Acts 2:11
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλώσσαις
tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
9 of 13
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγαλεῖα
the wonderful works
G3167
μεγαλεῖα
the wonderful works
Strong's:
G3167
Word #:
11 of 13
magnificent, i.e., (neuter, plural as noun) a conspicuous favor, or (subjectively) perfection
Cross References
Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?1 Corinthians 12:10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?Psalms 26:7That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.Job 9:10Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.Jeremiah 25:24And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,Titus 1:12One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.Isaiah 25:1O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.Isaiah 13:20It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.Isaiah 28:29This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
Historical Context
Crete, birthplace of Zeus in pagan mythology, would later house Christian communities requiring pastoral correction (Titus 1:5). Arabia, homeland of Ishmael and the Queen of Sheba, represented Israel's complex relationship with Gentile nations. Both regions' inclusion shows no people group stands outside God's redemptive reach.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wonderful works of God' has the Spirit revealed to you that demand proclamation?
- How does the inclusion of distant, diverse peoples challenge any exclusivity in your understanding of the gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'wonderful works of God' (Greek 'megaleia tou theou') encompasses both creation's majesty and redemption's power, climaxing in Christ's resurrection. That 'Cretes and Arabians' - representing western (Mediterranean) and eastern (desert) extremes - heard these truths demonstrates the cosmic scope of Pentecost's significance. The Spirit's arrival inaugurated the age when God's glory would fill the earth as waters cover the sea.