Acts (Written)

Monday, 1 November 2021

Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts 2:11

Note: You can listen to today’s introduction courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Luke now finishes his list of the various locations where the people had gathered from. He first notes “Cretans.” Again, as before, the words of Albert Barnes will be quoted, “Crete, now called Candia, is an island in the Mediterranean, about 200 miles in length and 50 in breadth, about 500 miles southwest of Constantinople, and about the same distance west of Syria or Palestine. The climate is mild and delightful, the sky unclouded and serene. By some this island is supposed to be the Caphtor of the Hebrews, Genesis 10:14. It is mentioned in the Acts as the place touched at by Paul, Acts 27:7-8, Acts 27:13. This was the residence of Titus, who was left there by Paul ‘to set in order the things that were missing,’ etc., Titus 1:5. The Cretans among the Greeks were famous for deceit and falsehood. See the notes on Titus 1:12-13. The language spoken there was probably the Greek.”

Barnes notes that Crete was later called Candia. Today, however, the name has returned to “Crete.” Luke finishes his list with “Arabs.”

Today, what we consider Arabia is quite different than before. At the time, there were three places considered Arabia. The first is Arabia Petraea. This was bordered by Egypt on the west; Judea, and Syria to the north; the Red Sea to the south and then Arabia Felix on the east. Arabia Felix was bordered on the north by Petraea, Arabia Deserta, and part of the Persian Gulf; the Gulf of Arabia on the west; the Red Sea on the south, and part of the Persian Gulf on the east. The third is Arabia Deserta, which was bordered on the north by some of Mesopotamia; by Babylonia on the east; on the south by Arabia Felix, and by part of Syria and Arabia Petraea on the west.

With all of these people groups and locations named, Luke next records what they called out, saying that “we hear them speaking in our own tongues.” Now, the term glóssa, signifying “language,” is used. Therefore, these disciples were speaking both the foreign languages, but also the particular dialects within the languages. Whatever was needed to accurately speak to the ears of each person was fluently conveyed. And the substance of what they proclaimed was “the wonderful works of God.”

Here is a word found only once in Scripture, megaleios. It comes from the word megas, or great. Thus, it signifies “great things,” or “mighty works.” What the great things of God are is left unstated, but we can reasonably speculate that their words were centered on the great works of God in Christ.

In the speaking of the tongues, it was evidence that their message was truly from God, who alone could cause the tongues of Galileans to speak fluently as they did.

Life application: As previously noted, what was spoken by these people were actual languages, and they were fluently spoken for their targeted audience. What occurred here is a descriptive passage and is not to be considered normative for the church age. Paul says elsewhere –

“If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. ²⁸ But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:27, 28

Paul’s words are prescriptive. They were given through inspiration by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Any supposed “tongues” uttered in a church that do not meet these requirements are not of God. As Paul wrote these instructions, and as they do not match what occurred in Acts 2, it is plainly evident that what occurred in Acts 2 (and elsewhere in Acts) were one-time events intended for the early establishment of the church. They are descriptive only and are not to be used as a basis for doctrine within the church.

Understanding the purpose of the book of Acts allows the student of the Bible to see how things came about. Being careful to not misapply what is stated in Acts, many unsound doctrines that have arisen within the church will be avoided. Read Acts, enjoy its contents, praise God for how He got things going, and then proceed to the epistles to obtain proper doctrine within the church – to the glory of God who purposed it to be this way.

Lord God, how precious is Your word, and how wonderful are the things it reveals, explains, and teaches. Help us to apply right context in our evaluation of it and help us to properly apply the things You prescribe in that right context. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Sunday, 31 October 2021

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Acts 2:10

Note: You can listen to today’s introduction courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Luke continues the list of those who were present and heard the disciples speaking in their own dialects. As with the previous verse, we will cite the work of Albert Barnes. His descriptions are detailed and provide all that is necessary to know where the people were from. This verse begins with, “Phrygia, and Pamphylia.” Of these, Albert Barnes says, “These were also two provinces of Asia Minor. Phrygia was surrounded by Galatia, Cappadocia, and Pisidia. Pamphylia was on the Mediterranean, and was bounded north by Pisidia. The language of all these places was doubtless the Greek, more or less pure.” Today, these areas are included in the nation of Turkey.

Next, Luke notes “Egypt.” Barnes states, “This was that extensive country, well known, on the south of the Mediterranean, watered by the Nile. It extends 600 miles from north to south, and from 100 to 120 miles east and west. The language used there was the Coptic tongue. At present the Arabic is spoken. Vast numbers of Jews dwelt in Egypt, and many from that country would be present at the great feasts at Jerusalem. In this country the first translation of the Old Testament was made, which is now called the Septuagint.”

After Egypt, it says, “and the parts of Libya.” Of this, Barnes notes, “In the parts of Libya – Libya is a general name for Africa. It properly denoted the region which was near to Egypt; but the Greeks gave the name to all Africa.”

That area is said to be “adjoining Cyrene.” It is, as Barnes details, “…a region about 500 miles west of Alexandria in Egypt. It was also called Pentapolis, because there were in it five celebrated cities. This country now belongs to Tripoli. Great numbers of Jews resided here. A Jew of this place, Simon by name, was compelled to bear our Saviour’s cross after him to the place of crucifixion, Matthew 27:32; Luke 23:26. Some of the Cyrenians are mentioned among the earliest Christians, Acts 11:20; Acts 13:1. The language which they spoke is not certainly known.”

Also noted at this time are “visitors from Rome.” The word translated as “visitors” is found only here and in Acts 17:21, epidémeó. It signifies a sojourner. Of these Jews from Rome, Barnes notes, they “…were doubtless Jews who had taken up their residence in Italy, and had come to Jerusalem to attend the great feasts. The language which they spoke was the Latin. Great numbers of Jews were at that time dwelling at Rome. Josephus says that there were eight synagogues there. The Jews are often mentioned by the Roman writers. There was a Jewish colony across the Tiber from Rome. When Judea was conquered, about 60 years before Christ, vast numbers of Jews were taken captive and carried to Rome. But they had much difficulty in managing them as slaves. They pertinaciously adhered to their religion, observed the Sabbath, and refused to join in the idolatrous rites of the Romans. Hence, they were freed, and lived by themselves across the Tiber.”

Of these from Rome, Luke carefully notes they were “both Jews and proselytes.” The Jews are those who were born as Jews, even if outside of the land of Israel. They retained their cultural identity, and they continue to do this today, regardless as to where they are born and live. The proselytes are Gentiles who are converted to Judaism and who had come, along with the native Jews, to observe this pilgrim feast in Jerusalem.

The term “both Jews and proselytes” is probably a descriptor that applies to all of the people groups mentioned in both verses, not just to those in Rome. The point then is that there are native Jews from all of these locations as well as converts. This would make what is happening all the more notable. It isn’t just that some Jews from these places had heard the disciples who would then go back and say, “This miraculous event occurred while we were in Jerusalem.” Rather, it would be something that both native Jews and converts could both attest to. In their return to their own countries, the events would then be spoken of throughout much of the Roman empire.

Life application: The disciples of Jesus spoke in many different dialects, demonstrating that the Spirit is able to express God’s words in an understandable way to all people. Though the languages are different, the idea of communicating knowledge is still possible.

Though it should not be expected that we will suddenly be infused with another language when we want to tell someone about Jesus, we still have the ability to learn other languages, or use translators, to convey the gospel. Jesus gave us the commission –

“‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

As this has been directed by the Lord, let us make use of every opportunity that arises to share this word. In today’s world, the gospel has been printed in innumerable languages. If you go to a Thai or Greek restaurant frequently, be sure to print off something in their language and pass this good news onto them. There are also CDs and DVDs with the message on them, even gospel-oriented movies about Jesus can be obtained in many languages for a dollar or two. Be inventive, but be sure to get this word out.

Lord God, help us to be responsible with our time, and to share the message of the gospel to any and all who come our way. May we not fail in sharing this wonderful news with those around us. Give us both the opportunity and the desire to do so. Yes Lord, be with us as we do as we are directed in Your word to do. Amen.

Saturday, 30 October 2021

Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Acts 2:9

Note: You can listen to today’s introduction courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The list of various dialects (even within various languages) is now presented. This list is probably not all-inclusive, but it gives a sense of the scope of what was heard by those gathered in Jerusalem. Hence, it gives the scope of the miracle itself. As these are Galileans speaking forth, and as there is such an expansive number of individual languages and dialects, it reveals the knowledge and understanding of the Spirit who caused these people to speak.

The languages, as they are presented, generally follow from east to west in their geographic locations. Albert Barnes gives a detailed description of these people groups and his work will be cited here.

The list begins with “Parthians.” Of them, Barnes says, “Parthians mean those Jews or proselytes who dwelt in Parthia. This country was a part of Persia, and was situated between the Persian Gulf and the Tigris on the west, and the Indus River on the east. The term ‘Parthia’ originally referred to a small mountainous district lying to the northeast of Media. Afterward it came to be applied to the great Parthian kingdom into which this province expanded. Parthia proper, or Ancient Parthia, lying between Asia and Hyrcania, the residence of a rude and poor tribe, and traversed by bare mountains, woods, and sandy steppes, formed a part of the great Persian monarchy. Its inhabitants were of Scythian origin. About 256 years before Christ, Arsaces rose against the Syro-Macedonian power, and commenced a new dynasty in her own person, designated by the title of Arsacidae. This was the beginning of the great Parthian empire, which extended itself in the early days of Christianity over all the provinces of what had been the Persian kingdom, having the Euphrates for its western boundary, by which it was separated from the dominions of Rome (Kitto’s Encyclop.). Their empire lasted about 400 years. The Parthians were much distinguished for their manner of fighting. They usually fought on horseback, and when appearing to retreat, discharged their arrows with great execution behind them. They disputed the empire of the East with the Romans for a long time. The language spoken there was that of Persia, and in ancient writers Parthia and Persia often mean the same country.”

Next, Luke says, “and Medes.” Of them, Barnes says, “Inhabitants of Media. This country was situated westward and southward of the Caspian Sea, between 35 degrees and 40 degrees of north latitude. It had Persia on the south and Armenia on the west. It was about the size of Spain, and was one of the richest parts of Asia. In the Scriptures it is called Madai, Genesis 10:2. The Medes are often mentioned, frequently in connection with the Persians, with whom they were often connected under the same government, 2 Kings 17:6; 2 Kings 18:11; Esther 1:3, Esther 1:14, Esther 1:18-19; Jeremiah 25:25; Daniel 5:28; Daniel 6:8; Daniel 8:20; Daniel 9:1. The language spoken here was also that of Persia.”

After them come the “Elamites.” Barnes states, “The nation was descended from Elam, the son of Shem, Genesis 10:22. It is mentioned as being in alliance with Amraphel, the king of Shinar, and Arioch, king of Ellasar, and Tidal, king of nations, Genesis 14:1. Of these nations in alliance, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, was the chief, Genesis 14:4. See also Ezra 2:7; Ezra 8:7; Nehemiah 7:12, Nehemiah 7:34; Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 21:2; Isaiah 22:6, etc. They are mentioned as a part of the Persian empire, and Daniel is said to have resided at Shushan, which is in the province of Elam, Daniel 8:2. The Greeks and Romans gave to this country the name of Elymais. It is now called Kusistan. It was bounded by Persia on the east, by Media on the north, by Babylonia on the west, and by the Persian Gulf on the south. The Elamites were a warlike people, and celebrated for the use of the bow, Isaiah 22:6; Jeremiah 49:35. The language of this people was of course the Persian. Its capital, Shusan, called by the Greeks Susa, was much celebrated. It is said to have been fifteen miles in circumference, and was adorned with the celebrated palace of Ahasuerus. The inhabitants still pretend to show there the tomb of the prophet Daniel.”

Luke next turns to “those dwelling in Mesopotamia.” Barnes details them, saying, “This name, which is Greek, signifies between the rivers; that is, the region lying between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. In Hebrew it was called Aram-Naharaim; that is, Aram, or Syria, of the two rivers. It was also called Padan Aram, the plain of Syria. In this region were situated some important places mentioned in the Bible: “Ur of the Chaldees, the birthplace of Abraham Genesis 11:27-28; Haran, where Terah stopped on his journey and died Genesis 11:31-32; Charchemish 2 Chronicles 35:20; Hena 2 Kings 19:13; Sepharvaim 2 Kings 17:24. This region, known as Mesopotamia, extended between the two rivers from their sources to Babylon on the south. It had on the north Armenia, on the west Syria, on the east Persia, and on the south Babylonia. It was an extensive, level, and fertile country. The language spoken here was probably the Syriac, with perhaps a mixture of the Chaldee.”

Luke next mentions “Judea.” In this, Barnes notably and wisely states, “This expression has greatly perplexed commentators. It has been thought difficult to see why Judea should be mentioned, as if it were a matter of surprise that they could speak in this language. Some have supposed that there is an error in the manuscripts, and have proposed to read Armenia, or India, or Lydia, or Idumea, etc. But all this has been without any authority. Others have supposed that the language of Galilee was so different from that of the other parts of Judea as to render it remarkable that they could speak that dialect. But this is an idle supposition. This is one of the many instances in which commentators have perplexed themselves to very little purpose. Luke recorded this as any other historian would have done. In running over the languages which they spoke, he enumerated this as a matter of course; not that it was remarkable simply that they should speak the language of Judea, but that they should speak so many, meaning about the same by it as if he had said they spoke every language in the world. It is as if a similar miracle were to occur at this time among an assembly of native Englishmen and foreigners. In describing it, nothing would be more natural than to say they spoke French, and German, and Spanish, and English, and Italian, etc. In this there would be nothing remarkable except that they spoke so many languages.”

Luke next turns to “Cappadocia.” Barnes diligently notes, “This was a region of Asia Minor, and was bounded on the east by the Euphrates and Armenia, on the north by Pontus, west by Phrygia and Galatia, and south by Mount Taurus, beyond which are Cilicia and Syria. The language which was spoken here is not certainly known. It was probably, however, a mixed dialect, made up of Greek and Syriac, perhaps the same as that of their neighbors, the Lycaonians, Acts 14:11. This place was formerly celebrated for iniquity, and is mentioned in Greek writers as one of the three eminently wicked places whose name began with C. The others were Crete (compare Titus 1:12) and Cilicia. After its conversion to the Christian religion, however, it produced many eminent men, among whom were Gregory Nyssen and Basil the Great. It was one of the places to which Peter directed an epistle, 1 Peter 1:1.”

After that, Luke states “Pontus.” Again, to Barnes – “This was another province of Asia Minor, and was situated north of Cappadocia, and was bounded west by Paphlagonia. Pontus and Cappadocia under the Romans constituted one province. This was one of the places to which the apostle Peter directed his epistle, 1 Peter 1:1. This was the birthplace of Aquila, one of the companions of Paul, Acts 18:2, Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19.”

The verse ends with, “and Asia.” Of this area, Barnes details the following, “Pontus and Cappadocia, etc., were parts of Asia. But the word Asia is doubtless used here to denote the regions or provinces west of these, which are not particularly enumerated. Thus, it is used Acts 6:9; Acts 16:6; Acts 20:16. It probably embraced Mysia, Aeolis, Ionia, Caria, and Lydia. “The term probably denoted not so much a definite region as a jurisdiction, the limits of which varied from time to time, according to the plan of government which the Romans adopted for their Asiatic provinces” (Prof. Hackett, in loco). The capital of this region was Ephesus. See also 1 Peter 1:1. This region was frequently called Ionia, and was afterward the seat of the seven churches in Asia, Revelation 1:4.”

Concerning the term “Asia,” Vincent’s Word Studies further clarifies the term, saying, “Not the Asiatic continent nor Asia Minor. In the time of the apostles the term was commonly understood of the proconsular province of Asia, principally of the kingdom of Pergamus left by Attalus III. to the Romans, and including Lydia, Mysia, Caria, and at times parts of Phrygia. The name Asia Minor did not come into use until the fourth century of our era.”

Life application: When reading commentaries on verses such as Acts 2:9, be sure to thank the Lord for all of the diligent work that has gone into recording information about these places by scholars of past ages. At times they provide scriptural references that will help identify who is being referred to elsewhere in the Bible. Great scholars of the past spent a lot of time in rooms lighted by lamps, pouring over maps, books, and the Bible itself to put together reliable records of what is being described.

We are those who benefit from their labors, and they have made our lives much easier as we prepare our own commentaries, Bible studies, and sermons for those in our lives to also benefit from. A big “thank you” to them is due when we meet on the fairer shores we will someday walk upon.

And above all, thank the Lord that He has given us such wonderful words through Luke and the other writers of the Bible to get us going in our journey of understanding the greatness of what God is doing in redemptive history as He arranges His word, builds up His foundations, and weaves together His church. Yes, thank God for all He has done to give us the surety of His word and thus the surety of our salvation which is so clearly presented in this word.

Lord God, thank You for the wonderful stream of instruction You have given us, both in Your word and in those who have evaluated Your word throughout the ages. We have a reliable testimony to all that is going on in the wonderful story of the redemption of man because of those things You have put together for us. Thank You, O God! Amen!

Friday, 29 October 2021

And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Acts 2:8

Note: You can listen to today’s introduction courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse noted that those speaking were Galileans. Despite this, those listening now ask, “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?” The word translated as “language” again signifies a dialect, and this may be the intent as one’s personal dialect is the most notable aspect of what one hears.

A person may be in the streets of Japan and hear three people speaking English, but if he hears one with his similar southern accent (say like one from Georgia), he will pick up on that first and foremost. However, in this case, the thought being conveyed may also extend to a particular language. This will be seen in verse 11 where the word glossa, or “tongue,” is used.

Either way, the point is that those who hear these Galileans can understand them speaking the language they were born into perfectly. With this display, the question arises concerning these languages. Are they actually spoken by the Galileans, or are the Galileans speaking in their own language but being understood by the hearers in their own language – as if they are translated by the Spirit into the ears of the hearers?

What seems likely is that the disciples are actually speaking in these other languages. If not, the miracle would be in the hearer and not in the speaker. As this is the case, it goes beyond what we experience with modern translators which take what we say (or type) and convert that language into a new target language. Instead, what is spoken comes directly from the source speaker while under the influence of the Spirit.

Life application: Those who hear the disciples speaking clearly acknowledge that the words are intelligible and perfectly spoken in their own native language (or dialect). In the coming verses, actual languages will be named to confirm this.

There is nothing in Scripture to justify the inane, incoherent ramblings of Charismatics and Pentecostals who make up (meaning they are not inspired to speak) false “tongues.” As tongues are a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22), the Spirit would not make that “sign” a nonsensical load of gibberish.

To understand Paul’s description of tongues as conveyed in 1 Corinthians 14, the full study is available in a line-by-line analysis on the Superior Word website or on the Superior Word YouTube channel. The conduct of those who participate in these false tongues is disgraceful, and it is disrespectful to the Spirit of God.

The Lord divided the languages of the world for His sovereign purposes. The Spirit of God united these people in this miraculous way on the first Pentecost as a sign that He approved of their faith in Christ. It was a demonstration of His ability to reunite humanity in Him once again, purifying their language according to His determination.

There will be other times that tongues will come upon believers as recorded in Acts. These occur at specific times and as an approval of the faith that was professed by those who believe. These are descriptive accounts, and they are not to be considered normative for the church age. And they certainly do not, nor will they ever, involve false tongues spoken in nonsensical gibberish.

Further, in the later use of tongues, as directed by Paul in the epistles (Paul’s words are the divinely inspired word of God), very specific directions for the speaking of tongues are given. When those instructions are not followed, it is evidence that it is not the Spirit who is inspiring them. The Spirit will never contradict Himself. As the word of God is Spirit inspired, such things that are not in accord with the word are not Spirit inspired. If they are not Spirit inspired, then who do you suppose is behind these false utterances?

Hold fast to the word, be obedient to it, and reject anyone who mars this precious gift by such false presentations.

Lord God, we are grateful to You for what You have done for us in Christ. You have established Your church, You have given us guidance in Your word, and You have provided us with everything we need to pursue You as is pleasing to You. Thank You for these things. Help us to be obedient to Your word, and to fix our eyes always on Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 28 October 2021

Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? Acts 2:7

Note: You can listen to today’s introduction courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen). 

In verse 2:5, Luke made a point of recording who the people were that were seeing the events occurring, saying, “And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.” Then, in verse 2:6, he noted that “everyone heard them speak in his own language.”

As was seen, the word “language” is more appropriately rendered “dialect.” This would include the “dialect” of those in (meaning “from”) Jerusalem. Because of what they were hearing emanate from the disciples, Luke next notes, “Then they were all amazed and marveled.”

Both verbs are in the imperfect tense, “they were amazed, and they were marveling.” As the tongues were being spoken, the astonishment of the people continued. The word translated as “amazed” means “to put out of place.” In other words, it is as if they were out of their mind because they were unable to grasp what was happening.

The other word is described by Vincent’s Word Studies as, “to cause ‘wonder; … to regard with amazement, and with a suggestion of beginning to speculate on the matter.’” Vincent’s is correct because the speculation immediately begins to follow. Luke says they were “saying to one another.”

In other words, the people were seeing the spectacle and were beginning to speculate on what was going on. There is a hint of contempt in their attitude towards those who were speaking because the talk is among those beholding the spectacle and not directed towards those who were engaged in what was occurring. That is clearly evidenced in the next words, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?”

The focus is on who these people are. They were understood to be Galileans. As such, they were considered the hicks of the nation. They had their own dialect that was clearly distinguished from those in Jerusalem. They were also noted for their lack of care in their speech. As Vincent’s says of them, “They were blamed for neglecting the study of their language, and charged with errors in grammar and ridiculous mispronunciations.” This is noted elsewhere in the gospels, such as in Mark 14 –

“And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, ‘Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.’” Mark 14:70

The word translated as “speech” in that verse from Mark is lalia. In classical Greek, it is used to signify babble or chattering talk. It is a word used to signify one’s manner of speech. One can see that the dialect of Jerusalem, which Luke focused on previously, was clearly distinguishable from that of Galilee –

“And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)” Acts 1:19

What is occurring here is just what Paul says the purpose of tongues was for. It is as a sign to those who do not believe –

“Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. ²³ Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” 1 Corinthians 14:22, 23

At the pilgrim feast in Jerusalem, the presentation of tongues was to be a sign to unbelievers. This is what Isaiah prophesied of –

“Bind up the testimony,
Seal the law among my disciples.
¹⁷ And I will wait on the Lord,
Who hides His face from the house of Jacob;
And I will hope in Him.
¹⁸ Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me!
We are for signs and wonders in Israel
From the Lord of hosts,
Who dwells in Mount Zion.
¹⁹ And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? ²⁰ To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:16-20

Instead of seeking the mediums and wizards who whisper and mutter, the people were to seek their God. The Lord was giving Israel a sign. This is evidenced in Hebrews 2:13 where the author of the epistle cites this passage from Isaiah, ascribing it to Christ and His people.

Life application: The people in Jerusalem were highly astonished at what they saw, especially because those who were speaking in tongues were “lowly and uneducated” Galileans. It would be incredible to think that such boorish people could perfectly enunciate the particular dialects of the languages that were being spoken, and yet it was occurring.

This was as much of a sign as the tongues themselves were. If someone who was linguistically proficient in picking up other languages was to stand up and speak fluently in another dialect, it wouldn’t seem so amazing. But if a person from the backwater areas of Louisiana or the deep mountains of Appalachia were to suddenly start speaking proper English in the court of the royal halls of England, it would be rather remarkable.

As such, one can see the wisdom in God’s selection of these Galileans. It provides an added touch to the incredible nature of what was occurring. The Lord chose unimpressive people to be used to bring forth an amazing sign to those in Jerusalem. This is exactly what Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians –

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. ²⁷ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; ²⁸ and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ that no flesh should glory in His presence. ³⁰ But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— ³¹ that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

God chooses those who seem least likely to do anything great or amazing in order to bring His glory to the fullest light possible. As such, if you are feeling like you have no particular capabilities or qualifications that will make an impact for Christ, you have underestimated yourself.

You may think you are the least of all people, but because you have been saved by Christ, you can be used to make the greatest of difference in the lives of others. Take time today to offer yourself, wholly and unreservedly, to the Lord. Allow Him to be glorified through you. It is certain that He can do so. And so, talk to Him about it and let His glory shine through you so that others may see and believe.

Great are You, O God, and You can do great things through the most unexpected people. This has been proven true throughout history and we know it will continue. And so, Lord, use us in the manner that will bring You the most glory. Be pleased to continue Your plan of redemption through us in the way that You see fit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.