Q1. Spirit Falls

[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? Of the flames? Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns?

[Krissi]

When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? Of the flames? 

Perhaps the sensory experience of sound and wind validated or confirmed what was happening to those in the upper room, that "something powerful" had entered that room. 

As a thought experiment, what would it have been like had they NOT had those particular sensory experiences, but instead, the HS came down surreptitiously and entered their hearts?  Would they have doubted His presence?  Would they have wondered if others had a similar experience? Would they have thought they were going nuts?

Wind and flames are symbols in the OT of God's power. I'm certain they thought of God as the wind whirled around the room and they saw light/flames on each of them. So many of the words we describe God "somatize" Him as well as describe Him with sensory language and explain Him in human or anthropologic terms. As humans, we can't do better. We can't say, exactly, what the HS is, so we use metaphors to describe Him. Sight and sound are visual and auditory metaphors, and are one step closer to the real thing than simply describing the HS. They experienced Him, but obliquely or metaphorically.

Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? 

As someone learning a foreign language now, I would love that experience! In all seriousness, knowing foreign languages, or being able to speak/understand another language, opens up the possibilities for mission work. Most missionaries spend many months learning languages before going on the field. Perhaps God was in a bit of a hurry -- He instantly made "missionizing" work possible with tongues.

This wasn't, though, an ability to speak another language but to PRAISE GOD in another language. It seems to be specific to praise

Why would God want them to praise Him in languages other than their own?  Perhaps He did this as a miraculous witness to people who spoke those particular languages, a way of pulling them into the Kingdom in an intimate way that only speaking one's language can do.

How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns? 

It seems that fire and wind, storms and plagues -- dramatic occurrences -- are used by God frequently in the OT to reveal His power. I'm thinking, now, of Elijah calling down fire ... and then rain.  But note, too, that pagan worship used fire, in particular, as a symbol of power: Baal worshipers had mountainside altars. Moses saw God as fire, but the Israelites saw God as a pillar of smoke and fire. 

Fire may be imprinted on our minds as something powerful, mysterious and scary. Fire is life-threatening more than life-giving. Fire destroys.

So why would God choose fire as a proxy for Himself?  I don't know.

[Talyah]

the day of pentecost in Acts is reminiscent of the Mt. Sinai experience. The thunder and lightning. The voice of God. The sharing of His word to all those who were present. 

The significance of the sound of the wind is the voice of the LORD who leads one into all Truth

The flames is likened to the new sacrificial way of life. Before the sacrifices were laid upon the altar. NOW, the altar is the heart/mind. Romans 7:14-23, 1 John 5:3, John 14:21, John 14:15, Romans 12:1-2

• One aspect of being a living sacrifice is the sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15 defines it as “the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” This harkens back to Hosea 14:2, where the prophet painted the memorable word picture of offering “the sacrifices [literally, bull calves] of our lips.” 

• Becoming a living sacrifice is one of the costs that observing Passover should recall to our memories, giving us substance for sober reflection aimed toward revitalizing our understanding of the significance of this important day.

   

[Sunday M.A. Aloko]

The wind represent the Holy Spirit.the fire represents the Shekinah glory descending on the people.

[kreilly]

The wind, flames, and speaking in tongues are physical evidence to others who witness the occurrence that the Holy Spirit is present since He is spirit and cannot be seen. Pastor Ralph mentions several occurrences of the Holy Spirit coming upon people in the Old Testament and they begin prophesying--70 elders at the tabernacle, Saul, Saul's soldiers.  It also reminds me of Jesus' baptism, although it is in the New Testament, when the Holy Spirit descended like a dove (could be seen by others).  These instances are similar to the coming of the Spirit in Acts.  However, now the Holy Spirit is here to indwell believers permanently, not temporarily, as in Old Testament times.  

 

[Luke]

2:1. The day of Pentecost was an annual feast that followed the Feast of Firstfruits by a week of weeks (i.e., seven weeks, or 49 days) and therefore also was called the Feast of Weeks (cf. Lev. 23:15–22). The name “Pentecost,” of Greek derivation, means 50 because it was the 50th day after the Firstfruits feast (Lev. 23:16).
2:2–3. The references to “wind” and “fire” are significant. The word for “Spirit” (pneuma) is related to pnoe, the word translated “wind” here. It also means breath. Both nouns—“spirit” and “wind” or “breath”—are from the verb pneō, “to blow, to breathe.” The sound like the blowing of a violent wind … from heaven points to the power of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of His coming.
The tongues of fire portray the presence of God. Several times in the Old Testament God displayed Himself in the form of flames (Gen. 15:17; Ex. 3:2–6; 13:21–22; 19:18; 40:38; cf. Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16).
No believer there was exempt from this experience, for the flames separated and came to rest on each of them.
2:4. The filling with the Holy Spirit is separate from the baptism of the Spirit. The Spirit’s baptism occurs once for each believer at the moment of salvation (cf. 11:15–16; Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 2:12), but the Spirit’s filling may occur not only at salvation but also on a number of occasions after salvation (Acts 4:8, 31; 6:3, 5; 7:55; 9:17; 13:9, 52).
An evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was other tongues (heterais glōssais; cf. 11:15–16). These were undoubtedly spoken living languages; the word used in 2:6, 8 is dialektō, which means “language” and not ecstatic utterance. This gives insight into what is meant by “tongues” in chapters 2; 10; 19; and in 1 Corinthians 12–14.
This event marked the beginning of the church. Up to this point the church was anticipated (Matt. 16:18). The church is constituted a body by means of Spirit baptism (1 Cor. 12:13). The first occurrence of the baptism of the Spirit therefore must indicate the inauguration of the church. Of course Acts 2:1–4 does not state that Spirit baptism took place at Pentecost. However, 1:5 anticipates it and 11:15–16 refers back to it as having occurred at Pentecost. The church, therefore, came into existence then.

 

[Kaleb]

Sound of wind; violent rushing wind(pnoe) filled the house they they were gathered(acts 2:2). The synonym pneuma which refers to breath or Spirit. This signifies that there were an audible manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Of the flames; something that looked like flickering tongues of fire rested on them(acts 2:3). When you look at the fire flames ? ? it's like a separate parts. This signifies that there were the Visible manifestation of the holy Spirit.

Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God ina other languages; they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance.(acts 2:4). Speaking in tongues here means Miraculously speaking in a recognizable Foreign language which one has not previously learned. This signifies that there were linguistic manifestation of the holy Spirit.

This filling permanent dwelling of the holy Spirit inside the believer. Where as in the old testament holy spirit dwelt temporarily inside the believer. However the outcome and manifestation is the same, that is how they conform.

[Vivian Kamba]

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind?

On the Day of Pentecost, the significance of the sound of wind was to indicate that the Holy Spirit was present or had come as it had been promised. The sound of the wind was so loud thus the 120 people who had gathered knew that this was it, the gift that had been promised had come. The sound was audible but there was no wind.  Wind signified breathe  which is life.

 Of the flames? The flames were seen as visions and broke out in tongues of flames that went to everyone who was in the room and once the flame touched them they were filled by the Holy Spirit and immediately started speaking in tongues. 

Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages?

The spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages signified the filling up of the Holy Spirit of the Apostles of Jesus  Christ and other followers of Jesus. The people who had gathered to watch this phenomenon were able to understand what the apostles were saying each in their own language as they spoke of praises to God. The Apostles were also filled with power and that day Peter preached and over 3000 people became followers of Jesus Christ.

How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns?

The Holy Spirit was also at work in the Old Testament as  He has been mentioned during the time of Moses and King Saul. In the Book of Joel, the Prophet also prophesied about the Holy Spirit  filling up young  men and women.

[Kyunghoon]

1 The sound of wind.  In the Old Testament wind is ruwach in Hebrew meaning  wind, breath and spirit.  In  Ezekiel 37: 9, breath comes from the wind(ruwach) and gives life to the slain. So the sound of the wind in the Acts 2;1~4 means that the presence of Holy Spirit (ruwach) sending breaths upon the disciples giving lives to them.

 

2 Tongues of fire. In the Old Testament, God appeared in fire(Exo 19:18) or in a flame of fire(Exo 3:2). In the Acts 2:3 the tongues of fire does not mean tongues but fire in the form of tongue. It means presence of God was there. It is God Himself that came upon each disciples and poured the Holy Spirit in them.

 

3 Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages. In the OT when the Spirit of God came upon individuals they prophesied in Hebew (Num11:25, 26, 1Sam 10:6, 10, 19:20). In those cases it was not known what kind of prophesies were given however it can be presumed to be some kind of praises. In Act 2, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they started speaking with other tongues. According to the tradition of OT, they would speak Hebrew as those who were there to hear them were devout Jews and converts. The Spirit’s making the disciples speak in other tongues signifies that the salvation is extended to the gentiles.

[Katy]

Q1. The significance of the sound of the wind: The group of believers were gathered together in prayer and praise when a sound like violent wind reached their ears , it is not wind but the Greek word for Spirit is also the word for wind or breath. It happens as the Spirit is suddenly present in the room. Then they saw fire which divided into flaming tongues which settled over  the head of each believer. This was the Spirit filling each of the believers. This is what Jesus had told the believers would happen, Jesus had told them to stay together until the Spirit came. When the believers were filled with the Spirit they started to speak in different languages, praising God. At this point they had spilt out into the open where they were heard by people from many nations who were astonished to hear them praising God in their own languages. There are incidents of people speaking out spontaneously in prophecy in the Old Testament, Moses, Joel, and Saul. This speaking in tongues is a continuation of the prophecy of the Old Testament. It was an ecstatic experience that was led by the Spirit, very similar to inspired prophecy.

 

[Bailey]

Bailey Greetings  10/15/21 

Q 1. What is the significance of the sound of the wind? Of the flames? The spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages?  It was not the wind, but sounds like the wind, but it is a sound of a gentle breeze refreshing the air in the room, the flames represent the filling of the holy spirit upon each person and they were filled with the Holy Spirit

[hanks]

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? Of the flames? Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns? 
In Scripture the imagery of wind points to both the revelation of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Here the significance of the sound of wind, is that it denotes heavenly power, and its suddenness reveals the start of a supernatural event. The people did not feel the wind; they heard the sound of a mighty wind, it was a sound which “filled the whole house”, and was instantly recognized as a miracle “from heaven”. The significance of the flames (“tongues of fire”) that rested on each one of them, was to add a visual sign to the invisible sound of the wind. At this point each one received the Spirit, by the baptism with the Spirit, and were all made into one spiritual body – the body of Christ. The miracle at Pentecost was the filling of the Holy Spirit, followed by the speaking of other languages as led by the Holy Spirit. The significance of this was that they were given the miraculous power to speak actual foreign languages which they had never done before. This was another one of the signs or wonders God used to bear witness to the truth of the message which the apostles preached (Heb 2:3-4). I think that this was not gibberish talk or utterances but definite languages that was in use in other parts of the world. The Holy Spirit had been active prior to Pentecost and had worked in Creation (Gen 1:1–2), in Old Testament history (Judg 6:34; 1 Sam 16:13), and in the life and ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:30–37; 4:1, 14; Acts 10:38). However, now there would be two changes: the Spirit would dwell in people and not just come on them, and His presence would be permanent, not temporary (John 14:16–17). We are indwelt by God's Spirit the moment we are saved, but to be filled with the Spirit we must study the Word, spend time in meditation and prayer, and live-in obedience to the Lord. Prior to this the Holy Spirit had been with the disciples, but now He took residence in them (John 14:17). This was an important turning point, for in the OT the Spirit came upon a person, but now the Spirit came to stay (John 14:16); indwelt people permanently. 
 

[haar]

2,Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? Of the flames? Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns?
http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/2039-q1-spirit-falls/

The significance of the sound means people heard the arrival of Holy Spirit while the flames indicate that people could see the evidence of His coming upon them while the spontaneous speaking and praising God in other languages was evidence to all that the promised Holy Spirit has come.

[Old Jerry]

I think that the significance of the sound of the wind is the Spirit entering the room. The flames is the Holy Spirit touching all those that are in the room. The spontaneous speaking of praises of God in other languages is to be able to communicate to all that are there the great work of God. This filling conforms to the Old Testament patterns because it happened in the Old Testament.

[Irmela]

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4)

When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind?

  What is the significance  of the flames?

  What is the significance of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages?

How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns?

The whole phenomenon was not hidden. It was not secretive.  When a wind blows it is heard. It is not something silent.  It was not a wind , only sounded like a mighty wind.  A normal wind is heard whistling in the tree-tops, but a mighty wind, possibly like the sound of a tornado, that would be like the sound of a nearby freight-train rushing by.  

Tongues, like fire spreading out. It could not be contained in one place. It spread. Again it is the visual that is given not that it was actual fire.  (fire is for judgement)

So the senses of sight and hearing are used.  

At the time of Pentecost , Jews were present in Jerusalem from far-flung places.  They spoke the language or dialect of the places they came from, eg.,  Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Arabian etc.   Most possibly spoke Hebrew as well.  When the praises were heard, they were recognized as being in their native tongue.  It was amazing because it was not learned scholars speaking these praises, but humble followers of the One, Jesus, Whom the Pharisees had ordered to be crucified. 

At the tower of Babel the different languages had split up the people,  now the Holy Spirit was using the different language phenomenon to draw them together.  It was the super natural that was drawing men to Christ.    

The ones who experienced this phenomenon were of the group that believed in Jesus as the Messiah.  They were ready and waiting for this filling, as Jesus had promised them.  

This speaking was spontaneous, as was the filling referred to in the Old Testament.  

[crissy464]

The wind symbolizes the free movement of the Holy Spirit and the breath of God. It represents the sound of a mighty wind on the Day of Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers.
    This is the day when the Holy Spirit appeared as flames of fire over believers' heads as well as He enabled believers to speak in tongues. On that day, everyone heard the gospel preached to them in their native language.
According to Acts 2:1-4, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and they began speaking in different tongues. This event drew a crowd of people who were amazed to hear the Apostles speaking in their languages. Peter then gave a powerful sermon, and about 3,000 people were baptized that day.
God uses fire and wind to reveal his power
 

[Nevardo]

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? Of the flames? Of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns?

1. I think the sound of the wind signifies power because it came from heaven and it was violent.

2. The significance of flames are power too but in addition caused disciples to speak diferent tongues.

3. Te filling of the Holy Spirit caused disciples spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages.

4. This filling conforms to Old testament patterns with Numbers 11.24-29; 1 Samuel 10.6,10; 1 Samuel 19.20-21-23-24