Acts 2:3

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And {G2532} there appeared {G3700} unto them {G846} cloven {G1266} tongues {G1100} like as {G5616} of fire {G4442}, and {G5037} it sat {G2523} upon {G1909} each {G1538}{G1520} of them {G846}.

Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which separated and came to rest on each one of them.

They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

Commentary

Context

Acts 2:3 describes a pivotal moment in Christian history, occurring on the Day of Pentecost, approximately 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The disciples, numbering about 120, were gathered together in one place in Jerusalem, awaiting the fulfillment of Jesus' promise concerning the Holy Spirit (as recorded in Acts 1:8). This event marks the birth of the church and the commencement of the New Covenant era, where the Holy Spirit would indwell believers, not just visit or empower select individuals as in the Old Testament.

Key Themes

  • Visible Manifestation of the Holy Spirit: The appearance of "cloven tongues like as of fire" was a dramatic, observable sign of God's divine presence and the Holy Spirit's descent. It served as a clear, undeniable signal to those present that the promised Helper had arrived.
  • Empowerment for Proclamation: The imagery of "tongues" directly precedes the disciples speaking in other languages (Acts 2:4), indicating the Spirit's enablement for global evangelism. The fire symbolizes purification, zeal, and the illuminating power of God's truth.
  • Personal Indwelling: The phrase "it sat upon each of them" emphasizes that the Holy Spirit was not merely poured out generally, but personally rested upon every individual believer present. This highlights the intimate and personal nature of the New Covenant relationship with God, where each believer receives the Spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "cloven tongues" comes from the Greek word diamerizomenai glossai (διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι). Diamerizomenai means 'distributed' or 'divided into parts,' implying that what appeared was not a single tongue that split, but rather distinct, individual manifestations that were distributed to each person. This reinforces the idea of the Spirit's personal endowment. The description "like as of fire" (hosei puros) indicates a visual resemblance, not literal burning fire, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the appearance.

Practical Application

Acts 2:3 reminds believers today that the Holy Spirit is a real, active, and empowering presence. Just as the Spirit equipped the early disciples for their mission, He continues to empower believers for witness and service in the world. This verse encourages us to recognize and rely on the Holy Spirit for spiritual gifts, understanding, and boldness to effectively share the Gospel. The personal nature of the Spirit's indwelling means that every believer has direct access to God's power and guidance, enabling them to live a life that glorifies Him and participates in His ongoing work.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:11 (17 votes)

    I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

  • John 1:32 (7 votes)

    And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

  • John 1:33 (7 votes)

    And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

  • Jeremiah 23:29 (6 votes)

    [Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces?

  • Isaiah 11:2 (4 votes)

    And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

  • Isaiah 11:3 (4 votes)

    And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

  • Acts 2:4 (4 votes)

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.