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diversity

Acts 2:9&10
"9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,"

Jerusalem during the festival time was a VERY diverse place. These verses highlight the international nature of the Jewish people at this time. The forefathers of these devout Jewish people were taken in captivity by armies that invaded and conquered Israel. Over the years, these Jewish "captives" would adopt the language and some of the customs of their captors. However, they remained Jewish. By the time of the events recorded in the book of Acts, they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover and the Feast of Weeks. They just happened to be there when the Holy Ghost filled the Disciples and inspired them to speak in languages they did not know. 

All of these things happened according to God's plan. Including the Roman roads that enabled them to travel in relative ease. The Greek language helped many communicate outside their native languages. All of history was orchestrated for this very situation. These unsuspecting Jewish pilgrims are about to hear the most motivational sermon ever preached!

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