What does Acts 2:12 mean?

Explanation

Acts 2:12 captures the reaction of the crowd that observed the extraordinary event of the apostles speaking in various languages on the day of Pentecost.

The verse depicts the amazed and perplexed state of the people who were witnessing this seemingly inexplicable phenomenon.

This expression of amazement and doubt suggests that the people were unable to understand or categorize the experience within their existing knowledge or beliefs.

The question, "What meaneth this?" reflects their search for an explanation, indicating that they were both intrigued and confused by what they were seeing and hearing.

Historical Context

The historical context of Acts 2:12 is the day of Pentecost, a Jewish festival that took place fifty days after Passover.

It was an important feast in the Jewish calendar, which celebrated the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and also commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Jerusalem would have been filled with Jewish pilgrims from various regions who spoke different languages.

The apostles, who were Galileans, were miraculously speaking in languages they had not previously learned so that everyone present could understand them in their own tongue.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' promise that the Holy Spirit would come upon the apostles (Acts 1:8).

The ability to speak in other languages is seen as a gift of the Holy Spirit, a sign both to the apostles and the crowd of God's power and presence.

The event signifies the inclusivity of the Christian message, as it breaks language barriers, showing that the gospel is meant for all people, regardless of their ethnic background.

Some theologians also see this as the reversal of the Tower of Babel incident where languages were confused (Genesis 11:1-9), suggesting that in Christ, the divisions of humanity can be healed.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse lie in its call to openness and discernment in the face of the unknown or unexplained.

Just as the crowd in Acts 2:12 were confronted with an event beyond their understanding, individuals today might encounter situations or experiences that challenge their perceptions.

The verse encourages believers to ask questions and seek understanding when facing such events, as well as to be receptive to the possibility that God might be working in unexpected ways.

Cross-References

• Acts 2:4 - "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
• Joel 2:28-32 - "...your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:"
• Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel incident where humanity's language was confused.
• Acts 1:8 - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of Acts 2:12 is "τί ἂν θέλοι τοῦτο εἶναι;" (ti an theloi touto einai?), which translates directly to "What does this want to be?" or "What could this mean?" The word "θέλοι" (thelei - might want/intend) is used instead of a more direct word for mean, signifying the depth of their confusion and uncertainty.

It indicates a search for deeper intention or purpose behind the events.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In examining cultural and religious comparisons, one could look at ancient accounts of divine-human communication, such as the oracles in Greek mythology, where gods would speak through human vessels.

However, the Acts event is distinct in that it isn't just one person and not a cryptic message; it's a clear communication in multiple languages to a diverse group.

This echoes the Jewish understanding of prophecy, where God speaks to His people through prophets, but in this case, it is amplified through the Holy Spirit's empowerment of the apostles to speak to all people.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the phenomenon described in Acts 2 could be analyzed in terms of what is known about language acquisition and the brain's capacity for understanding and producing language.

However, the event as described, spontaneous fluency in multiple languages, does not align with current scientific understanding of how languages are learned and processed by the brain.

Thus, it remains squarely in the realm of the miraculous or supernatural from a scientific point of view.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer diverse perspectives on Acts 2:12.

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the wonder and astonishment of the crowd and how the event served as a sign of God's mighty works.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that the event had a mixed reception, with some mocking and others genuinely curious, showing varied responses to divine intervention.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that the events of Pentecost had a significant impact on the crowd, leading to the eventual conversion of some.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the connection between the speaking in tongues and the outpouring of the prophetic spirit promised in Joel.

Overall, the agreement is that Acts 2:12 is a pivotal moment demonstrating the presence of the Holy Spirit and initiating the mission of the Church to all nations.