TONGUES OF FIRE (γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ̀ πυρός, tongues as of fire). The phrase is used in Acts 2:3: “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them.” The KJV says “cloven tongues like as of fire”; whereas the ASV has “tongues parting asunder, like as of fire.” The Gr. text does not allow the idea of the Holy Spirit setling down upon each of the “120” in the form of cloven tongues of fire. It says that a firelike appearance presented itself to them and then distributed itself among them. The tongues of flame prob. signified the fearless and persuasive witness in the power of the Holy Spirit that was henceforth to characterize the testimony of the disciples of Christ.