And there appeared unto them separated tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
All Commentaries on Acts 2:3 Go To Acts 2
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Tongues of fire. The Hebrews use the name tongue, for almost any thing pointed. Thus they say, a tongue of the earth, for a promontory. (Josue xv. 5.) A fiery tongue for a flame in shape of a tongue. (Isaias v. 24.) The expression, therefore, in this place, may mean noting more than sparks, or rather flames, which appeared above all who were in the house.
By the fiery tongues is signified the efficacy of the apostles' preaching, and the gift of tongues bestowed upon them. (Menochius)
