Acts 2:3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

◄ Acts 2:3 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

English Standard Version
And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

New American Standard Bible
And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

International Standard Version
They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated, and one rested on each of them.

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

Douay-Rheims Bible
And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them:

Darby Bible Translation
And there appeared to them parted tongues, as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them.

Young's Literal Translation
and there appeared to them divided tongues, as it were of fire; it sat also upon each one of them,

Cross References

Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. but he that comes 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.

Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

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Alighted Appeared Assembly Asunder Cloven Distributed Distributing Divided Fire Flames Head Parted Parting Rest Rested Resting Sat Seemed Separated Themselves Tongue Tongues

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

2:1-4 We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them there were strifes among the disciples which should be the greatest; but now all these strifes were at an end. They had prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit poured out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as there were among those disciples, let us agree to love one another; for where brethren dwell together in unity, there the Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind came with great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and working of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby upon the world. Thus the convictions of the Spirit make way for his comforts; and the rough blasts of that blessed wind, prepare the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an appearance of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them, according to John Baptist's saying concerning Christ; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled with the graces of the Spirit, and more than ever under his sanctifying influences; more weaned from this world, and better acquainted with the other. They were more filled with the comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears were swallowed up. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation, but as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

3. cloven tongues, like as of fire, &c.—"disparted tongues," that is, tongue-shaped, flame-like appearances, rising from a common center or root, and resting upon each of that large company:—beautiful visible symbol of the burning energy of the Spirit now descending in all His plenitude upon the Church, and about to pour itself through every tongue, and over every tribe of men under heaven!