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The Gift of Ears
Dr. Orville Boyd Jenkins

I n Acts 2:5-12, we read of a miracle of communication.  This is often referred to as the "gift of tongues."  It is true that we are told, "They spoke in languages as the Spirit enabled them" (v 4).  

But three interpretive statements in the passage proclaim, "Each one heard them speaking in his own language" (vv 6,8,11).

People from everywhere gathered for Pentecost heard the believers "declaring the wonders of God" v 11.  The miracle was in the hearing.  This provides a challenge to the gospel communicator.  Every people in the world have the right to hear the gospel in their own language.

This is both the challenge and the privilege of the cross-cultural communicator of the gospel.   

OBJ

Originally published as a general article in Focus on Communication Effectiveness June 1992
Posted 29 August 2005
Last edited 21 November 2001

Copyright © 2005 Orville Boyd Jenkins
Permission granted for free download and transmission for personal or educational use. Other rights reserved.

Email:  orville@jenkins.nu

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