SPEAKING IN OTHER LANGUAGES: A MESSAGE FROM THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Welcome let us take this moment to reflect deeply on the Scriptures together.

The Day of Pentecost: A Divine Encounter

One of the most profound events recorded in the New Testament is what occurred on the Day of Pentecost, just as Jesus had promised before His ascension. On that day, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples and others gathered in Jerusalem. The Bible tells us there were about 120 believers present (Acts 1:15).

When the Holy Spirit came, the manifestation was powerful and unmistakable:

“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
— Acts 2:2–4 (NIV)

This event fulfilled Jesus’ promise:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (NIV)

The Nature of “Tongues”

The word tongues in the Greek New Testament is “glōssa”, which refers both to the physical tongue and to languages. The phrase “tongues of fire” symbolizes the divine empowerment given to the disciples to speak in various human languages they had not learned before.

These were not mysterious, angelic tongues in this instance but known languages spoken on earth. This is clear from the reaction of the crowd in Jerusalem:

“Each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?’”
— Acts 2:6–8 (NIV)

The crowd included Jews from all over the Roman Empire, and they each recognized their native language. This moment was more than a display of divine power it was a demonstration of God’s intention to reach all people with the gospel, regardless of nation, tribe, or tongue.

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
— Acts 2:11 (NIV)

What Were They Speaking About?

The disciples were not preaching their own ideas or prophesying judgment they were proclaiming “the wonders of God”. These may have included:

• The miraculous parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

• The daily provision of manna for 40 years in the wilderness (Exodus 16)

• The fall of Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6)

• Elijah calling fire from heaven (1 Kings 18)

These mighty works reminded the people of God’s power and faithfulness throughout Israel’s history.

The Impact: Conviction and Conversion

Hearing these truths spoken in their own languages moved the hearts of those listening. Peter stood up and preached a sermon explaining that this outpouring was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28–32.

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
— Acts 2:17, quoting Joel 2:28 (NIV)

As a result, 3,000 people repented and believed in Jesus that day:

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
— Acts 2:41 (NIV)

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

You don’t need to speak a foreign language for God to use your speech powerfully. Sometimes, speaking in “another language” means allowing God to transform your ordinary way of speaking—so that it becomes Spirit-led, impactful, and full of grace.

Paul emphasized the balance between Spirit and understanding:

“So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:15 (NIV)

This applies to:

• Preaching — Let your message carry spiritual depth.

• Singing — Let your voice become anointed, stirring hearts.

• Praying — Let your words be flavored with spiritual salt.

• Everyday speech — Let your language reflect God’s character.

Paul also warns:

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

“The tongue also is a fire… It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire.”
— James 3:6 (NIV)

A New Language Through New Life

If you have not yet received Jesus Christ into your life, this transformation begins with salvation. Jesus cannot change your speech until He first changes your heart.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

If today you’re ready to accept Him:

• Repent of your sins

• Believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior

• Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Then go to a quiet place, kneel, and pray sincerely. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and to give you a new tongue—a new way of speaking that brings life to others and glorifies God.

May the Lord bless you .
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