Are they not Galileans?

“They were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?’” (1) It was apparent that the apostles were Galileans. Even though they were speaking in other languages, they still had a Galilean accent. At the time, Galileans were looked down upon as rustic. How, then, could these rustic people speak so fluently in so many foreign languages (the languages of the pilgrims’ birth places)? (2) The Greek word rendered as “language” in verse 8 is not “glossa,” but “dialektos,” which means dialect. The apostles were praising God in various dialects. This was not about transmitting the Gospel (the message of repentance), but a “sign” to attract the interest of the pilgrims. Peter’s evangelistic message that follows is likely delivered in Aramaic, which was the common language of that time.

The home countries of the Pilgrims

(1) “Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia,” refer to people from the East. Due to the Assyrian captivity and Babylonian captivity, they were part of the Diaspora and spoke Aramaic. Incidentally, Babylon had a large Jewish community and rabbinical schools. (2) “Judea” is a term reflecting a Roman administrative district, which included Syria, where Aramaic was also spoken. (3) “Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia,” are regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where Greek was spoken. (4) “Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene,” are inhabitants of North African countries, where Greek was also spoken. (5) Next is the “visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes.” The language of the Romans was Latin. Here, Luke is pointing out that among the Romans, there were both Jews and converts. (6) “Cretans and Arabs” spoke Greek and Arabic, respectively. The listed countries all had their own dialects. The pilgrims heard the apostles praising God in their native tongues. This served as a “sign” that God was at work. As a result, the pilgrims had no choice but to give their full attention to Peter’s upcoming message. Let us remember God’s sovereignty and bow before Him.