“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”
When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language — the crowd's confusion (syneggisen, confused) is the inverse of Pentecost's purpose: understanding is restored. Each hearing their own language (idia dialektos, native tongue/dialect) is the miracle; not that one person speaks many languages, but many people hear one message in their own idiom. This is Gospel accessibility and God's respect for human particularity.
Church Fathers on Acts 2:6
And, it says, there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men. Acts 2:5 The fact of their dwelling there was a sign of piety: that being of so many nations they should have left country, and home, and relations, and be abiding there. For, it says, There were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was reported abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded. Acts 2:6 Since the event had taken place in a house, of…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!