Speaking in tongues...Acts 2:8-13

 Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Jewish People from many nations and languages had come to Jerusalem to the feast at Pentecost. The promised Holy Spirit filled the hundred and twenty who were all in one accord. The Holy Spirit filled the believers and spoke praises to God in the various languages.

Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

This was not a show of cleverness or a work of satan, for each heard in their own language the wonderful works of God. They were glorifying God, this is the evidence and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

They doubted then and many doubt today, trying to reason and explain away this miracle.

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. Also mockers accusing them of drunkeness.

Tongues is a divisive subject today. Some churches forbid it, saying it is for another time. Other Churches demand it as a proof of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

When the Filling of the Spirit occurred in the upper room all praised God in a language unknown to the worshiper, but known to the various language groups present. Tongues then is an expression of worship, the Spirit glorifies Jesus and the Father. It also is a way of praying to build up the person who is praying. All things must be for edifying. Tongues with a prophetic message require an interpreter so that others may be edified.

1 Cor 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Let's read what the Spirit says of tongues

1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

The best gifts are gifts that edify the church in truth and in love.

1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

The greatest gift is speaking forth the revealed word of God, to edify or correct the church.

1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Unknown tongues only are beneficial to the speaker and his message to God.

1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Edifying the church is required, if speaking in public an unknown language.

1 Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Not confusion, but a clear message must come forth.

1 Cor 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

Paul uses these examples to make his point. The Spirit testifies of Jesus. If tongues are used, let them be understood, or there is confusion. Tongues are not a badge of honor, the Spirit seals the Christian and brings various gifts, including tongues.

1 Cor 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1 Cor 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

As in the confusion at the tower of Babel.

1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Amen, gifts are for edifying the church.

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

In church be slow to speak a tongue unless you have the confirmation in the spirit that an interpretation may follow. In this instance, the speaker prays for the ability to interpret.

1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

This is what I see in the Bible. Do I have all knowledge? No, and there are testimonies of people who received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Tongues are not required to be saved by Jesus. Jesus did all for our redemption. Nothing more is required.

Pentacost Acts 2:1-7

 Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Pentecost was a Jewish feast held fifty days after Passover; it was a time of celebration for the first-fruits of the harvest.

At Passover, the first sheaf to be reaped from the barley harvest was presented to God; but at Pentecost, the firstfruits of the wheat harvest were given to God. Therefore, Pentecost is called the day of firstfruits (Numbers 28:26) Also, Jewish tradition taught that Pentecost commemorates the day when the Law was given to Israel; the feast was sometimes called by the Jews shimchath torah, or "joy of the law"

So on Pentecost, Israel received the Law, and the Church received the Spirit of Grace in fullness

All in unity together seeking God.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

The word for Spirit is also "wind", a mighty rushing wind filling all the upper room. Is this the fan of Jesus separating the wheat from the chaff? Or is this a new life breathed into born again believers? Perhaps both and more.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

The baptism of fire as in Mat 3:11...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The idea behind the picture of fire is usually purification, as fire is used by a refiner to make pure gold, or as it can burn away that which is temporary, to leave that which is lasting. This is an excellent illustration of the principle that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for power, but for purity.

Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit rests upon God's people as individuals - the tongues of fire sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

How many were filled with the Holy Ghost and spake with other tongues? One hundred twenty were in one accord and were speaking in recognizable languages as the spirit gave them utterance.

tongues - the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct

utterances - to speak forth, speak out, say

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

A crowd quickly gathered, being attracted by this sound (either the rushing mighty wind or the speaking in other tongues); when they came they heard the Christians speak in their own foreign languages; apparently the Christians could be heard from the windows of the upper room, or they went out onto some kind of balcony or into the temple courts.

What better way to show the presence of Gods Spirit in the hearts of the people, then to speak edifying words of God in each language. This was a reversal of what happened at the tower of Babel. There all were confounded and confused speaking in languages no one understood.

Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Galileans were not known to be educated men or good speakers.

Replacing Judas Acts 1:19-26

 Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Acts 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.

Judas hanged himself and according to Mat 27:5, perhaps the limb broke for in Acts 1:18 he fell headlong to the ground. It is not how he died that matters, it is that he went to eternity not forgiven, having sought forgiveness in the wrong place.The high priests he sought for forgiveness were equally guilty. There is but one way given to man in which we may be saved.

Judas was with the disciples when Jesus showed them the way.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

This criteria is used as the qualifications of an apostle. They must have been with Jesus and learned from him. Peter adds that they must have been with him through his entire ministry. This disqualifies any future apostles, if we use these criteria. These were Peter's best reasonings, yet the thoughts of Peter.

Paul became an Apostle, having seen Jesus and he was taught by him, by revelation, but was not with him during his ministry. So the true qualifications for an Apostle are to have an encounter with Jesus, and to be sent to a new ministry. There are no new apostles, nor any new addition to the Bible.

Jesus had personally chosen his disciples, after the Father gave them to him. In Jesus' absence and without the Holy Spirit, how shall we make a replacement for Judas? What is the procedure?

Peter comes up with a common sense solution. Perhaps this is what Jesus wanted, and again perhaps he should have waited for the promise to come. The Holy Spirit of truth, then he would truly have the mind of Christ.

Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Wisely they prayed first, my question is if we limit God to two choices when we pray, is this his perfect will? The request was a good one, show us which one, but they wanted a quick answer. My thoughts are they were being like Sarah who in her own mind chose a way for the promised son to be born, seeking another way then God's plan, having grown impatient in waiting.

Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

They used the old testament way of choosing, throwing lots. Are we to rely on this method of choice now that the Spirit of truth has come? Do we open the Bible and point at a passage, by chance finding God's will? We have the word to study and the Holy Spirit of truth and prayer to guide us. Often we must wait.

The disciples were in obedience when they chose, they were in fellowship, they were in prayer, they were in the Word, they wanted to do God’s will, they used sanctified common sense, and they did what they could do to rely on God without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Soon the Holy Spirit would come, and they would be fully equipped to serve in Spirit and in truth.

Perhaps Paul was God's choice for the replacement of Judas? Paul considered himself an apostle, but one born out of due time.

1 Cor 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
1 Cor 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1 Cor 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

An Apostle was to build on the foundation which is Jesus Christ the word.

The falling of Judas Acts 1:15-18

 Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Peter was a natural leader, bold in the flesh, but not yet having the permanence of the Holy Spirit. He had failed his Lord, yet was restored and looking forward to the promise of the Lord. He was with others in unity and one accord.

Even though Judas was the son of Perdition, he also partook of the ministries with the disciples. He was sent forth to preach repentance, and yet did not repent. He was sent forth to heal the sick and cast out demons, yet he was to be taken over by satan. Judas sought repentance, but none was to be found, he looked in the wrong place.

What went wrong? He was among them, treated the same, but it all never filled his heart...something else occupied his heart. Perhaps he was careless in his choices, I assume greed and wrong choices were made, he betrayed the Lord that was so close to him for thirty pieces of silver.

Mark 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
Mark 3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

At this time they were under the anointing of Jesus, yet later satan would enter Judas. Did he have satan when he ministered? No, Jesus said Satan cannot cast out satan, a house divided will fall. (Mat 12:26) Judas had serious strongholds, through the love of money satan entered in and he was destroyed, after doing the work of satan to put Jesus to death. Remember this was before the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Judas tried to return the 30 pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus. With these evil priests there was no repentance received or grace given. With the blood money they bought a field to bury the unwanted.

Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Mat 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
Mat 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
Mat 27:8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Mat 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

Prayer and supplication Acts 1:12-14

 Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

A Sabbath’s day journey describes a short distance, the only kind allowed on the Sabbath.

Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

All the apostles that Jesus had chosen are assembled in the room, the eleven; Judas had departed.

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

They all prayed, and they continued in prayer and supplication. The idea of supplication is a sense of desperation and earnestness in prayer.

What do you suppose were their prayers?

Were they praying for peace?

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Were they still praying for the Kingdom to come? Perhaps they remembered the Lord's prayer example.

Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Perhaps they were praying about his last command?

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The ascension of Jesus

 Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

If we want to be witnesses, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Far more important than the best course in evangelism is the filling of the Holy Spirit!

Wait in Jerusalem for Holy Ghost power; after which you shall witness starting at home, your own area of influence and unto every part of the earth. Never in our lifetime has the opportunity and need been greater than this day.

The progress of the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and then to the end of the earth becomes the outline of Acts. Acts chapters 1 through 7 describe the gospel in Jerusalem, chapters 8 through 12 speak of the gospel in Judea and Samaria, and chapters 13 through 28 tell of the gospel going to the end of the earth

2 Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

It is not a time to withdraw in fear. Soon the Holy Spirit will come giving the believers power to witness, power to love , power to cast out devils and all the gifts of God in which to accomplish His will. This will be the beginning of the Church.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

The glory cloud ( Shekinah glory?)

Exo 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;  and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Remember Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:7: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. Now the disciples could know that that promise would be fulfilled. He allowed them to see that he was departing.

Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Apparently angels dressed in white. Remember the appearance of the angel at the tomb; a young man dressed in a long white garment.

Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

No need to keep gazing into heaven. Jesus has given you a commission to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This same Jesus, not another, shall return in like manner.

Beware of false Jesus' returning.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

He shall return in a cloud on the Mt. of Olives from whence he departed.

Acts 1:6,7

Discerning the times

 Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

The disciples still were hoping for the kingdom to be established. Scriptures give us events that may occur before Jesus comes again. We are in the Church age, the age of grace. It has been 2000 years of gathering a people unto God from all nations, this is the church, the bride of Christ.

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

The next event is the rapture, the removal of the church unto Christ, before the coming tribulation.

1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

When Jesus returns he will establish the Kingdom for one thousand years on a restored earth.

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

We are told to discern the times

Mat 24:3  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 

Mat 24:4  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 

Mat 24:5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 

Mat 24:6  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 

Mat 24:7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 

Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

We are to expect his coming at anytime and watch. That does not mean we should not be busy witnessing.

1 Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1 Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1 Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, salvation, Jesus Christ,ed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.