Acts 2:6

When this was noised abroad. Or, “this noise having occurred.” The Greek word for “noise” or “sound” (phone) is often translated “voice.” In John 3:8 it is used for the “sound” of the wind to illustrate the movements of the Spirit. Here the word has two possible meanings: (1) the “sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind” (Acts 2:2); (2) the sound created by the mixed speech of the disciples (v. 4). Since phone is in the singular, it seems most likely to refer to the divine sound, which may well have been heard outside the house where the believers were, but it may also refer to the many voices of v. 4.

The multitude. That is, the crowds of people in Jerusalem, including particularly the visitors from foreign lands.

Were confounded. Gr. sugchuno, “to pour together.” The word is peculiar to Acts, where it is used five times. It is better translated “confused,” or “bewildered.” The multitude were naturally surprised, on arriving at the place whence the noise originated, to hear speakers using so many different tongues.

Heard them speak. The question sometimes is raised as to whether the gift operated here upon the apostles, giving them the power to speak other languages, or upon the hearers, giving them understanding of what the apostles said. Although it is true that Paul later recognizes the existence of a gift of interpretation of tongues (see 1 Cor. 12:30; 14:13, 27), the gift at Pentecost seems quite clearly to have been one bestowed on the apostles, because it was upon them that the Spirit came (Acts 2:3, 4; see AA 40; DA 821).

Language. Gr. dialektos (see on ch. 1:19). The list that follows (ch. 2:9-11) refers to language groups. Probably each speaker was using a different language according to the group he was addressing. Latecomers to the assembly doubtless moved about until they found the group where their own tongue was being spoken. In this way many nationalities were served simultaneously.