Pentecost: Epistle, Acts 2:1-21                                                          

Acts 2:1-21

Language is a funny thing. Words can be full or empty, “pregnant” or meaningless. I don’t usually think that way of the Bible, but there are times. One thing I DO appreciate about the Scriptures is how writers are challenged and when they truly don’t have the words, they let you know by using “like,” or “as.” It’s also one more element in the myriad of reasons that point to the fact that the Bible isn’t a product of only mankind. God actually inspires His chroniclers to struggle with the language He gives. Only God is that honest.

In our account of the day of Pentecost, the first Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, we have such language. Very often you find these kinds of descriptions in the prophets who use “apocalyptic” language-language heavy in mental picture or imagery --and you certainly find it in John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:2-3: “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” Now I put in the italics, but do you see it? The miraculous elements of the great day of outpouring were simply beyond Luke’s ability to describe. We should applaud his attempt. He reports “like” a mighty wind and “as of” fire. It’s more than Luke has vocabulary to display. And that’s alright.

While I don’t claim this is necessarily central to the account theologically, I do think it is important to point out. God is mysterious and His works are as well. It’s absolutely appropriate that Who and what we encounter in the very words of the Bible are really “beyond words.” We should allow ourselves the opportunity to be amazed more often than we do.