Acts 2:2

2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

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Acts 2:2 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
The Message Bible (MSG)
2 Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force - no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building.
American Standard Version (ASV)
2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
2 Suddenly, a sound like a violently blowing wind came from the sky and filled the whole house where they were staying.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
2 Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:2 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 2:2

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven
Which is expressive of the original of the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, which come from above, from heaven, from the Father of lights; and of the freeness of them, being unmerited; and so come suddenly, at an unawares, being unthought of, undesired, and unexpected, and so certainly undeserved; and may be a symbol of the sound of the Gospel, which from hence was to go forth into all the earth; and may likewise express the rise of that, and the freeness of the grace of God in it, and its sudden spread throughout the world:

as of a rushing mighty wind;
it was not a wind, but like one; and the noise it made, was like the rushing noise of a strong and boisterous wind, that carries all before it: the Spirit of God is sometimes compared to the wind, because of the freeness of his operations; as that blows where it listeth, so he works when and where, and on whom he pleases; and also because of the power and efficacy of his grace, which is mighty and irresistible, and works with great energy upon the minds of men; and as the wind is secret and invisible, so the operations of the Spirit are in a manner secret and imperceptible unto men: this may likewise be applied to the Gospel, when it comes with the Holy Ghost, and with power; it makes its way into the heart, and throws down the strong holds of sin and Satan; there it works effectually, though secretly, and is the power of God to salvation:

and it filled all the house where they were sitting;
which was the temple, or the upper room or chamber in it, where they were assembled; so in the Ethiopic confession of faith F19 it is said,

``the Holy Ghost descended upon the apostles, in the upper room of Zion;''

this may be a symbol of the Gospel filling the whole world.


FOOTNOTES:

F19 Vid. Ludolph. not. in Claud. reg. Ethiop. Confess. p. 13.

Acts 2:2 In-Context

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.

Cross References 1

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