The Disciples Speak With Other Tongues on Pentecost
Jews of Jerusalem Want to Know About Speaking With Other Tongues
The people of Jerusalem were “amazed” and “marveled” when they heard all the disciples in the Upper Room speaking “with other tongues” “the wonderful works of God.” Therefore, they asked each other, what does this mean?
Today, we shall continue the study of the Book of Acts. We will focus on Acts 2:14 – 36. Wile some of the Jews were curious, other were making light of the even. Many of them mocked the disciples, saying, “these men are filled with new wine,” Acts 2:13.
Frequently, I have seen visitors to the local assembly I attend laughing and amused at the sight of a person moving under the influence of the Holy Ghost. Many of these persons mock, jeer and make fun of the experience. Therefore, the Apostolic Pentecostal experience has always been “different” to many. Nevertheless, the Apostle’s way is the way of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was the comment that the disciples are drunk early in the morning, which motivated Peter’s reply and his second discourse as Chief Apostle. He could not afford the public to leave ignorant of this move of God.
Peter Provides Background Information on Speaking With Other Tongues
“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say,” Acts 2:14, NIV.
Obviously, by now some or all the disciples have stopped speaking with other tongues and moving under the Spirit. Recall, they were all speaking with other tongues but for Peter with the Eleven Apostles, to stand up, to address the crowd means things have subsided.
God has a purpose in everything. The primary purpose, in this instance, was accomplished; the disciples have all received the gift or baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The secondary purpose is what Peter with the Eleven Apostle will accomplish shortly. The intent of the Holy Ghost is to preach the living, risen and ascended Jesus Christ to all the Jews of Jerusalem. By this preaching all the Jews have an opportunity to receive the Promise of the Father, if they believe, evidence by speaking with other tongues and thus receive salvation. Then the Greek will be next to hear the Gospel of Christ.
First, Peter sets the record straight. The Head Apostle told the Jews, the disciples are not drunk as you are speculating because it is too early in the day for drinking, Acts 2:15. However, the Apostle Peter, reminds them, this is that prophecy which the prophet Joel spoke about, Acts 2:16.
That portion of Peter’s Sermon captured by Acts 2:17 – 30 I wrote about in another Bible Study, Promise Fulfilled at Pentecost. It would be redundant to rewrite it here. Please read, that article via the link provided then let us resume at Acts 2:31.
Peter Explains Meaning of Speak With Other Tongues
The Resurrection of Jesus Foretold
I have also written extensively on the prophecy and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I have also provided a link to previous writing, Acts 2:31, NIV.
Continuing with Acts 2:32, Peter continues his preaching by telling the crowd Jesus is risen and they are witnesses that he is alive, Acts 2:32, NIV.
Peter and the disciples are not claiming they witnessed Jesus’ resurrection. Instead, Peter and the Eleven are affirming, that they can attest Jesus is alive and not dead. Jesus was with them forty days after his resurrection and before his ascension. The disciples talked, touched, ate and otherwise interacted with a risen and living Jesus Christ for forty days. Sure, they are witnesses Jesus is alive.
Peter Explained to the Jews the Meaning of the Disciples Speaking With Other Tongues
“Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear,” Acts 2:33, NIV.
Peter continues to explain to the Jews of Jerusalem the meaning of the events of this day. He shows by referring to Scripture (Psalm 110:1) the prophecy that Jesus would ascend into heaven. Jesus Christ being in heaven with all power at his disposal is in a position to fulfill his word concerning the Promise of the Holy Ghost. This speaking with other tongues that you see and hear us doing is a result of the promise that Jesus has sent into our hearts.
Finally, the disciples received the Promise of the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave them “utterance.” The Jews at Jerusalem did not understand what they saw and heard as the disciples spoke with other tongues as they receive the Holy Ghost. Peter explained the prophecies, signs and significance of them receiving the Holy Ghost by speaking with other tongues as the Spirit enabled them
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