Bible Discussion Thread

can you describe what the bible means when the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost like cloven of fire set upon there shoulders? Acts 2:3

Just to add: I liken the 'cloven tongues as of fire' that descended on the apostles as a witness to those around of this first instance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon men. This was similar to the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at the time of John's baptism in the form of a dove ( John 1:32), as a witness to John & those around. However, at Pentecost, there was a double witness, in that it was not only a visible sight of the Spirit's anointing, but a verbal witness as the Spirit gave them utterance to speak unlearned languages.

But bear in mind that the fire & the dove that describes the Spirit's anointing should not be seen as actual fire or an actual dove, but merely a description of God's presentation to people there. In fact, a dove could not be used by God, as that would depict God in animal form, which amounts to idolatry & breaking of the second commandment.

The cloven tongues like as a fire is a special work of God at his discretion which means that every time someone gets born again does not mean their going to see cloven tongues but it is available for any believer to speak in tongues which is why the apostle paul said he spoke in tongues more than the entire corinthian church. Another example of phenomenon is moses and the burning bush. Gideon and the dew on the ram moses rod turning into a snake, the prepose being to get attention to help the person believe.