Acts 2:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians — we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."

NIV: (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

NASB: Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.'

CSB: Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues."

NLT: (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!'

KJV: Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

NKJV: Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”

Luke is finishing up his list of groups who first heard the gospel from Jesus' followers. Jesus ascended into a heaven a few days before (Acts 1:9). The Holy Spirit has come down upon the disciples (Acts 2:1–4). Now, a crowd who has come from all over the Roman Empire and beyond is listening to the Jesus-followers speak in their own native dialects.

A "proselyte" is a Gentile who has fully converted to Judaism (Exodus 12:48). They perform a baptismal rite of purification and offer a sacrifice. The men are also circumcised. Those who didn't follow Judaism to that extent are sometimes called "God-fearer" (Acts 10:2) or "worshiper of God" (Acts 16:14; 18:7). Ruth may be considered a proselyte (Ruth 1:16–17).

Crete is an island south of the Aegean Sea. Arabia, here, most likely means Nabatea which encompasses the western part of modern-day Jordan and the southern part of modern-day Syria. It's unclear why Luke has singled these two areas apart. Cretans are known for being uncivilized (Titus 1:12) and Arabians for being nomadic; it may be because neither represent the ideal Roman citizen.

What Cretans and Arabians do have in common, as well as the others mentioned in Acts 2:9–10, is that they hear Jesus' disciples speaking in their own "tongue." This is not a heavenly prayer language only understood by God. These are actual languages used by local cultures in addition to the more universal Greek and Aramaic. God is starting His church. He is inviting those who already follow Him through Judaism to accept Jesus as their Messiah—their Savior (Acts 2:36–41). And He's doing it using language that they understand best.

Acts 2:1–13 finds Jesus' followers waiting in a house in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit, as Jesus instructed (Acts 1:4, 12–15). The Holy Spirit comes, not only establishing His presence in each individual permanently, but equipping them as needed to spread the news that Jesus forgives sins and reconciles sinners to God. Jews from all over the Roman Empire, in Jerusalem for Pentecost, hear the message in their own languages. Some are derisive, but others are very interested in what the apostles are saying.

Acts 2 describes the beginning of the church in three episodes. First, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Jesus-followers in Jerusalem, equipping them with the ability to teach the gospel in different languages (Acts 2:1–13). Second, Peter gives a public declaration using Old Testament prophecy to show Jesus is the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (Acts 2:14–36). Third, people believe. They repent, trust Jesus will forgive their sins, and agree to be baptized as a public sign that they are now Jesus-followers (Acts 2:37–47). That quickly, the church is born.

Acts 2 describes the creation of Jesus' church. Forty days after Jesus' resurrection He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9). One hundred and twenty disciples obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 2–15). In Acts 2, they receive the Holy Spirit and share the gospel with a crowd of people who have come to celebrate Pentecost. Three thousand believe, and the church comes to life. In the following chapters, Jesus-followers fulfill Jesus' promise that they will be His witnesses ''in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth'' (Acts 1:8).

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.