Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 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.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
But WHAT WAS THIS that appears to the Disciples on the day of Pentecost?
Hello Eugene.
Since the tongue is a reference to speech and language and it was split into a clove,or,into two parts,and two in scripture always denotes a witness, I think it would be safe to assume that the cloven tongues 'like as of fire' were a symbolic vision and witness to His Word's which are as a consuming fire burning up the false doctrines of men, therefore bringing into His few chosen elect the beginning process of a Spiritual conversion,beginning on that day of Pentecost,and on every day,that He begins His works in His few chosen elect.Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
In other words,we are given a witness in Christ to our Gods speech and language from the fire above when we are filled with the Holy Spirit which is the wonderful works of God. Act 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
I believe that the following verse give a descriptive witness to Acts 2; 1-4... 1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1Co 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Hope this is of some help.
Peace...Mark