Book of Acts - Chapter 2 - Verse 4

When the disciples gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost, they experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event marked the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send them the Comforter, who would empower them for their ministry. The Holy Spirit filled each believer, enabling them to speak in languages they did not know, a phenomenon known as speaking in tongues. This miraculous ability allowed the disciples to communicate the message of the Gospel to people from different regions and backgrounds who were present in Jerusalem at that time. The diverse crowd marveled at this display of God's power and were drawn to hear the message of salvation. The event of Pentecost served as a catalyst for the spread of Christianity, as many who witnessed the disciples speaking in tongues were convicted of their need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It was a significant moment in the early church as it demonstrated the universal nature of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers for effective ministry.

In this verse from the book of Acts, the theological interpretation emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit as the source of empowerment and transformation for the early believers. The phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost" indicates a profound experience of being entirely saturated and controlled by the Spirit of God, leading to a radical transformation in the lives of the disciples. The ability to speak in other tongues, as described in this passage, is often understood as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power, enabling the disciples to communicate and connect with people of different languages and cultures. This event is commonly associated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, marking the beginning of the spread of the Gospel to all nations. Word studies on phrases like "speak with other tongues" reveal a deeper understanding of the supernatural nature and divine enablement involved in this miraculous expression of spiritual giftedness. Overall, this verse highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for effective communication and ministry.