlights the decline of Christianity in modern times and urges believers to stir themselves and long for the coming of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus loved sinners and calls for personal transformation and a commitment to live out the preached message.
A Certain Disciple
By Paris Reidhead4.0K53:38DiscipleACT 2:4ACT 9:10EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman in Scotland who desired to go to China as a missionary but couldn't due to her responsibilities at home. One day, she encounters a young boy named Bobby who is in need of clothes because his father sold them for alcohol. The woman takes it upon herself to buy Bobby new clothes and invites him to Sunday school. Eventually, Bobby accepts Jesus into his heart and expresses a desire to become a missionary. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being in tune with God and being available to hear His voice.
He Is a Jealous Lover
By A.W. Tozer3.8K51:21Jealousy Of GodEXO 33:18MAT 5:48ACT 2:41CO 2:101CO 3:19PHP 3:15COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being perfect and thinking in alignment with God's word. He mentions that those who reason differently will face consequences from God. The preacher also introduces the concept of three models: being forward and backward, doing God's will alone, and being a jealous lover of God. He talks about the need for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a return to New Testament Christianity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true worship and service to God do not require fancy equipment or gadgets, but rather a sincere heart and a willingness to pray.
Submitting to Christ's Sovereignty
By Alan Redpath3.6K42:08SubmissionMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:47JHN 14:20ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ROM 10:9In this sermon, the speaker explains that the story of humanity is one of rebellion against God's authority. Man chose to run his own life and make the world his playground instead of submitting to God. As a result, God sent Jesus Christ to live a God-centered life and save humanity from the consequences of their rebellion. The speaker emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and accepting his principles, as this leads to salvation and a complete revolution of one's life.
Resources Which Must Be Received
By Alan Redpath3.6K53:16ResourcesJHN 7:38ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ROM 8:91CO 2:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:17EPH 5:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of the Christian life and the need for young people to understand that following Jesus is not just about having fun and games. He believes that young people should be presented with the gospel as total warfare, rather than a happy and easy life. The speaker also highlights the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian and in the church, as there is no substitute for the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He encourages the audience to learn the secret of steadiness in their Christian walk, even in ordinary circumstances, and to rely on God's fullness to remain steady in the midst of storms and pressures.
Samson - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.4K26:29SamsonJDG 16:282SA 6:14PSA 119:83EZK 37:1JHN 20:22ACT 2:4ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of dying to oneself and surrendering to God's plans. He emphasizes that true success comes from God's triumph and that He will raise up those who are obedient to Him. The speaker also highlights the need for holy anger and jealousy for God's glory, as seen in the example of Samson. He encourages the audience to have a holy indignation towards the sin and injustice in the world and to seek an anointing that will glorify God.
Habitation!
By Leonard Ravenhill3.2K51:59PSA 96:1PSA 100:4MAT 6:33MAT 17:21JHN 1:1ACT 2:4ACT 3:8ACT 4:18EPH 1:17EPH 3:201TI 2:1JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure of a church service and the different elements that make up the first three hours and the second three hours. The first three hours are dedicated to praise, adoration, and thanksgiving, while the second three hours focus on preparation, supplication, and intercession. The speaker emphasizes the importance of each individual's contribution to the service, whether it be through singing a psalm or hymn, sharing a personal experience, or gaining new insights from the Word of God. The sermon also touches on the concept of abiding in Christ and the need for Christians to seek help and support from their Heavenly Father.
What Christ Did for Me (Zac’s Testimony)
By Zac Poonen3.0K1:00:30EXO 22:1MAT 28:19LUK 23:43JHN 7:38ACT 2:42TI 2:151PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the disconnect between the captivating nature of worldly entertainment and the perceived lack of interest in church and sermons. The speaker questions why God, as the creator of intelligence, does not help make church and sermons as interesting as secular television programs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking God's word seriously and ignoring the opinions of others and one's own reasoning. The speaker also shares personal experiences of surrendering ambitions and giving all to God, highlighting the emptiness of worldly pursuits compared to a life dedicated to God.
Humanity of Jesus - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer3.0K39:31Humanity Of JesusISA 42:1MAL 3:10MAT 6:33ACT 2:41CO 13:122CO 3:182TH 1:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of sending out missionaries. He emphasizes that missionaries are sent to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus is described as the perfect example of what God intended for humanity, as he is both fully God and fully man. The preacher highlights that Jesus is the mediator, Lord, advocate, prophet, high priest, savior, and coming king. He also emphasizes that Jesus is the sample man and model man that God had in mind when he created humanity in his image.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To speak with other tongues - At the building of Babel the language of the people was confounded; and, in consequence of this, they became scattered over the face of the earth: at this foundation of the Christian Church, the gift of various languages was given to the apostles, that the scattered nations might be gathered; and united under one shepherd and superintendent (επισκοπος) of all souls. As the Spirit gave them utterance - The word αποφθεγγεσθαι seems to imply such utterance as proceeded from immediate inspiration, and included oracular communications.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they . . . began to speak with . . . tongues, &c.--real, living languages, as is plain from what follows. The thing uttered, probably the same by all, was "the wonderful works of God," perhaps in the inspired words of the Old Testament evangelical hymns; though it is next to certain that the speakers themselves understood nothing of what they uttered (see on 1Co. 14:1-25).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,.... With the gifts of the Holy Spirit; they had received the Spirit before, as a Spirit of grace, and were endowed with great gifts; but now they had great plenty of them, a large abundance; they were like vessels filled to the brim; they were as it were covered with them; there was an overflow of them upon them; and now it was, that they were baptized with him; See Gill on Act 1:5. Not only the twelve apostles, but the seventy disciples; and it may be all the hundred and twenty, that were together, even women as well as men: Act 2:17. And began to speak with other tongues; besides, and different from that in which they were born and brought up, and usually spake; they spake divers languages, one spoke one language, and another, another; and the same person spoke with various tongues, sometimes one language, and sometimes another. These are the new tongues, Christ told them they should speak with, Mar 16:17 such as they had never heard, learned, nor known before: as the Spirit gave them utterance; they did not utter anything of themselves, and what came into their minds, things of little or no importance; nor in a confused and disorderly manner; but they were wise and weighty sentences they delivered, as the word signifies; even the wonderful works of God, Act 2:11 the great doctrines of the Gospel; and though in different languages, yet in a very orderly and distinct manner, so as to be heard and understood by the people. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, "as the Holy Spirit", &c.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4 everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit: This event marks the coming of the Holy Spirit to fill Jesus’ disciples, as he had promised, so that they could be powerful witnesses (1:4-5, 8). The Spirit’s wisdom, energy, and power were the driving force behind the church’s work and witness (e.g., 2:14-41, 43; 4:31; 9:17, 20; 13:9-12; see also Eph 5:18). • began speaking in other languages: The Holy Spirit gave extraordinary communication that made it possible for people from other countries to hear in their own languages about what God had done (Acts 2:6-11). This passage is one of several references to speaking in “other languages” or “tongues” (see also 10:44-48; 19:6; 1 Cor 14:2-28, 39). Here, this supernatural gift reveals the energizing presence of God’s Spirit and inaugurates the proclamation of the Good News to people of every nation.