And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. Acts 2:3-4 HCSB
One of the things I enjoy most about camping with my family is the campfire at night. There is nothing much better than sitting around the campfire on a cool night with family and friends roasting marshmallows and enjoying some great conversation. Fire can be very beneficial but it can also be destructive. Recently there was a family in our church that lost their home to a fire on Christmas day.
Luke selected fire as a way of describing what happened at Pentecost when the disciples and believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit. This was a fulfillment of what John the Baptist promised about the Holy Spirit baptizing with fire (Luke 3:16). Tongues symbolized speech. Fire represented the purifying act of God which burns away the sin in our lives and sets our hearts on fire for God. A pillar of fire led the Israelites by night as they wandered in the wilderness. At Mount Sinai fire came down. At Pentecost fire came down and enabled the disciples to talk in many different languages so the Good News of Jesus Christ could be shared with many people from around the world.
Challenge: Note that the Holy Spirit came upon ALL believers. As a believer, the Holy Spirit lives within you. You may not have the ability to speak in other languages, but you do have the power of God to accomplish great things for Him and His kingdom.