They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
Tongue-shaped flames rising from one root and resting on each disciple, a beautiful symbol of the Spirit's burning energy now descending in full power upon the Church, about to pour itself through every tongue and over every nation under heaven.
AI summary
Fire is the Holy Spirit's emblem because it purifies, enlightens, and burns with zeal. The cloven tongues show the many languages in which they would preach; through this baptism of fire and Spirit, the apostles gained understanding of Gospel mysteries and power to speak to all nations.
AI summary
The timing was no accident: Pentecost gathered prodigious crowds from every nation, spreading the gospel's fame far and wide. The feast had commemorated the law given at Sinai fourteen centuries before; now the Holy Ghost came in fire and tongues to proclaim the evangelical law, not to one nation alone but to every creature.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 2:1-4