Acts 2:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they were {G4130} all {G537} filled {G4130} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, and {G2532} began {G756} to speak with {G2980} other {G2087} tongues {G1100}, as {G2531} the Spirit {G4151} gave {G1325} them {G846} utterance {G669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

Berean Standard Bible

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:4 describes the pivotal moment on the Day of Pentecost when the gathered disciples, numbering about 120, were supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit. This divine indwelling resulted in their immediate ability to speak in diverse human languages previously unknown to them, a phenomenon directly orchestrated and enabled by the Spirit's sovereign will, marking the dramatic inauguration of the Church's global mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of the introductory narrative in Acts 2, immediately following the description of the Spirit's arrival as a "sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind" and "cloven tongues like as of fire" resting upon each of them (Acts 2:2-3). It is the direct fulfillment of Jesus' command in [Acts 1:4-5](/acts/1-4-5 "Acts 1:4-5 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit") to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, and His subsequent declaration that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The events of Acts 2:4 set the stage for Peter's sermon, which follows, explaining the meaning of this miraculous outpouring and leading to the conversion of thousands (Acts 2:14-41).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event occurred on the Day of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, celebrated fifty days after Passover. This meant Jerusalem was teeming with devout Jews from "every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5), speaking a multitude of languages. This historical setting is crucial, as the miracle of speaking in "other tongues" was not merely a private spiritual experience but a public, verifiable sign that enabled the Gospel message to be understood by a diverse, international audience in their native languages (Acts 2:6-11). The timing also symbolically links the giving of the Spirit to the giving of the Law at Sinai, presenting the new covenant as a spiritual reality written on hearts.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:4 powerfully introduces several foundational themes for the book of Acts and Christian theology. The most prominent is **the Outpouring and Empowerment of the Holy Spirit**, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies like [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring") and Jesus' promises in [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Helper"). This filling is not merely an emotional experience but a divine equipping for witness and mission. Another key theme is **the Unity in Diversity of the Church**, as people from various linguistic backgrounds are united by the Spirit to hear and understand the Gospel. Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the speaking in tongues was not a human effort but entirely "as the Spirit gave them utterance," underscoring God's active role in initiating and sustaining His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** This word signifies being completely pervaded or furnished, not merely a partial filling. In this context, it denotes a comprehensive, empowering indwelling of the Holy Spirit, implying a divine saturation that enables supernatural abilities. It is often used in Acts to describe an empowering for specific tasks or prophetic speech (e.g., [Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Acts 4:8 - Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit")).
* **tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** While _glōssa_ can refer to the physical organ, in this context, especially when combined with _héteros_ ("other"), it unequivocally means distinct human languages. The subsequent verses (Acts 2:6-11) confirm this interpretation, as the diverse crowd heard the apostles speaking in their native dialects, proclaiming "the wonderful works of God."
* **utterance (Greek, _apophthéngomai'_):** This strong verb means to enunciate plainly, declare, or speak forth with authority. It often carries the connotation of inspired or prophetic speech, suggesting that what the disciples spoke was not random babbling but divinely inspired proclamation. The Spirit was not merely enabling sound but providing the content and clarity of the message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost":** This clause describes the immediate and universal experience of the 120 disciples present. The passive voice ("were filled") emphasizes that this was a divine act, not something they achieved by human effort. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) is presented as a distinct divine person, the source of this supernatural empowerment, fulfilling Jesus' promise.
* **"and began to speak with other tongues":** This details the primary, observable manifestation of being filled with the Spirit. The phrase "began to speak" indicates the commencement of a new, Spirit-enabled capacity. "Other tongues" specifies that these were languages distinct from their native Aramaic or Greek, enabling cross-cultural communication.
* **"as the Spirit gave them utterance":** This crucial phrase clarifies the source and nature of the phenomenon. It underscores that the ability to speak these languages, and the content of what was spoken, was entirely a gift and direct enablement from the Holy Spirit. It was not a learned skill, nor was it a spontaneous, uncontrolled outburst, but a divinely directed and purposeful communication.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 2:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological significance. The preceding verses (Acts 2:2-3) use **Symbolism** with the "rushing mighty wind" and "cloven tongues like as of fire," which visually and audibly represent the invisible, powerful, and purifying presence of the Holy Spirit. The phrase "other tongues" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "tongues" (the organ of speech) stands for the "languages" spoken. The entire verse functions as a powerful example of **Divine Causation**, where the Holy Spirit is explicitly presented as the active agent and enabler of the miraculous speech, emphasizing God's direct intervention in human affairs and His sovereign control over the communication of His message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:4 is foundational for understanding the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the Church. It marks the shift from the Spirit's intermittent presence in the Old Testament to His permanent indwelling and empowering of all believers in the New Covenant era. This event signifies the inauguration of the Church as the Spirit-empowered body of Christ, equipped for global mission. The speaking in tongues, in this context, served as a powerful sign to both believers and unbelievers, validating the divine origin of the message and demonstrating God's desire to reach all nations. It underscores that the Spirit's filling is for purpose—to enable believers to proclaim the "wonderful works of God" and bear witness to Jesus Christ.

* [Isaiah 44:3](/isaiah/44-3 "Isaiah 44:3 - God Pours Water on the Thirsty")
* [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:4 profoundly reminds us that the Christian life is not to be lived in human strength or wisdom, but in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as the early disciples were filled and empowered for their mission, so too are believers today called to live Spirit-filled lives. This filling is not a one-time event but an ongoing invitation to yield to the Spirit's control, allowing Him to equip us for witness, service, and a deeper understanding of God's truth. While the specific manifestation of speaking in tongues as seen on Pentecost was unique in its historical context, the underlying principle of divine empowerment for effective communication of the Gospel remains paramount. We are called to be channels through whom God's message can be heard and understood, transcending barriers of culture, language, and worldview, all by the Spirit's enabling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit?**
* **How does the account of Pentecost challenge or affirm your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the Church today?**
* **What "utterance" is the Spirit giving you to speak forth in your current context, and how can you better yield to His leading?**

### FAQ
**Was the speaking in tongues on Pentecost the same as the gift of tongues described by Paul in 1 Corinthians?**

Answer: While both phenomena are referred to as "speaking in tongues" (_glōssolalia_), the nature and purpose described in Acts 2:4 appear distinct from some aspects of the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians. In Acts 2, the "other tongues" were clearly identifiable human languages (Acts 2:6-11), understood by the diverse crowd, serving as a miraculous sign for evangelism and validating the Spirit's outpouring. Paul, in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy and Tongues"), discusses a gift of tongues that can be a prayer language (1 Corinthians 14:2), may require interpretation to be edifying to the church (1 Corinthians 14:5, 13), and is presented as a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). While both are supernatural gifts of the Spirit, the Pentecost event emphasized the immediate, miraculous communication of the Gospel across linguistic barriers, whereas Paul's discussion includes personal edification and a need for interpretation within the assembly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:4 represents the glorious fulfillment of Christ's promise to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, after His ascension. Jesus had assured His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans but would send "another Helper" who would dwell with them and be in them ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Helper")). The outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost is a direct consequence of Christ's completed work of redemption—His death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God. It is from His exalted position that Jesus "received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost" and "hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear" ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Peter's Sermon on the Resurrection")). Thus, the Spirit's coming is a tangible manifestation of Christ's continued presence and power, empowering His Church to carry on His mission of making disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The speaking in tongues, therefore, is not merely a spectacular event but a Christ-ordained sign of the new covenant, enabling the proclamation of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, thereby extending Christ's reign and redemptive work through His Spirit-filled body.

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

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Corinthians 14:21

¶ In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:23

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

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: