“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4
When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples at Pentecost, something extraordinary happened—they began speaking in “tongues.” But what exactly were these tongues? And why does it matter?
The Greek word used in Acts 2 is glōssa, which can mean either a physical tongue or a spoken language. In this context, it clearly refers to actual human languages, because Scripture tells us that people from every nation under heaven heard the disciples speaking in their native dialects. (Acts 2:6–11) This was no accident. God was making a bold statement: The Gospel is for everyone, and His message would not be limited by geography, ethnicity, or language barriers.
Some believers hold a different view—that these tongues were unknown or heavenly languages, similar to what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 14. After all, Acts 2:13 notes that some onlookers mocked the event, suggesting the speech wasn’t fully understood by everyone. Paul later wrote, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him.” (1 Corinthians 14:2) This opens the door to another dimension of tongues: mysteries spoken in the Spirit, beyond human comprehension.
So, which was it on Pentecost—known languages or heavenly tongues?
Well, we know Acts 2 is a historical event rooted in real languages that fulfilled a specific prophetic purpose. Joel had prophesied this centuries earlier: “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh… and it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:28) This prophecy wasn’t vague. Peter quoted it directly, affirming that what was happening before their eyes was the beginning of God’s promise to make His Spirit available to all people—not just the prophets and priests, but young and old, male and female, servant and free.
What began as a multilingual Gospel explosion at Pentecost would work to spread the Gospel across the globe. This particular gift of tongues was a spiritual filling that worked a defined and direct purpose: to bring glory to God and carry out His Great Commission.
So, why does something that happened 2,000 years ago matter to us today?
My friend, God’s Spirit CAN (and WILL) enable you to communicate His truth across barriers, or lift you into prayer beyond the limits of your mind. Whether it’s evangelism, discipleship, or even guidance in the most seemingly mundane decisions of your life, God’s Spirit will empower your thoughts, words, and actions. But to experience this miracle, we must fully surrender every area of our life.
“[T]he Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
The day of Pentecost reminds us that God wants to fill ordinary people with His Spirit so His message reaches not only every corner of the earth, but also every hidden chamber of our own heart. Don’t get distracted by theological debates over speaking in tongues. Instead, ask yourself: Am I yielded to the Spirit?
God still uses ordinary people to declare extraordinary truths.
Reflection Thought:
Am I fully available for God to use—my voice, my life, my gifts—for His glory? Take time today to pray, “Lord, fill me with Your Spirit.” Ask God to make you a vessel for His voice, whether through evangelism, prayer, or service. Write down any barriers you feel—fear, doubt, insecurity—and surrender each one to Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for pouring out Your Spirit on all flesh. Thank You for the miracle of Pentecost that clearly displayed Your power. I believe Your miracles are still happening today. I pour out my life to You today as an offering. Fill me with Your Spirit. Help me to THINK, SPEAK, and LIVE the Gospel by the power of Your Spirit. Give me boldness and love. Make my life a witness to Your power and grace. Use my voice, my gifts, and every moment and resource for Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
