Acts 2:4, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Luke records in the above passage that the clear and evident sign that the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit was that they spoke in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them.  This supernatural ability to speak in new languages wasn’t an expression of learned vocabularies but rather they spoke divinely inspired words for the purpose of glorifying God, Acts 2:11.

The Greek word used for tongues in the passage is “glossa,” which means, “languages.”  Thus, the disciples were all given the supernatural ability to speak new languages they had not learned as evidence they had received the filling of the Holy Spirit.  As chapter two of Acts continues we learn that some of the supernatural languages the disciples spoke were even understood by people from different countries, Acts 2:8-11.  Thus, speaking in other tongues is always new and spontaneous to the speaker, but the listener can sometimes understand it.  Plus, the gift itself is evidence to someone that they are being endowed with God’s power.

The above passage is also clear that “all of them were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in other tongues,” thus no one was left out of this Holy Ghost outpouring.  Sometimes modern scholars and pastors try to discourage Christians from speaking in spiritual tongues because they believe that only a “select few” will be given this sign.  However, in the time of Acts everyone present received the gift and was able to be used by God.

Therefore, the modern church should look to the example of the first disciples and ask God to do the same thing in our lives that He did in theirs.  I challenge you today to ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of you speaking in new languages as the Spirit enables you.

Reflection

Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in new languages?

Action

  1. Confess and remove all fear, sin, and doubt.
  2. Ask Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in new tongues as the Spirit enables you.  The new languages will come to you by God speaking to your heart- just like He does in your prayer times.
  3. As you hear the new sounds of heaven in your heart be obedient to speak them out.  God will not force you or take control of your mouth, but simply repeat out loud what you hear in your heart.