Acts 2:6
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:6
**Meaning & Context** (200 words)
Acts 2:6 describes the crowd’s reaction to the miraculous event: a multitude gathers, perplexed because each person hears in his own language. The noise and the astonishment reveal that God’s activity is extraordinary and public. The linguistic dilemma underscores the miracle’s purpose: the gospel will be heard by diverse listeners in comprehensible terms, nullifying language as a barrier to understanding God’s deeds. This moment also demonstrates the social cohesion (or tension) of early Jerusalem life—piets of Jew and Gentile, visitors and locals—but the Spirit’s work is knitting a new community that transcends prior boundaries. The phrase “comely confounded” signals both wonder and bewilderment, inviting questions about the source of this power. The episode is a bridge between the birth of the church and its mission to the world, showing that God meets people where they are, using the very gifts and contexts of listeners to reveal his story.
**Theological Significance** (150 words)
This verse emphasizes that the gospel speaks all languages—literally and metaphorically. The Spirit’s enablement shows that God’s message is accessible to every culture, which reinforces the inclusive scope of salvation. It also foregrounds the interplay between proclamation (witness) and reception (hearing) as essential to the Spirit’s work. The event highlights the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures’ expectation of universal proclamation and Acts’ fulfillment in the church.
**Modern Application** (150 words)
For modern readers, this verse invites humility and adaptability: sharing the gospel in ways that people can hear and understand. It encourages investing in language-sensitive outreach—learning about communities, using plain language, and avoiding jargon. Practically, consider missions or outreach in multilingual neighborhoods, with interpreters or translated materials. Emphasize listening to hear how others understand God and tailoring your message without compromising truth. The emphasis on hearing also invites believers to cultivate a listening church—attentive to culture, tradition, and questions skeptics may raise.
**Cross-References**: Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 14:9; Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 4:2; Isaiah 52:7