Introduction
Perhaps the one thing that Pentecostals are most noted for is speaking in tongues. It is probably one of the most controversial subjects out there. Maybe you grew up hearing different teachings - some saying it’s real, some saying it’s not for today. Or maybe you’ve even wondered, “Is this just emotion? Is it biblical? Is it for me?” You’re not alone. In Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Ghost was poured out and the believers began to speak with other tongues, the crowd itself was confused. Some were amazed. Some were perplexed. Some even mocked. But hear me—what confused the crowd was the fulfillment of God’s promise. My aim is to attempt to clear up the confusion. Remember, these early believers had already been filled with the Holy Spirit (John 20). Now, it was time for the Holy Spirit to receive more of them.

Confusion
The people on the day of Pentecost were confused. On the Day of Pentecost, the believers were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues. But the crowd? They didn’t all understand. Some were amazed, some were perplexed, and some mocked outright, saying, “They are full of new wine.” The crowd didn’t understand because this was supernatural. Human logic could not explain a phenomenon where uneducated fishermen suddenly spoke in languages they never studied. Remember, it is faith that sees what the natural eye cannot see. Acts 2 shows a pattern that repeats: whenever God moves mightily, some hearts will receive it, and others will ridicule it. Don’t let the mockery of others stop you from receiving or operating in the Spirit! The same Spirit that filled the disciples can fill you today. The confusion of the crowd emphasizes that this was not ordinary human activity; it was God Himself moving visibly and audibly. The crowd couldn’t explain the phenomenon, so they dismissed it. They labeled Spirit-filled speech as drunken babble. However, their confusion would soon be clarified.
Acts 2:12-13

Clarity
How did the confusion on the Day of Pentecost get cleared up? Peter stood up and explained the phenomenon through Scripture, and the crowd moved from confusion to conviction. Acts 2 shows that when God moves in ways we don’t understand, He always has a Word to clarify His purpose. Peter did not have the NT to reference, so he referred to the prophet Joel. However, we read about 3 different types of speaking in tongues in the Word of God. First, the chapter that we just read from (Acts 2) reminds us that speaking in tongues is the confirmation of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is not the only evidence but appears to be the initial outward sign. Secondly, we read about devotional tongues or private tongues. This type of praying in the Holy Spirit is praying according to the mind or will of God. Sometimes, it is just simply so we can praise Him as we ought. Last of all, we read about speaking in tongues in the public worship service. Messages in the public worship setting should be interpreted. In this way, the entire church body benefits from this. God’s Word clears things up when it comes to the subject of tongues. If you’ve never been baptized in the Holy Spirit, or if you’ve been waiting for a fresh infilling, don’t let confusion, fear, or doubt hold you back. Ask Him, to baptize you today!
Acts 2:14-21
1 Corinthians 14:4
Romans 8:26-27
1 Corinthians 14:14-15
1 Corinthians 14:5