Acts 2:11
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both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
DESCENT OF THE SPIRIT--THE DISCIPLES SPEAK WITH TONGUES--AMAZEMENT OF THE MULTITUDE. (Act 2:1-13) when the day of Pentecost was fully come--The fiftieth from the morrow after the first Passover sabbath (Lev 23:15-16). with one accord--the solemnity of the day, perhaps, unconsciously raising their expectations.
Open source ↗Between the promise of the Messiah (even the latest of those promises) and his coming many ages intervened; but between the promise of the Spirit and his coming there were but a few days; and during those days the apostles, though they had received orders to preach the gospel to every creature, and to begin at Jerusalem, yet lay perfectly wind-bound, incognito - concealed, and not offering to preach. But in this chapter the north wind and the south wind awake, and then they awake, and we have them in the pulpit presently. Here is, I. The descent of the Spirit upon the apostles, and those that were with them, on the day of pentecost (Act 2:1-4). II. The various speculations which this occasioned among the people that were now met in Jerusalem from all parts (Act 2:5-13) III. The sermon which Peter preached to them hereupon, wherein he shows that this pouring out of the Spirit was the accomplishment of an Old Testament promise (Act 2:14-21), that it was a confirmation of Christ's being the Messiah, which was already proved by his resurrection (Act 2:22-32), and that is was a fruit and evidence of his ascension into heaven (Act 2:33-36). IV. The good effect of this sermon in the conversion of many to the faith of Christ, and their addition to the church (Act 2:37-41). V. The eminent piety and charity of those primitive Christians, and the manifest tokens of God's presence with them, and power in them (Act 2:42-47).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
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Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.
He does great things beyond searching out, and wonders without number.
and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert;
We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed.
God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites.
He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.