Acts 2:3

And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

'TONGUES PARTING ASUNDER'-'They are called "tongues" because they were tongue-shaped in form.' (Reese p. 48). 'tongues of what appeared to be flame, separating' (TCNT). The KJV rendering "cloven tongues", has confused some. The tongues weren't forked in appearance. Rather, the fire-like tongues were distributed among the apostles.

'AS OF FIRE'-'Not consisting of fire, but resembling.' (Vincent p. 449) Fire was often the symbol for purity and the Divine presence (Exodus 2:2; Deuteronomy 5:4; Isaiah 2:6). Note that this isn't the fire mentioned by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11). For in that context, the baptism of fire refers to being overwhelmed by condemnation (Acts 3:12).

'IT SAT UPON EACH ONE OF THEM'-'Note the singular. One of these luminous appearances sat upon each.' (Vincent p. 449)