“They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language?’” Acts 2:7-8 (CSB)
Before I married my wife, Britt, as our relationship was developing and getting closer to engagement, I invited her to my family’s Thanksgiving. One of our family traditions is watching Bollywood movies together.
During a specific joke in the movie, my whole family erupted in laughter. The entire film was in Telugu, and Britt didn’t understand any of it.
“Um … can you translate the joke for me?” she asked.
Still laughing, I replied, “Of course!”
But what often happens when you translate a joke from one language to another? It instantly isn’t funny anymore!
There’s something intimate, familiar, and comfortable about the original language. Intimacy is lost in translation.
Around the world tomorrow, many Christians will celebrate Pentecost Sunday, commemorating the early Church receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. This was a significant day — the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to His disciples, who were waiting for the Helper (John 14:26; Acts 1:4), and of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-29 that the Spirit of God would pour out on all humanity.
At Pentecost, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem. When the Holy Spirit came and filled them, they “began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4, CSB). As they declared “the magnificent acts of God” (Acts 2:11, CSB), a crowd gathered. Acts 2:7-8 says, “They were astounded and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language?’”
The common languages spoken during Jesus' time were Koine Greek and Aramaic. Most people would have understood both while also maintaining their own native tongues.
I’ve always wondered: Why does Acts 2 emphasize that people from various nations heard the gospel in their native languages? Why didn't the Holy Spirit just let the disciples speak in Koine Greek or Aramaic? That would have been more efficient!
There are at least two important reasons:
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was working to undo the tower of Babel rebellion from Genesis 11, where humanity was separated by language differences and intimacy was lost. Now the Spirit invites a return to God’s family.
God cares more about intimacy than efficiency. How kind of God to ensure people first heard about His redemption of humanity in their own languages, bringing comfort, familiarity, and most importantly, intimacy with Him.
Our world is desperate for efficiency. We get frustrated if things don’t happen when and how we want them to. But what if the goal isn’t efficiency? There’s always a cost — often disconnected and cold relationships.
The Holy Spirit cares about closeness. The Spirit will be efficient at times, but He is not constrained by efficiency at the cost of intimacy.
As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, may we remember that this same God who desired intimacy with people then desires it with people now. God cares much more about intimacy in relationships than efficiency.
God, help us value connection over convenience and presence over productivity. Let us be reminded of Your heart for Your people. In a world striving for efficiency, remind us of the beauty of intimacy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The burden of “doing it all” and “being it all” doesn’t have to weigh you down for one more day. If you’re ready to exchange the exhausted pace you’ve been running at for the kind of soul-peace only God can provide, check out Dr. Joel’s book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility.
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Joel 2:28-29, “After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days” (CSB).
When have you prioritized efficiency over intimacy in your relationships with others or with God? What might have been lost in those moments, and how could you approach similar situations differently in the future?
Like the people at Pentecost who heard God's message in their native languages, what “language” does God use to speak most intimately to you (worship, Scripture, being in nature, etc.)? How can you create more space to listen in that way? Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Dr. Joel Muddamalle. All rights reserved.
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