What Would an Ancient Person Think of Tongues of Fire?

Abstract This article seeks to answer the question, What would an ancient person have thought of the tongues of fire in Acts 2:1–4 ? In seeking to answer this question, it contextualizes both Luke’s earliest readers and their probable interpretation within ancient Mediterranean literary culture. The article argues that the framework most readily available to such readers would have been epiphany narratives. After demonstrating the validity of this reading, the article turns to the literary purpose for epiphany and argues that Acts 2:1–4 shares that same purpose: to justify the introduction of a new god (Jesus), his worship, and his community of followers. The article concludes with implications for Luke’s literary procedure and role in defining and norming early “Christianity.”