How does the Greek handle Acts 2:4?
SUMMARY: 1. The imperfect tense in ἐδίδου ("was giving") shows that the Holy Spirit’s influence was continuous , not delayed, fulfilling Jesus' promise of lasting spiritual power in Acts 1:8. Therefore, Acts 2:4 reads "As the Spirit was continuously giving, kept giving again and again for them to speak out." (or as the NIV " as the Spirit gave them utterance.") 2. Acts 2:4 illustrates the "ablative of source" concept: "they were filled from the Spirit as the source." From out of the source of the Holy Spirit came ongoing, continuous languages, again and again, with no hesitation. Fifteen untaught but known languages simultaneously declaring Christ at the same time by people who were overwhelmed, overflowing, submerged, and totally dominated by the Holy Spirit, who was continually giving. First Explanation of Edidou. "The continuing influence of the Holy Spirit is seen in the imperfect tense in 'ed...