For discussion on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I have set aside a separate study on the gift of speaking in tongues since it is arguably the most controversial, misunderstood and misused gift. To begin our study, let us first determine what the gift of tongues represents. The primary section in the Bible that address the gift of tongues is found in I Corinthians, chapters 12 through 14. The following are combined excerpts, in book/verse order, from these chapters that address speaking in tongues:
> “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit [of all]: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another [different] kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (NKJ: I Corinthians 12:7-11)
> “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. [Are] all apostles? [Are] all prophets? [Are] all teachers? [Are] all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” (NKJ: I Cor 12:27-30)
> “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 13:1)
> “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [him]; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:1)
> “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies [is] greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them [is] without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks [will be] a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual [gifts], [let it be] for the edification of the church [that] you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is [the conclusion] then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say ‘Amen’ at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: ‘With [men of] other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those who are] uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on [his] face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:4-28)
> “If anyone speaks in a tongue, [let there be] two or at the most three, [each] in turn, and let one interpret. but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God….For God is not [the author] of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.’” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:39-40)
However, before we begin to discuss this section of Scripture, we need to briefly address another passage in the Bible, found in the book of Acts, which is many times is confused as being a manifestation of the gift of speaking in tongues. We read in the book of Acts:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. and there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. and when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how [is it that] we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.’ So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘Whatever could this mean?’" (NKJ: Acts 2:4-12)
Upon examination of these two sections of Scriptures, that is, Acts 2 and I Corinthians 12-14, we find that they are two completely different workings of the Holy Spirit. When we compare the manifestation, “filling”, of the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts to what is referred to as the “gift of tongues” in I Corinthians 12 - 14, we find significant and very contradictory differences:
Language spoken by the speaker from the speakers perspective
Acts: The language being spoken is the speaker’s native language, that is, from the speaker’s perspective, he appears to believe he is speaking in his own native language though it was being heard by others in their own native languages
I Corinthians: The language being spoken is a language foreign to the speaker
2. Words being spoken by the speaker are controlled by the speaker
Acts: The words being spoken, though inspired by the Holy Spirit, appear to be controlled by the speaker
I Corinthians: The words being spoken by the speaker are not understood by the speaker; therefore, the speaker has no control over the words being spoken
3. Need for an interpreter
Acts: There is no need for an interpreter since both the speaker and the hearers hear the words being spoken in each’s native language
I Corinthians: This is a very key difference in that since neither the speaker nor the hearers understand the words being spoken,
there is a biblical requirement given that for one to speak in “tongues” that there must also be an interpreter present to interpret
the words being spoken for both the speaker and the hearer; otherwise, the speaker is to be silent, “For he who speaks in a tongue
does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [him]; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries….If anyone speaks
in a tongue, [let there be] two or at the most three, [each] in turn, and let one interpret. but if there is no interpreter, let him keep
silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.” (NKJ: I Corinthians14:2,27-28)
4. The language being spoken
Acts: The language being spoken, and heard, is an earthly known language
I Corinthians: The language appears to be a heavenly language not naturally understood by us, “Though I speak with the tongues
of men and of angels…”
Based on the above, it should be very clear to us that the manifestation of the power, “filling”, of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 is not the same as the “gift of tongues” being spoken of in I Corinthians 12 – 14, and that being practiced by some churches today.
Let us now begin our study of the “gift of tongues.” The gift of tongues being practiced in some churches today, and the one to which this study will address, is the gift discussed in I Corinthians 12 thru 14. This gift enables the one possessing the gift to speak in a foreign or possibly “heavenly language” (“heavenly language” derived from verse 13:1, where Paul says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels”), which would be foreign and not understandable by both the speaker and all who would hear. That is, the words being spoken would not be able to be understood without also having present a person who possesses the “gift of interpretation”, who could then properly interpret the words being spoken.
Looking at the gift of speaking in tongues, as discussed in I Corinthians, we must first take note of the setting. The Corinthian church was a carnal church, that is, they were not properly following after Christian principles, and were misrepresenting our Lord. Of all the churches to which Paul wrote, the Corinthian church was the most carnal, and was dealing with many gross sins. All throughout this first epistle to the Corinthian church, Paul is admonishing them in various areas of their conduct and doctrines being followed, and the way they were exercising the gift of tongues was one of those areas being admonished. Apparently, there was a large perceived manifestation of speaking in tongues going on in this Church. It should be noted that if spiritual righteousness or superiority had anything to do with the gift of tongues, then the Corinthian church would definitely not have experienced such a manifestation of this gift based on their poor spiritual condition at that time. We can also see that the gift of speaking in tongues is highly susceptible to abuse based on the admonishments and corrections noted in this epistle to the Corinthian church. Therefore, it is very important for us, as with all spiritual things, to look to the Word of God to discern the proper and improper uses of this gift so that we are not lead astray in this area by unbiblical and incorrect teachings.
The Gift of Tongues Exercised in Private Versus in Public
As we review the gift of tongues, it appears that there are two settings in which this gift can be exercised: in private prayer time and in public gatherings. Let us first take a look at speaking in tongues in our private prayer time. This was an area in which Paul encourages the believer to exercise this gift. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church:
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is [the conclusion] then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say ‘Amen’ at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. …” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:14-9)
In this passage, he begins with saying, “For if I pray in a tongue”, indicating use of this gift during personal prayer time. Her further comments that, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” followed by “yet in the church”, making a contrast between speaking in tongues in private prayer versus the use of this gift in Church.
Based on the foregoing, it appears that in this passage Paul is referring to private prayer time. The benefit in speaking in tongues during one’s personal prayers would be to assist in expressing thoughts and feelings that are difficult to express in words. We see this concept further expressed in Paul’s epistle to the Church of Rome, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (NKJ: Romans 8:26) In our prayer life, when we desire to just pour out our inner thoughts and feelings to our Lord, the gift of tongues is a definite blessing. However, this verse in Romans should not be taken as specifically referencing praying in tongues, but is encouraging us in prayer to not focus on expressing our thoughts and feelings perfectly to God to enable Him to properly understand, for He already knows our heart and mind, but to just pour out our thoughts and feelings. This can be accomplished by some in using their gift of tongues, and with the rest of us by a free-flowing of words and at times unintelligible groans. Either way, God hears and understands perfectly our intents.
In Paul’s view, the practice of speaking in tongues had great value in an individual’s private prayer time with God, yet, provides no value used in public, except in those times when an interpreter was also present who could translate the words being spoke to those who were listening. Paul emphasizes that he speaks more than any other in tongues, but that he prefers to speak in the common language in public so as to edify those who are listening. Paul further writes, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [him]; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. ... He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:2,4) Paul is further emphasizing the biblical truth that speaking in tongues, without an interpreter, is of no value to the church body, but only benefits and edifies the one speaking.
The purposes of tongues spoken in public is to edify, that is, to build up and encourage, the Church when properly interpreted by one present who has the gift of interpretation, “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” (NKJK: I Corinthians 14:5) (cf. I Corinthians 14:26) As with the gift of prophesy (see further discussion in the Bible study on the Spiritual Gifts), the gift of tongues is not a vehicle through which new revelations from God are given. This gift is used as a tool to encourage the body of Christ, that is, the Church. One must adhere strictly to biblical guidelines when trying to evaluate the proper use of the gift of tongues.
Biblical Guidelines for Speaking in Tongues
Let us now review some of the biblical guidelines given to us in the Scriptures for the proper exercise of the Gift of Tongues in public settings:
When the Gift of Tongues is Exercised, One with the Gift of Interpretation Must Be Present
Tongues are not to be used in public gatherings, e.g. during church services, church events, or home Bible studies, unless there is an interpreter present, “But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:28) (cf. I Corinthians 14:13-20) As we have discussed, public use of the gift of tongues is for the edification of the Church. What edification can be gained if the message, given in a language that is foreign for those who are listening, is not properly interpreted?
Paul writes to the Corinthians concerning the great importance in the understanding of the words spoken in the Church being properly understood by those who are listening:
“But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:6-11)
In this passage, we can see that Paul spends a significant amount of time discussing this one aspect of the gift of tongues, that is, without interpretation of tongues used in public, such utterances are useless and contrary to God’s purpose.
The Exercise of the Gift of Tongues is to be Used in an Orderly Manner and By No More Than Three People at Any One Gathering
The Bible tells us, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.” (I Corinthians 14:27) The gift of tongues is meant to be exercised in an orderly manner. Two important biblical requirements are given to us in this verse. First, during any assembly of believers, if the gift of tongues is to be exercised by multiple persons, the maximum number of those persons is three. If more than three persons choose to exercise this gift during a gathering, then we know that some, or all, of those appearing to exercise the gift of tongues are falsely doing so.
Second, the exercise of the gift of tongues in a gathering is to be done in an orderly manner, “they are to speak in order.” Those exercising this gift will not interrupt each other and/or talk over each other, but will speak in order, one after the other. Furthermore, a true exercising of this gift will not interrupt others who are preaching or teaching. That is, if there is a sermon or Bible study in progress, this gift will not interrupt those teaching. For those teaching and those exercising the gift of tongues should all be working under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will not interrupt Himself, “For God is not the author of confusion…Let all things be done decently and in order.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:33,40)
Finally, Paul warns that a false and unorderly exercise of the gift of tongues within the Church body will drive away both new believers and unbelievers since it will appear to them as strange and crazy behavior, “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those who are] uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:23) As a Church body, we are to always endeavor to maintain a Christ-centered environment that is welcoming to all who would enter the Church, and an unorderly exercise of the gift of tongues is contradictory to this endeavor.
The Purpose of the Gift of Tongues is for Edification of The Church
As we have previously discussed, the purpose of the gift of tongues is to edify the Church, that is, to encourage and build up. This is evident in the following verses:“Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:26)
“I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” (NKJK: I Corinthians 14:5)
The exercise of the gift of tongues should be for the purpose of encouragement and spiritual strengthening of the Church body. Its motivation should be based in love and selflessness, and focused on benefiting the church body. This instruction from Paul would indicate that those practicing the gift of tongues in the Corinth church were doing so out so self-centered and selfish motivation, and not out of concern and love for their brethren.
The gift of tongues is to be used mostly during private prayer time, and to a lesser extent in public settings
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he writes, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:18-19) Paul is on one hand telling the readers that he speaks relatively frequently in tongues, yet on the other hand stresses the importance of speaking in a common language in the Church. The inference here would be that Paul is emphasizing the benefit of speaking in tongues during personal prayer time, and placing much less value on its benefit in the public setting.
The Gift of Tongues Should be Exercised in a Mature and Wise Manner
Paul encourages those who have the gift of tongues to use this gift in a mature and wise manner, “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:20) As children we prefer excitement and entertainment, as opposed to following proper rules and guidelines. However, as adults we should know better, and conduct ourselves according to those guidelines set forth in the Scriptures. It can be inferred that the Corinthian church was acting immature, like children, in their church services, enjoying the excitement and entertainment of having the gift of tongues exercised, but were missing out on the true purpose of gathering together, that being the worship of the Lord, the teaching of His Word, and the fellowship of believers. This childish behavior could also extend to the Corinthian church possibly believing that their indulgent exercising of tongues was evidence of their higher level of spirituality as compared to other churches. This improper thinking would also have been childish and immature in nature.
There are serious ramifications pointed out by Paul for those churches that improperly exercise the gift of tongues. Paul warns, “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those who are] uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:23) The reference to “uninformed” is referring to new believers. The way that the Corinthian church was practicing the gift of tongues was edifying no one. All that was being heard in the congregation was gibberish with no value. New believers, as well as non-believers, attending the church gatherings were confused, and thinking that those speaking in tongues were insane. Such behavior would scare off and drive away both new converts to Christianity, and seeking unbelievers. Even if tongues are spoken in an orderly manner by a few, without proper interpretation the same result would occur. As the body of Christ, we are to be reaching out to the world to draw them into a saving belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, but the witness of the Corinthian church was accomplishing just the opposite. This should serve as significant warning to us as believers, who are called to reach out to an unbelieving world, regarding the potential severe consequences of the misuse of the gift of tongues within the Church, that is, such misuse use will drive away both unbelievers and new believers.
The Gift of Speaking in Tongues is Just That, a Gift
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are just that, gifts, wonderful gifts. They are not earned or deserved, but are lovingly bestowed on each and every Christian to be used to edify the body of Christ, that is, His Church. However, it must be noted that many of the gifts are also basic to the Christian experience, such as faith, evangelism and giving, for which we are all called to do. The difference is that those who have gifts in these areas will feel a great compulsion to excel in these areas. They will find an abundant joy in utilizing their gifts for which the Holy Spirit has generously enabled them.
Some important notes on what attributes the gift of speaking in tongues does not possess:
1) The gift of tongues is not special among the other gifts, and is not an indicator that the possessor is more righteous than others
Speaking in tongues has at times been held out as evidence of a higher level of spirituality or superior righteousness. This belief is contrary to biblical teaching, and has lead to abuses of this gift. To begin with, as we have discussed previously, the gifts of the Spirit are not earned, but are given to each of us based on the will of God and the Holy Spirit, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 12:11) Nowhere in the Scriptures does it indicate that any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are earned or deserved, and especially no mention is ever made of these gifts being indicators of the possessor’s level of spirituality or righteousness.
In actuality, the gift of tongues is listed by Paul as the least of the gifts, “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” (NKJ: I Corinthians 12:28) In this verse, Paul is listing the gifts in level of importance and value to the Church body. As can be seen, the gift of tongues is listed last, as the least of the gifts. As can be inferred, the gift of tongues should be given the lowest priority within the workings in the Church. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians was admonishing the church for giving the gift of tongues preeminence during the church service.
Further, it is absolutely wrong for a church to teach believers that they can or must acquire the gift of tongues. Christians are not all given the same spiritual gifts, but they are provided differently to each believer based on God’s will, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” (Romans 12:6) Paul emphasizes this point when he asks the rhetorical question (not really a question, but stated to make a point), “[Are] all apostles? [Are] all prophets? [Are] all teachers? [Are] all workers of miracles? (NKJ: 1Corinthians 12:28-29 NKJV] Paul directly teaches here that none of the specific gifts are available or given to all Christians.
Therefore, based on the foregoing, we can know that the gift of speaking in tongues is of relatively low value to the Church body in relation to the other spiritual gifts, is not available to all Christians, and, as with any spiritual gift, does not indicate that the possessor holds any special position in relation to other believers.
2) The gift of tongues does not contain special revelations to God’s Word
The exercise of the Gift of Tongues does not contain special or new revelations that add to, delete from, or modify biblical principles, and definitely will never contradict the Bible. This is such an important biblical principal for all Christians to understand, not only in relation to the gift of tongues, but all those who may speak words contrary to the Word of God under the pretense of a new revelation, either to individuals or the Church as a whole. The following are verses that address this biblical principle:
"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (NKJ: Matthew 24:24 NKJV) We are warned that false prophets, those professing to speak words received directly from God, will come into the Church body and try to deceive it with false words supposedly received from God or His Holy Spirit.
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (NKJ: Galatians 1:8) We are warned that even false angels may come with words contrary to God’s Word.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) We are instructed to “test” every word we hear from those professing to speak words from God, and never to just blindly accept those words
“I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does [it], that men should fear before Him.” (Ecclesiastes 3:14) We are specifically warned to never add or take from God’s Word. (cf. Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22:18-19)
Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, today, and forever. (NKJ: Hebrews 13:8) Most importantly, we must know that Jesus Christ, the “Word” (cf. John 1:1-2), will never change, and neither will the Word of God, the Bible.
God and His Word are never changing, and all words spoken that in any way add, delete, modify and/or contradict the Word of God are with no doubt false. Further, the one speaking such words should immediately be identified as falsely using this gift.
3) The gift of tongues will not make strange revelations regarding other people or groups of people
As Christians, we all have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us at all times, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [who is] in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (NKJ: 1 Corinthians 6:19) (cf. Ephesians 1:13, I Thessalonians 4:8, II Timothy 1:14) The Holy Spirit is continually speaking to us, and guiding us. Further, we have a direct communication link to God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, “For [there is] one God and one Mediator between God and men, [the] Man Christ Jesus, (NKJ: 1 Timothy 2:5), which has us able to speak directly to God, and to have God communicate directly to us. God may speak to us through one exercising the gift of tongues, but such a communication will not be a strange revelation to us, but will be more of a confirmation of what God, through the Holy Spirit, has already been directly communicating to us.
Speaking in Tongues as it Relates to the Old Testament
Paul writes concerning speaking in tongues:
“In the law it is written: ‘With [men of] other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:21-22)
This quote comes from the book of Isaiah:
“For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, To whom He said, "This [is] the rest [with which] You may cause the weary to rest," And, "This [is] the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear. (NKJ: Isaiah 28:11-12)
The gift of speaking in tongues was to be a sign, foretold in the Old Testament, to the Jews that their Messiah had come. Yet, as the verse states, the Jews did not choose to see or accept this sign.
There then appears to be a contradiction between I Corinthian verses 14:22 and 14:23, that is, verse 14:22 says that, “tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers" (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:22) as compared to verse 14:23 that states, “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those who are] uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (NKJ: I Corinthians 14:23) There is much theological debate regarding this apparent contradiction, and, candidly, it is difficult to impossible to be dogmatic regarding any one explanation. I lean towards two potential possibilities:
Verse 14:22 is connected to the Old Testament reference in verse 14:21 where tongues are to be a sign to the Jews that their Messiah has come. This could then mean that the gift of tongues is a sign to unbelieving Jews, but, as stated in verse 14:23, it would be negatively viewed by the unbelieving Gentile as craziness.
Verse 14:22 could be a reference to an orderly and proper exercising of the gift of tongues, which would be a sign to unbelievers; whereas, verse 14:23 makes reference to “all speak in tongues” that would be a reference to an unorderly and chaotic false display of tongues, which would then be contrastingly negatively viewed by unbelievers.
Conclusion
When the Church, the body of Christ, comes together, their primary focus should be three-fold:
To give worship and thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ,
To the study of the Bible, the Word of God
To fellowship with one another, including prayer
Anything that detracts from this focus is contrary to the Scriptures, and, thus, to the will of God. Though speaking in tongues may have a place during the worship service, it should never have a dominant role and/or overshadow the primary purpose for the gathering of believers. Further, those exercising this gift should never be esteemed or held in higher regard compared to other members of the Church, for they are merely exercising an unearned and undeserved gift received from God. This gift is no reflection on the spiritual standing of the possessor, and, thus, should provide them absolutely no special honor among the congregation. Further, worship services should not be turned into a gathering for a multitude of individual experiences of worship. The biblical principal of speaking in tongues can be somewhat confusing if not studied in depth. Further, there are definitely various views in the Church regarding this gift, some biblically based, and others contrary to biblical teachings. Therefore, for a proper understanding of the gift of tongues, it is imperative, as with all efforts to gain an understanding of God’s Word, to ground our understanding based on our study of Bible and not based on personal experience and/or the viewpoints of others. One biblical principal that I cannot overly stress is that as Christians we must seek to gain our understand of biblical principles through the reading and study of God’s Word, and not merely by listening to and watching others, and this includes our spiritual leaders, e.g. pastors, teachers, and trusted friends. Paul stressed this principle in the book of Acts where he writes, “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily [to find out] whether these things were so.” (NKJ: Acts 17:10-11) Paul was an apostle of Christ who spoke with authority directly from the Lord as witnessed by the miracles he performed. If anyone’s words should have been received without question, it would have been Paul’s. However, as we read in this passage, the Bereans listened to Paul’s words, and then went home to validate his words through comparing them to God’s Word. Paul did not admonish them for such actions, as would be thought, but commended them. Paul was establishing a foundational biblical principle with his words. This principle being, as believers, we should always look to God’s Word to establish our understanding of biblical principles, and never should our beliefs solely rest on the words of men. Further, without a strong foundation of understanding of God’s Word through our own study of the Bible, we are as mere children vulnerable to be lead astray by false and deceiving doctrines. Paul discusses this point in his epistle to the church of Ephesus, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” (NKJ: Ephesians 4:14) We are not to be as children, looking to those more mature to direct our beliefs, but we are to be as mature adults discerning biblical truths through our own study of the Bible. We are never to be dependent on others for our understanding of God’s Word, and this is made clear to us in John’s first epistle, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (NKJ: I John 2:27) The “anointing” that abides in us is a reference to the Holy Spirit. We are told by John that the Holy Spirit, which abides in all Christians, is able to teach us concerning all spiritual things, and that we are not dependent on others. We are to diligently study God’s Word, which includes guidance from others, such as listening to our pastors teaching, reading Bible commentaries, and discussions with fellow Christians, but the Holy Spirit will be the source of our understanding. We should always seek His, the Holy Spirit’s, guidance in our study of God’s Word. My hope and prayer is that this study will provide to its reader a good foundation of understanding regarding the gift of tongues.
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