What the Bible says about Tarry Meetings
(From Forerunner Commentary)
In addition to the wind-like sound, flames of fire appeared either to fall upon or to rise from those who were given God's Spirit. There is no indication that these flames appeared on anybody else except those who were in the house. God may have done this because fire had previously been associated with a form of baptism by John the Baptist (Luke 3:16). God used the fire to identify those who were receiving His Spirit at that time—a form of visible "sanctification" (being set apart). In any case, nothing like that occurs at "tarry meetings," nor does it occur when any today receive God's Holy Spirit. Neither did it occur when the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48). It was a one-time sign.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Pentecost and the Holy SpiritRelated Topics: Baptism | Baptism of John the Baptist | Baptism of the Holy Spirit | Baptism, Type of | Fire | Fire as Symbol | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Pentecost | Pentecost , Miracle of | Sanctification | Tongue as Fire