Some parallel translations of the famous “tongues of fire” Acts 2:3 passage read as follows: They
saw what seemed to be
tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each
of them. (NIV) And there appeared unto them
cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each
of them. (KJV) They saw tongues like flames of
fire that separated, and one rested on each of
them. (ISV)
As is often the case with biblical translations, these three differ somewhat in meaning. Whereas the ISV and KJV call what they saw “tongues,” the NIV states that they saw “what seemed to be tongues…” Barnes Notes on the Bible reminds
us that the word “tongue” is used in varying ways.
Although it can literally refer to the body part which is best kept in check, it can also refer to that which is shaped like a tongue. Therefore, the “tongues of fire” could have been “slender and pointed appearances” of flame. The imagery of tongues also paved the way for the glossolalia that would ensue.
Michael Barber of The
Sacred Page referenced the Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) while discussing “tongues of fire.” He
points out that 1 Enoch 14 includes a description of a “heavenly temple” in which everything was built with “tongues of fire.” Barber then theorizes that the “tongues of fire” New Testament imagery was meant to symbolize “the heavenly dimension of the Church’s existence.”
The Pentecost “tongues” have also been biblically described as “cloven” or “separated.” “Cloven,” the past participle of “cleave,” simply means “split” or “divided.” In
order to individualize the experience of the Holy Spirit, it was necessary for the initial fiery “tongue” to split into fragments that could then “rest” upon each blessed recipient.
Fire had already been associated with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11 includes this quote from John the Baptist: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
The “fire” that appeared on that first Pentecost was not necessarily a physical one. It was the Holy Spirit, alighting upon each and every one of God’s faithful children.
Resources
http://www.thesacredpage.com/2008/05/pentecosts-tongues-of-fire-and-heavenly.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch
http://bible.cc/acts/2-3.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossolalia
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