Why is 'tongues' plural in the Acts 2 account of speaking in tongues?
In the Acts 2 account, the plural 'tongues' marks the first of only three times the Holy Spirit delegated the miracle of speaking in tongues to men. It also signals a course back to God's dealing with the nation of Israel, because Pentecost was a Jewish feast day.
Les explains that Scripture records only three times when the Holy Spirit delegated the miracle of speaking in tongues to men. Acts chapter 2 is the first example, and there the gift is called 'tongues,' plural. He teaches that this plural form indicates a course back as God is still dealing with the nation of Israel. The setting confirms it: Pentecost was a Jewish feast day, and the account fits that context of Israel's dealings with God.
More Questions
What feast day was it when the disciples spoke in tongues in Acts 2?
The tongues in Acts 2 occurred on the day of Pentecost, which Les maintains was a Jewish feast day.
What does the Greek word behind 'tongues' in Acts 2 indicate about the miracle of Pentecost?
The Greek word for 'tongues' in Acts 2 is 'dialektos,' the root of our English word 'dialect,' so tongues here means real regional languages brought down to the dialect of individual areas.
How did Peter explain the speaking in tongues at Pentecost in Acts 2?
Peter, in Acts chapter 2, identified the speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, saying 'this is that which was spoken of Joel the prophet.'