The Work of the Holy Spirit: What Is "Divided" Tongues?

As we begin to study that of Acts chapter 2:3 where it says, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them." This is one of many passages that has been greatly misunderstood by the church today. In order to understand that of the immediate context of scripture is to read that of its wider context. In so many words reading as well as study previous, but, also preceding passages of the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15).  Once again as we study Acts chapter 2 verse 3 is to also seek to understand that of the plain meaning of this verse under study. Let's begin by reading again Acts 2:3 where it says, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them." To paraphrase that of this particular passage of scripture according to Acts 2:3 is that the "divided" tongues appeared to be like as of fire. In so many words that the Holy Spirit distributed these "divided" tongues to many of Christ's disciples so as to speak in different native languages. These "divided" tongues were not  "literal" tongues of fire, but, it appeared to be like as of fire. There are many Charismatic evangelicals especially among many strict Holiness sects which "interpret" tongues as literal tongues of fire. If that was the case that many of the disciples of Christ would literally burn with fire. The old slogan and phrase by many Pentecostal by saying, "Holy Ghost filled and fire baptized." It would definitely be impossible to interpret Acts 2:3 based upon many of these sects interpretation by which to teach "literal" fire baptized. 

   Throughout this article, I will begin to study that of Acts chapter 2 verse 3 in light of other passages of scripture that will also shed light upon this verse of the Bible (1 Cor. 2:13). The best interpretation of the Bible is the Bible itself. In so many words scripture interpret scripture by which it has to fit within its proper context. 

    The appearance of "cloven tongues" or "divided tongues" like as of fire was the distribution of such native languages that were given unto the disciples of Christ. Also the appearance of "divided tongues" was not "literal" tongues of fire, but like as of fire." The 120 disciples of Christ was that of the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus and many of those that were related to Christ (Acts 1:13-15).  In order for the church to clearly understand "divided tongues" like as of fire by which it was not "literal" fire. According to Acts chapter 7 verse 30, it says, "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush." As we begin to read this verse closely that the angel of the Lord that appeared to Moses in the wilderness of mount Sina was in the flame of fire in the bush. In so many words the angel that appeared unto Moses was not the flaming of fire, but, was in a flame of fire in a bush. Also, in 1 Kings chapter 19 verse 12 it says, "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." Once again the LORD is not a "literal" fire because of Jehovah not in the fire. Even though our God is a consuming fire according to Hebrews 12:29, but according to 1 Kings 19:12 the Lord Jehovah was not in the fire. It is so many important that the church today must begin to read properly that of scripture as well as properly interpreting God's Word. 

  Such "cloven tongues" or "divided tongues" refers to the different native languages that were dispersed to the disciples of Christ at the upper room (Acts 2:2-3).  As these "divided" tongues were distributed to many of Christ's disciples they spoke in "different" native languages by which those who heard them speak in their own languages understood exactly what they were saying (Acts 2:5, 8, 11).  The purpose of the disciples of Christ speaking in the "native" languages of the people was to preach the gospel throughout the world (Acts 1:8). As they were filled with the Holy Spirit, but, as a result, spoke in such "other tongues" or languages by which they were enabled by the Spirit to speak in the native language of the people. Such "authentic" native language was intelligible, comprehensible, and sensical by which it opposes that of the "twisted" tongues by many Charismatics today. The "twisted" tongues that are being practiced in the church today by which it is not a real language is interpreted as a "prayer language" through such a "mystical" union with God. Also, such "gibberish" of tongues is non-intelligible, non-thought, non-rational, and mystical by which it is non-sensical in and of itself.  Whenever the church practices such "twisted" tongues as a means of such "mystical" union are dangerous but are hazardous to the spiritual welfare of the church today (Col. 2:18, 19).  The influence of mysticism has in fact greatly impacted the professing the church today by which many of its victims thrown away to rational "rudder" by which many of God's people are hallucinogenic, but at worst self-deceiving (2 Tim. 3:13).

     In summary, the "divided tongues" or languages were not "literal" tongues of fire, but like as of fire by which the Holy Spirit dispersed these "different" native languages unto the disciples of Christ as they were in the Upper Room (Acts 2:2-3). They spoke in the native languages of the people by which they were enabled by the Holy Spirit to speak in such different "authentic" language (Acts 2:4). These native languages were intelligible, comprehensible, and sensical as opposed to the "twisted" tongues that have been perpetuated by modern-day Pentecostalism ( Acts 2:1-4; 5-11; Gal. 3:1, 2-4). 

    We as the church must model that of the Bereans in that "they searched the scripture so seek if what Paul was saying was true." (Acts 17:11 with 1 John 4:1). The influence of personality cults and charismatic leaders hold sway in contemporary Christianity than that of the written Word of God. Experience is preferred over what is objective;  relativism is favor over absolute truth. We live in spiritually deceptive times by which the necessity of discernment is greatly needed in the Church today. (1 Tim. 4:1)

Rev. Darryl L. Miller is president & Chairman of "Darryl Miller International Ministries" in Atlanta, Georgia and travels throughout the United States and continents. Darryl is the Host of, "Ask Darryl Podcast Show" which "airs" 24/7 @ www.spreaker.com/user/bishopoflyons. He is the bestselling author of his book, "The Prosperity Gospel: Where Did It Come From?: Gnostic Source? Or Spiritual Revelation?" As an apologist, conference speaker, and lecturer he is in great demand both in the United States and around the world. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian outside metro Atlanta with their puppy "Little Baby."