Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia,
The Elamites and Persians are the same people, and these were Jews native to that region who spoke its language. That many Parthian Jews were afterward converted to Christian faith is evident; some of the ancients believed John's first epistle was written to them.
AI summary
Luke lists these nations moving from east to west to show the astounding reach of this miracle. Many Jews dwelt in these eastern lands after Babylon's captivity, choosing not to return home; their descendants were gathered at Jerusalem to hear the apostles speak in their own tongues.
AI summary
Jerusalem was crowded with devout Jews and proselytes from every corner of the known world, some from eastern nations like Parthia and Mesopotamia, others from Cappadocia and beyond. God had made the city a rendezvous of religious people, just as other cities drew traders, so that witnesses to this miracle would carry word to all nations.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 2:5-13