SPEAKING IN TONGUES - MY STUDY

SPEAKING IN TONGUES:

Q:  When is speaking in tongues specifically mentioned in the Bible?

A:  It was mentioned on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3-8) and when the first Gentiles were converted (Acts 10:38-48 & Acts 15:7-8). It is also mentioned in Acts 19:4-6. Mark 16:17 says they spoke “in new tongues.” In I Corinthians chapters 12-14, Paul speaks to the Corinthians about the use and abuse of the gift of speaking in tongues.

 

Q:  Were people who had the gift of speaking in tongues able to pass it on to others?

A:  No. Only the apostles and Paul, who had a special calling, were able to pass on the gift. This is evident in Acts 8:12-17 when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted Christ, they sent for Peter and John to lay hands on them so they could receive the Holy Spirit. Philip had been preaching to them, but he couldn’t do it, though he had the gifts, because he was only a deacon and not one of the chosen Apostles. When the apostles died off, so did the passing of the gifts, but by then we had the New Testament. The evidences were no longer needed to prove the validity of the message the Apostles preached.

 

Q:  What was the purpose of this gift?

A:  There were so many different languages in the region, and when people of different languages came together on holy days, such as occurred on the Day of Pentecost, in order for them to receive the message, it was necessary that the 12 apostles speak in different languages. It was also a sign to unbelievers who neither knew Jesus nor had the Bible to read. And it was to be used to edify the church and for the common good (I Cor. 14:7). Paul says in Romans 15:19,  “by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” He needed the power the signs and miracles brought him, in conjunction with the power of the Spirit, while he was proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

 

Q: What were the rules of practice?

A: Paul spells out the rules in I Corinthians chapters 12-14. They are as follows:

• I Cor. 13:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
• Interpretation necessary (I Cor. 14:5)
• I Cor. 14:6 says what good does it do unless it brings a special message that can be understood.
• I Cor. 14:13 – the person should pray that he can interpret what he says.
• 1 Cor 14:12  So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
• 1 Cor 14:14  For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
• 1 Cor 14:19  But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
• 1 Cor 14:27  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
• 1 Cor 14:28  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
• 1 Cor 14:39-40  Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Q:  What harm can the abuse of the gift of speaking in tongues do?

A:  Plenty, according to Paul in I Corinthians 14. It can:

• 1 Cor 14:7  Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
• 1 Cor 14:8  Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
• 1 Cor 14:9  So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
• 1 Cor 14:16  If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?
• 1 Cor 14:17  You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
• 1 Cor 14:22  Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
• 1 Cor 14:23  So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
• 1 Cor 14:33  For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
• It has and can divide the church, and God is totally against division. (Romans 15:5-6, Eph. 1:4-14)

Q:  Is speaking in tongues the greatest gift?

A:  Absolutely not. I Cor. 12:31-I Cor. 1, 8, 13-14:4 makes this clear. The greatest gifts to be desires are faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.

 

Q:  Can Satan counterfeit this gift?

A.  Yes. Even witch doctors speak in tongues.

--Becky Overturf Wall