I sat stymied in the front seat of our taxi in Calcutta. Late in the evening we headed back to our hotel—me and my two sons. I handed the cab driver a card with the hotel name and address, a travel tip I learned years ago. But in the dark knot of chaotic streets he failed to locate the place. I spoke zero words in his local dialect, and he understood no English. My boys, both in their early 20’s, enjoyed the adventure. I wondered where we might sleep that night.

Finally, after stopping twice and asking other drivers for directions, we pulled up in front of the hotel. I realized once again the vital nature of communicating in the same language, a lesson I experience again and again on international trips.

The Holy Spirit blew up language barriers by rushing in and filling the disciples with unexpected power. Each began to voice a language unknown to them. As a crowd gathered, speakers of at least fifteen distinct languages heard a disciple declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! A powerful example of God’s ability to make himself known.

Everyone deserves to learn about God in their native language. The ceaseless work of Bible translators and the Jesus Film Project help provide this wonder for billions. Eugene Peterson translated The Message, which he described as an American version of the Bible.

When the speaker sounds like me I pay better attention. I have a feeling even the accents matched in that room long ago. The Holy Spirit provided the miracle for the benefit of the listeners, so the unique tone of each dialect seems appropriate. This miracle reveals God’s desire for every person to make their own informed decision about Jesus.

Now it’s our turn to make the wonders of God available to all peoples in their own specific language. Maybe artificial intelligence will help? But whatever tools come into our hands, like the disciples it’s up to us to speak of the wonders of God.

Acts 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Arindam Saha