"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?" [Act 2:2-12 KJV]
So here is the question:
Why did God choose to use speaking in an unknown (nonnative/ unlearned) tongue as a sign that the Comforter (Holy Spirit) had come?
First, let's determine what is the origin of the world's languages.
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. ... And the LORD said, Behold, the people [is] one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. [Gen 11:1-2, 6-9 KJV]
Why did God confuse the languages among the human family?
God confused the understanding and speech of the families of the earth to refrain, confuse and scatter the human race. This served to prevent them from unifying in the commission of anti-God behavior. God did not simply modify their speech, he changed their languages. Language is by definition more than just speech. The changing of a language goes beyond substituting one word for another. The process of thought construction is different between languages.
By definition, language is:
a. Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.b. Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.c. Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.
What is the observable effect of a common language on a group of people?
National identity is largely determined by common language. National identity supersedes political identity. For instance, the French have considered themselves to be French for centuries regardless of the political structure of their nation. Monarchs, emperors, and various democratic structures have all taken their turn at governance; yet their national identity has remained French.
What is the effect of differing languages on a group of people?
The opposite effect occurs when their is a dilution of a common language. Ancient kings realized this. That is why despots such as Nebuchadnezzar engaged in massive relocation campaigns as he conquered the then known world. By scattering the people of a common language he could weaken their national resolve. This made them far less likely to engage in revolt.
Was this effect in Genesis good or bad?
By scattering the nations, God prevented them from repeating the widespread, corporate evils of the antediluvian (pre-flood) world. It also promoted obedience to the command to scatter out and replenish the earth.
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. [Gen 10:5 KJV]
When the Bible speaks of “nations” to what is it referring? (Heb “goyim” Gr. “ethnos”)
Biblically speaking, "nations" refers to principal groups of people with a common ancestry. Primarily it refers to the common descendants of the children and grandchildren of Noah. However, there are other nations that trace their common ancestry to point several hundred years later in time. The Jews trace their ancestry to Abraham through Jacob. The Arabs trace to Abraham though Ishmael. The Edomites traced to Esau. The Midianites and Ammonites trace to the sons of Lot and his daughters.
How do nations differ from kingdoms?
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ... And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [Mat 24:7, 14 KJV]Kingdoms refer to political structure. Kingdoms come and go. Nations, by contrast, refer to people rather than politics.
Which of the sons of Noah were represented at Calvary?
We know the descendants of all three of the sons of Noah were represented that day at Calvary.
Jews = Shem
Romans = Japheth
Simon = Ham
"And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross." [Mar 15:21 KJV]
[To see a diagram showing the descendants of Noah, click HERE.]
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| “Pentecost” by Jean Restout II, 1732. Public domain. |
“ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.”What was the message?
"...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." [Act 2:11 KJV]What was the result?
"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." [Act 2:6 KJV]How did this aid the disciples in fulfilling the great commission?
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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." [Mat 28:19-20 KJV]On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit used "tongues" to bear witness of Jesus Christ to the people of all nations. That still occurs even to the present day as Christians press further into the world carrying the message of Jesus Christ.
What is the ultimate restoration/erasing of national lines?
The language barrier is finally ended forever among the redeemed in heaven. The new identity is the redeemed, and the political structure is the Kingdom of God.
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." [Rev 5:9-10 KJV]
Also [Isa 28:9-12 KJV] [Mark 16:15-20]
