05/23/2026
Thank you Reverend Merri Alexander for sharing the scripture with this fascinating translation of Acts 2:1-21 May 24:
The First Nations Version (FNV) is a dynamic, indigenous-focused translation of the New Testament that adapts biblical storytelling of into the oral, storytelling style of Native North American cultures.
WIND AND FLAMES OF FIRE
They had all gathered together in one place, 2when suddenly the sound of a great windstorm came from the spirit-world above and could be heard throughout the house where they were sitting. 3They saw flames of fire coming down from above, separating and resting on each of their heads. 4The Holy Spirit had come down upon them and began to fill them with Spirit life and power. New languages began to flow out from their mouths, languages they had never learned, given from the Holy Spirit.
5The Sacred Village of Peace (Jerusalem) was filled with devoted members of the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel), who had come for the festival from every nation under the sun. 6A crowd began to gather when they heard the loud noise.
7In wonder and amazement the crowd began to ask, “How is it that these people from Circle of Nations (Galilee) are speaking in our many languages? 8For we all can understand them in the languages of the places we have come from! 9-11There are people here for the festival from nations and places close by and far away who are members of the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel), and those from Outside Nations who have been taken into the tribes.
“They come from Land of Victory (Parthia), Land in the Middle (Media), and Land of the Ancient Ones (Elam). Many come from Land Between Rivers (Mesopotamia), Land of Promise (Judea), Land of Handsome Horses (Cappadocia), Land of Black Waters (Pontus), and Land of the Rising Sun (Asia). Some come from Dry Wood (Phrygia) and Many Tribes (Pamphylia), and the territory of Land of Tears (Libya) near the village of Strong Wall (Cyrene). There are travelers from Village of Iron (Rome), both Tribal Members and Outsiders who have become Tribal Members, along with those who come from Flesh Eater Island (Crete)and Land of Wanderers (Arabia).
“We can hear them, in the languages of these nations, telling about the great and powerful things done by the Great Spirit!” 12Many were amazed and confused and began to ask each other, “What can this mean?” 13But others in the crowd just laughed and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”
STANDS ON THE ROCK SPEAKS OUT
14Stands on the Rock (Peter), along with the other eleven message bearers, stood up to the crowd, and with a loud voice said, “Tribal members from far away and all who live in Village of Peace (Jerusalem), listen closely to me. I will tell you what this means!”
The crowd became quiet and turned to hear Stands on the Rock (Peter).
15“No one among us is drunk on wine, for it is still the middle of the morning. This is not what you think it is. 16This is what the prophet Creator Is the Great Spirit (Joel) spoke of long ago when he said, 17‘“In the last days,” says Creator, “I will rain down my Spirit upon all human beings from every nation. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Young warriors will see visions and elders will have dreams. 18When that time comes, my Spirit will rain down on all who serve me, both men and women, and they will boldly speak my words. 19There will be powerful signs and omens in the spirit-world above and on the earth below—blood and fire with clouds of smoke. 20The sun will grow dark and the moon will be red like blood, as the great and dreadful day of Creator shines like the sun. 21Then the ones who cry out to the Great Spirit will be made whole and set free.”’”
