Acts 2:11

KJV

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cretes {G2912} and {G2532} Arabians {G690}, we do hear {G191} them {G846} speak {G2980} in our {G2251} tongues {G1100} the wonderful works {G3167} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Jews by birth and proselytes; Jews from Crete and from Arabia. . . ! How is it that we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things God has done?”

Berean Standard Bible

both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

American Standard Version

Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:11 captures the profound astonishment of a diverse multitude gathered in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, as they witnessed Galilean disciples miraculously speaking in their own native languages. This pivotal moment underscored the Holy Spirit's immediate and powerful work, enabling the proclamation of God's magnificent deeds and redemptive acts to a global audience, breaking down linguistic barriers from the very inception of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:11 is situated within the dramatic and foundational narrative of the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in [Acts chapter 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). The chapter opens with the gathered disciples experiencing the sudden arrival of the Holy Spirit, marked by the sound of a rushing mighty wind and the appearance of cloven tongues like fire resting on each of them ([Acts 2:2-3](/acts/2-2-3 "Acts 2:2-3 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). Immediately thereafter, they are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enables them ([Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - Speaking in Other Tongues")). This miraculous phenomenon draws a large, curious crowd composed of devout Jews and proselytes from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Devout Jews from Every Nation")). The preceding verses describe the crowd's utter amazement and confusion, as each person hears the apostles speaking in their own native dialect ([Acts 2:6-8](/acts/2-6-8 "Acts 2:6-8 - Everyone Hears in Their Own Language")). Acts 2:11 specifically names "Cretes and Arabians" as part of this diverse audience, highlighting the breadth of the Spirit's reach and the universal nature of the message being proclaimed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, along with Passover and Sukkot. It occurred fifty days after Passover and commemorated both the wheat harvest and, traditionally, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. As such, Jerusalem would have been teeming with Jewish pilgrims and proselytes from across the vast Roman Empire and beyond, including regions like Crete (a large island south of Greece, known for its distinct culture) and Arabia (referring to the Nabataean kingdom or other Arabian territories to the east and south of Judea). This diverse gathering meant a multitude of languages and dialects were spoken in the city. The miracle of speaking in tongues directly addressed this linguistic diversity, enabling immediate comprehension of the Gospel message by people who would otherwise have struggled to understand Galilean Aramaic or Greek. This context underscores the divine intention for the Gospel to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers from its very beginning.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:11 powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Acts chapter 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") and the broader book. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Empowerment and Miraculous Communication**. The disciples, ordinary Galileans, are supernaturally enabled by the Holy Spirit to speak in previously unlearned languages, a clear sign of God's direct intervention and power. This miraculous communication ensures that the message is heard and understood by all, demonstrating God's desire for all people to hear His truth. Secondly, the inclusion of "Cretes and Arabians" among those who heard the message in their own "tongues" highlights the **Universality of the Gospel**. From its very inception, the Good News of Jesus Christ is shown to be for all peoples, breaking down the linguistic and cultural divisions that had historically separated humanity, foreshadowing the global mission of the church as outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth"). Finally, the content of their miraculous speech—"the wonderful works of God"—emphasizes the **Proclamation of God's Redemptive Acts**. This phrase refers to God's magnificent deeds throughout salvation history, culminating in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is a clear and compelling declaration of God's sovereign plan of redemption, a theme central to Peter's subsequent sermon in [Acts 2:22-36](/acts/2-22-36 "Acts 2:22-36 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** The Greek word _glōssa_ primarily means "tongue" (the organ of speech), but by implication, it refers to a "language," especially one naturally unacquired. In the context of Acts 2, it denotes distinct, identifiable human languages, not ecstatic utterances. The miracle was that the apostles were speaking in foreign languages they had never learned, allowing the diverse crowd to hear the message in their own native dialects.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience to, to come to the ears, or to understand. In Acts 2:11, it emphasizes the auditory reception and comprehension of the message by the "Cretes and Arabians." They were not merely hearing sounds, but understanding the content of the apostles' speech in their own mother tongues, underscoring the clarity and directness of the Spirit-empowered communication.
* **wonderful works (Greek, _megaleîos'_):** Derived from _megas_ ("great"), _megaleîos_ means "magnificent," "great things," "conspicuous favor," or "perfection." When used in the neuter plural, as here (_megaleia_), it denotes "mighty acts," "magnificent deeds," or "awe-inspiring works." This term conveys a sense of majesty and awe, referring not just to good deeds but to the extraordinary, powerful, and miraculous interventions of God in human history, particularly through Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cretes and Arabians,"**: This phrase specifically names two distinct groups among the diverse multitude gathered in Jerusalem. Crete was a large island south of Greece, while Arabia referred to the region inhabited by Arabs, likely the Nabataean kingdom, east and south of Judea. Their inclusion highlights the vast geographical and cultural reach of the audience, emphasizing that people from distant and varied backgrounds were present and witnessed this miraculous event.
* **"we do hear them speak in our tongues"**: This clause expresses the profound astonishment and clarity of understanding experienced by the foreign visitors. The miracle was not that the listeners understood a single language, but that the apostles were speaking in multiple, distinct "tongues" or languages, each person hearing the message in their own native dialect. This direct, unmediated communication bypassed all linguistic barriers, making the Gospel immediately accessible.
* **"the wonderful works of God."**: This final phrase reveals the profound content of the Spirit-inspired speech. The "wonderful works of God" (Greek: _megaleia tou Theou_) refers to God's magnificent, awe-inspiring, and mighty acts throughout salvation history. This would include His creation, His covenant with Israel, His deliverance of His people, and supremely, His redemptive work through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, culminating in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was a clear, compelling, and Christ-centered proclamation of God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:11, within the broader Pentecost narrative, employs several powerful literary devices. The scene itself presents a striking **Divine Reversal** of the Tower of Babel ([Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1-9 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel")), where God confused human languages as a judgment, scattering humanity. At Pentecost, God supernaturally overcomes linguistic barriers, uniting diverse peoples through a shared understanding of His "wonderful works," thus foreshadowing the global unity of the church. There is also an element of **Irony** in the fact that uneducated Galileans are suddenly endowed with the ability to speak fluently in complex foreign languages, confounding the learned pilgrims. The description of the crowd's reaction, "we do hear them speak in our tongues," emphasizes the **Verisimilitude** and undeniable nature of the miracle, as it is attested by the very people experiencing it. Furthermore, the phrase "wonderful works of God" serves as a **Theological Summary**, encapsulating the entire scope of God's redemptive activity, from creation to the Christ event and the giving of the Spirit, inviting awe and worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:11 stands as a foundational moment, demonstrating God's sovereign initiative to bridge the divide between humanity and Himself, and among humanity itself. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the miraculous speaking in tongues signify the inauguration of the new covenant era, where God's Spirit is poured out on all flesh, not just a select few. This event underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, revealing God's heart for all nations to hear and understand His redemptive message. It signifies the breaking down of barriers—linguistic, cultural, and ethnic—that had previously separated people, laying the groundwork for the universal church, a new humanity united in Christ. The "wonderful works of God" proclaimed are not merely historical facts but a living testimony to God's ongoing power and faithfulness, culminating in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

* [Genesis 11:7](/genesis/11-7 "Genesis 11:7 - The Confusion of Tongues at Babel")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Holy Spirit")
* [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's transformative power and the universal scope of the Gospel. For believers today, it challenges us to consider how we are participating in God's mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or language. Just as the Spirit empowered the early disciples to communicate across linguistic divides, He empowers us to overcome cultural, social, and ideological barriers in sharing the "wonderful works of God." This verse encourages us to be sensitive to the diverse "tongues" or ways of understanding in our contemporary world, adapting our communication without compromising the core message of God's redemptive acts in Christ. It calls us to pray for and participate in global missions, supporting efforts to translate the Bible and proclaim the Gospel in every language, ensuring that all may hear and comprehend the magnificent story of God's love and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the miraculous communication at Pentecost challenge our assumptions about effective evangelism in a diverse world?**
* **In what "tongues" or cultural contexts do we need to learn to speak to effectively share the "wonderful works of God" with those around us?**
* **How does the unity of diverse peoples at Pentecost inform our understanding of the church's role in breaking down societal barriers today?**
* **What "wonderful works of God" have you personally experienced or witnessed that you are called to proclaim to others?**

### FAQ
**What does "the wonderful works of God" specifically refer to in Acts 2:11?**

Answer: In Acts 2:11, "the wonderful works of God" (Greek: _megaleia tou Theou_) refers to God's magnificent, awe-inspiring, and mighty acts throughout salvation history, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While it broadly encompasses God's power in creation and His covenant dealings with Israel, in the context of Peter's sermon that immediately follows, it primarily points to the climactic events of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These are the ultimate demonstrations of God's power and love, fulfilling His ancient promises and inaugurating the new covenant age. The apostles were proclaiming the Gospel message, centered on Christ's saving work, as the supreme "wonderful work of God."

**Was the speaking in tongues at Pentecost the same as the gift of tongues described elsewhere in the New Testament?**

Answer: The speaking in tongues at Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") is specifically described as the apostles speaking in distinct, identifiable human languages (e.g., "Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues"), which the diverse crowd understood without interpretation. This served as a clear sign to unbelievers, demonstrating God's power and the universal reach of the Gospel. While the broader "gift of tongues" mentioned in [1 Corinthians 12-14](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts") can also refer to human languages, it often appears to include ecstatic utterances that require interpretation for the edification of the church ([1 Corinthians 14:27-28](/1_corinthians/14-27-28 "1 Corinthians 14:27-28 - Orderly Use of Tongues")). While both are manifestations of the Holy Spirit, the emphasis at Pentecost was on immediate, miraculous cross-cultural communication for evangelistic purposes, whereas in Corinthians, the focus is more on the orderly use of spiritual gifts for internal church edification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:11, with its proclamation of "the wonderful works of God," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Holy Spirit, whose outpouring enabled this miraculous communication, was promised by Jesus Himself as the "Helper" who would come after His departure ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper")). Peter's sermon immediately following this event explicitly connects the Spirit's outpouring directly to Christ's exaltation, declaring that Jesus, "being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing" ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exaltation of Christ and the Spirit's Outpouring")). Thus, the "wonderful works of God" that Cretes and Arabians heard were fundamentally the great redemptive acts of God accomplished through Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension. The miraculous reversal of linguistic barriers, which began at Pentecost, foreshadows the ultimate unity of all peoples in Christ, where He has broken down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating one new humanity from diverse backgrounds, all called to worship God in spirit and truth through the power of the Spirit, testifying to the finished work of the Lamb of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

1 Corinthians 12:10

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Jeremiah 25:24

And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,

Psalms 26:7

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Titus 1:12

One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Job 9:10

Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.