Acts 2:3
They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
They saw
The phrase "They saw" indicates a visual experience shared by the disciples. In the Greek, the word used is "ὤφθησαν" (ōphthēsan), which means to appear or to be seen. This suggests a divine revelation, as the disciples are witnessing something extraordinary. The act of seeing here is not just physical but spiritual, as it marks the beginning of a new era in the church where the Holy Spirit becomes visibly active in the lives of believers.

tongues
The word "tongues" in Greek is "γλῶσσαι" (glōssai), which can mean both the physical organ and languages. In this context, it refers to the miraculous ability to speak in different languages, symbolizing the universality of the Gospel. This event reverses the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), uniting people under the message of Christ.

like flames of fire
The imagery of "flames of fire" is significant in biblical symbolism. Fire often represents God's presence, purity, and judgment. In the Old Testament, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and led the Israelites with a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). Here, the fire signifies the Holy Spirit's purifying and empowering presence, ready to ignite the disciples' mission.

that separated
The phrase "that separated" indicates the individual distribution of the Holy Spirit's power. The Greek word "διαμεριζόμεναι" (diamerizomenai) means to divide or distribute. This suggests that the Holy Spirit's gifts are given uniquely to each believer, emphasizing the personal relationship each has with God and the diverse roles within the body of Christ.

and came to rest
The phrase "and came to rest" implies a settling or dwelling. The Greek word "ἐκάθισεν" (ekathisen) means to sit or to dwell. This signifies the Holy Spirit's permanent indwelling in the believers, fulfilling Jesus' promise of the Comforter who would abide with them forever (John 14:16-17). It marks the transition from the Old Covenant, where the Spirit came upon individuals temporarily, to the New Covenant, where the Spirit resides within believers.

on each of them
The phrase "on each of them" highlights the personal and individual experience of the Holy Spirit's presence. It underscores the inclusivity of the Spirit's outpouring, as every believer, regardless of status or background, receives the same divine empowerment. This democratization of the Spirit's presence fulfills Joel's prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28-29), signifying the birth of the church and the beginning of its global mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Disciples
The primary recipients of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, gathered in one place as instructed by Jesus.

2. Jerusalem
The city where the event of Pentecost took place, a significant location for Jewish festivals and early Christian gatherings.

3. Pentecost
A Jewish feast occurring fifty days after Passover, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

4. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, whose presence is manifested through the tongues of fire.

5. Upper Room
The likely location where the disciples were gathered, symbolizing a place of prayer and waiting.
Teaching Points
The Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents God's presence, purity, and power. Just as fire refines and purifies, the Holy Spirit works in believers to sanctify and empower them for service.

Unity and Diversity in the Spirit
The tongues of fire rested on each disciple individually, yet they were all together in one place. This illustrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, where each member is uniquely gifted by the Spirit.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The event of Pentecost fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the outpouring of the Spirit, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.

Empowerment for Witness
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses for Christ. Just as the disciples were transformed from fearful followers to bold proclaimers, we too are called to share the Gospel with courage.

The Importance of Waiting on God
The disciples were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit. This teaches us the importance of patience and reliance on God's timing and provision in our spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of fire in Acts 2:3 enhance our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of a believer?

2. In what ways does the event of Pentecost fulfill the prophecies found in the Old Testament, and how does this strengthen our faith in God's promises?

3. How can we, as modern-day believers, experience the unity and diversity of the Spirit within our local church communities?

4. What are some practical ways we can wait on God and seek His guidance in our daily lives, as the disciples did before Pentecost?

5. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit enable us to overcome fear and boldly share our faith with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:2
The burning bush where God speaks to Moses, symbolizing God's presence and calling.

Matthew 3:11
John the Baptist's prophecy about Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire.

1 Kings 18:38
Elijah's encounter with God through fire, demonstrating God's power and presence.

Joel 2:28-29
The prophecy of God's Spirit being poured out on all people, fulfilled at Pentecost.

Hebrews 12:29
Describes God as a consuming fire, emphasizing His holiness and purifying presence.
A New Manifestation of the Divine SpiritD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
A Whitsunday MeditationA. Mackennal, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
Are We Ready for Spiritual PowerT. J. Longhurst.Acts 2:1-4
Awaking to TruthTheodore T. Munger.Acts 2:1-4
Belief in the Holy GhostC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
Effect of the Holy SpiritActs 2:1-4
Holy Spirit: the Method of His Bestowment UnrevealedH. W. Beecher.Acts 2:1-4
It's No' Bilin'Acts 2:1-4
PentecostC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
PentecostDean Vaughan.Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost -- the First-FruitsGeorge Deane, D. Sc.Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost a Spiritual Spring FeastGerok.Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost; Or, the First Christian DayA. J. Morris.Acts 2:1-4
Revival Preceded by PrayerT. De Witt Talmage.Acts 2:1-4
Revivals -- Occasional ThingsT. H. Skinner.Acts 2:1-4
Revivals of ReligionC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
Spiritual Influence from Another WorldM. G. Pearse.Acts 2:1-4
Sudden Revivals ExplainedC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
The Advent of the SpiritThe Study and the PulpitActs 2:1-4
The Baptism of the Spirit ExperiencedC. G. Finney, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Baptism of the Spirit: its EffectsArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 2:1-4
The Coming of the Holy SpiritJames Freeman Clarke.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostBaxter Dickinson.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostB. Dickinson, M. A.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of PentecostH. Allon, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Day of Pentecost: the Manifestation of the SpiritR.A. Redford Acts 2:1-4
The Descending SpiritG. H. Parkhurst, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Descent of the SpiritD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Epoch of the Spiritual DispensationE. Johnson Acts 2:1-4
The Feast of HarvestC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
The Fitness of the Day of PentecostDean Plumptre.Acts 2:1-4
The Gift of Pentecost the Best Gift of GodGerok.Acts 2:1-4
The Gift of the Spirit Dependent Upon ConditionsJ. Marshall Mather.Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit IndispensableT. Guthrie, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Holy Spirit NeededC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 2:1-4
The Outpouring of the SpiritJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Outpouring of the SpiritJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Outward Unity of the Pentecostal ChurchG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The Pentecostal OutpouringFamily ChurchmanActs 2:1-4
The Sending of the Holy GhostBp. Andrewes.Acts 2:1-4
The Symbols of the Spirit's PresenceR. Tuck Acts 2:1-4
The Time of the Spirit's Outpouring Proves the Unity of the Two DispensationsG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 2:1-4
The White Sunday (Children's SermonJ. Vaughan, M. A.Acts 2:1-4
Waiting Where the Spirit is Likely to ComeJ. W. Harrald.Acts 2:1-4
Whir-SundayF. W. Brown.Acts 2:1-4
The Coming of God in PowerW. Clarkson Acts 2:1-13
The Day of Pentecost, and its Immediate GiftsP.C. Barker Acts 2:1-41
PentecostA. Maclaren, D. DActs 2:2-3
Pentecostal SeasonsRay Palmer, D. D.Acts 2:2-3
Symbols of the SpiritGerok.Acts 2:2-3
The Building Up of the FamilyDean Goulburn.Acts 2:2-3
The EchoA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 2:2-3
The Fourfold Symbols of the SpiritA. Maclaren, D. DActs 2:2-3
The Necessity of the FireW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 2:2-3
The Sound from Heaven an Answer to PrayerApostolic PastorActs 2:2-3
The Tongues of FireW. B. Pope, D. D.Acts 2:2-3
The Tongues of FireG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 2:2-3
Tongues of FireW. Denton, M. A.Acts 2:2-3
Tongues of FireJ. C. Jones, D. D.Acts 2:2-3
Tongues of FireBp. Hacket.Acts 2:2-3
Tongues of Fire: Different Kinds OfR. Steer, D. D.Acts 2:2-3
True EloquenceJ. C. Jones.Acts 2:2-3
WhitsundayW. Clarkson, B. A.Acts 2:2-3
People
Arabians, David, Elam, Elamites, Israelites, Joel, Parthians, Peter
Places
Asia, Cappadocia, Crete, Cyrene, Egypt, Jerusalem, Judea, Libya, Mesopotamia, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Pontus, Rome
Topics
Alighted, Appeared, Assembly, Asunder, Cloven, Distributed, Distributing, Divided, Fire, Flames, Parted, Parting, Rest, Rested, Resting, Sat, Separated, Themselves, Tongue, Tongues
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 2:3

     4826   fire

Acts 2:1-4

     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church
     4804   breath
     7361   Feast of Weeks
     8145   renewal, people of God

Acts 2:1-11

     5374   languages
     7755   preaching, importance

Acts 2:1-12

     1444   revelation, NT

Acts 2:1-13

     5345   influence
     7757   preaching, effects
     8817   ridicule, objects of

Acts 2:1-21

     4544   wine
     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Acts 2:1-41

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 2:2-3

     1670   symbols

Acts 2:2-4

     3120   Holy Spirit, descriptions

Acts 2:2-11

     1450   signs, kinds of

Acts 2:3-4

     5193   tongue

Library
November 25 Evening
Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.--ACTS 2:21. Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, and he reared up altars for Baal. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.--And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 3 Evening
Things which are despised, hath God chosen.--I COR. 1:28. Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? Jesus, . . . saw two brethren, . . . casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me.--Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 4. "They were all Filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4).
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. 4). Blessed secret of spiritual purity, victory and joy, of physical life and healing, and all power for service. Filled with the Spirit there is no room for self or sin, for fret or care. Filled with the Spirit we repel the elements of disease that are in the air as the red-hot iron repels the water that touches it. Filled with the Spirit we are always ready for service, and Satan turns away when he finds the Holy Ghost enrobing us in His garments
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Pentecost
Text: Acts 2, 1-13. 1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Monday
Text: Acts 2, 14-28. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works. This and the following epistle text are too long to consider here, as they contain so many beautiful quotations from the Old Testament, which should not be passed over too briefly. Hence their discussion is reserved for their proper place.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Pentecost Tuesday
Text: Acts 2, 29-36. Only the text, without a sermon, is printed in the edition of 1559 of Luther's works.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Name Above Every Name
'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.'--ACTS ii. 36. It is no part of my purpose at this time to consider the special circumstances under which these words were spoken, nor even to enter upon an exposition of their whole scope. I select them for one reason, the occurrence in them of the three names by which we designate our Saviour--Jesus, Lord, Christ. To us they are very little more than three proper
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Fourfold Cord
'And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' --ACTS ii. 42. The Early Church was not a pattern for us, and the idea of its greatly superior purity is very largely a delusion. But still, though that be true, the occasional glimpses that we get at intervals in the early chapters of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles do present a very instructive and beautiful picture of what a Christian society may be, and therefore of what Christian
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Pure Church an Increasing Church
'And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.'--ACTS ii. 47. 'And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved.'--(R. V.) You observe that the principal alterations of these words in the Revised Version are two: the one the omission of 'the church,' the other the substitution of 'were being saved' for 'such as should be saved.' The former of these changes has an interest as suggesting that at the early period referred to the name of 'the church' had not yet been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments
'And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Peter's First Sermon
'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, 35. Until I make Thy foes Thy footstool. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ
"Him, being by the determined will and foreknowledge of God given up, through the hand of lawless men, ye affixed to a cross and slew."--ACTS II. 23. St. Paul places this in the very forefront of that gospel which, as it had been delivered to him, so he in his turn had delivered to the Corinthians, that "Christ died for our sins." Neglecting all, deeper interpretations of this, it is at least clear that in the apostle's mind there was the closest and most intimate connexion between the death of
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Necessity and Benefits of Religious Society
Eccles. 4:9-12 -- "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe be to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Among the many reasons assignable for the sad decay of true Christianity, perhaps the neglecting
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Great Assize
[i.e., The Last Judgment -- GL] [21] "We shall all stand before the judgement-seat of Christ." Rom. 14:10. 1. How many circumstances concur to raise the awfulness of the present solemnity! -- The general concourse of people of every age, sex, rank, and condition of life, willingly or unwillingly gathered together, not only from the neighboring, but from distant, parts; criminals, speedily to be brought forth and having no way to escape; officers, waiting in their various posts, to execute the orders
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Means of Grace
"Ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Mal. 3:7. I. 1. But are there any ordinances now, since life and immortality were brought to light by the gospel? Are there, under the Christian dispensation, any means ordained of God, as the usual channels of his grace? This question could never have been proposed in the apostolical church, unless by one who openly avowed himself to be a Heathen; the whole body of Christians being agreed, that Christ had ordained certain outward means,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Pricked in their Heart
Peter's discourse was not distinguished by any special rhetorical display: he used not the words of man's wisdom or eloquence. It was not an oration, but it was a heart-moving argument, entreaty, and exhortation. He gave his hearers a simple, well-reasoned, Scriptural discourse, sustained by the facts of experience; and every passage of it pointed to the Lord Jesus. It was in these respects a model of what a sermon ought to be as to its contents. His plea was personally addressed to the people who
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Baptism of the Spirit
And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.' (Acts ii. 2, 4.) The Holy Ghost is the active force in all spiritual life. It is, therefore, important that we should realize the close connexion between the experience of Holiness and that 'Promise of the Father' for which the early disciples were to wait. All followers of Jesus should realize, as truly as the disciples did on that historic day, that their day of Pentecost
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Promises of the Christian Home.
"The promise is unto you, and to your children." ACTS II., 39. "Parent who plantedst in the joy of love, Yet hast not gather'd fruit,--save rankling thorns, Or Sodom's bitter apples,--hast thou read Heaven's promise to the seeker? Thou may'st bring Those o'er whose cradle thou didst watch with pride, And lay them at thy Savior's feet, for lo! His shadow falling on the wayward soul, May give it holy health. And when thou kneel'st Low at the pavement of sweet Mercy's gate, Beseeching for thine erring
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
This is subject enough for volumes. There is scarcely a text in the Bible but what has been perverted by some one confused by the fogs of Babylon. Perhaps you can not find two individuals in the whole of sectism that see "eye to eye" upon the whole truth. To mention all the erroneous teachings of apostates would be almost impossible. However we believe it to be compatible with this work and to the glory of God to mention and refute a few of the false doctrines that have been most effectual in obscuring
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian?
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

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