Main |
He that Speaks in Tongues Speaks to God! This was written in answer to several questions- 1. "Isn't the gift of tongues what the Apostles were supposed to receive as an ability to speak any language so that everyone in their audience could understand them, and not what we find today?" 2. "Isn't what these people who claim to 'speak in tongues' do is merely utter loud and indecipherable vocalizations that are part of no language?" 3. "Don't other religions such as the Dervishes, certain Hassidim, practically any shaman, Oracles, Mediums, etc., who work themselves into a psychological state of frenzy through various means, wherein they shout gibberish and dance about, all claim to be speaking in the voice of some supernatural being, and they all claim that this is evidence of some special sanctity that we mere mortals are not privy to?" ~ ~ ~
That's not what the Apostle Paul says about tongues in the Holy Spirit Owner's Manual! And he claims to have spoke in tongues more than all (at Corinth, anyway) 1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: There is no place in scripture that says that tongues were only for the Apostles. Furthermore, there is no scripture that says that tongues were an ability to speak any language so that others in an audience could understand. In fact rather, quite to the contrary, the scripture says this… 1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit YOU, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For *thou* **verily givest thanks well**, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had RATHER speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue… 1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. ~ ~ ~
Interesting! For what you have said is "wrong," is exactly what the Apostle Paul taught was "right" about tongues! 1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 1 Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit YOU, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he **may** interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (So much for the idea that tongues was for speaking to any audience in any language, and that for the Apostles only!) 1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. He didn't say he wouldn't speak in tongues in church, he said he was glad he spoke in tongues more than anyone, but would rather speak with his understanding in order to teach. 1 Cor 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? Here Paul is confirming that, what you say isn't tongues (what to your perspective is just a bunch of gibberish), actually is tongues, and it just doesn't do anybody ELSE any good! Not that it shouldn't be done, period. 1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; **and** let him speak to himself, and to God. Here's an interesting commentary on the word used for "silent" above… "Another clue here is in his choice of the word for silent. There are three good ones he could have used: phimoo (fim-OH-o), which means to muzzle, or force someone to be silent; hesuchia (hey-soo-KEY-ah), which is quietness and stillness, such as in study; and finally sigao, (sig-AH-o), which is a voluntary silence such as you might ask for in a noisy room. Our equivalent would be "Shhhh." That's the word he chose." (Shall a Woman Keep Silent? Part 1, Date: 12/11/94, George Byron Koch, Church of the Resurrection West Chicago, Illinois, www.resurrection.org/sermons/women1.htm) Using this commentary in the context of tongues, is actually justified by Paul, by this verse- 1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. And by tying these verses together- Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; 1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church... 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, AND I will pray with the understanding ALSO: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding ALSO. This is why Paul said- 1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and FORBID NOT to speak with tongues. Because to forbid tongues altogether, would be to forbid praying in the Spirit in church, and Jesus doesn't like it when people change His church into something other than a house of prayer! These were instructions to the church on how and when to speak in tongues. Why would Paul give these people driving lessons, if he wasn't ever going to allow them to drive? No, he taught them how to speak in tongues orderly. Paul did NOT forbid tongues, and commanded them not to forbid tongues also! As a matter of fact, the rest of the examples of people speaking in tongues weren't the Apostles! Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve. As a matter of fact, when we look at the only example where the Apostles were heard by others, it does NOT say that the Apostles were speaking to the others. It merely says that the others heard them speaking in their languages. There is NO scripture that says that only Apostles were given tongues In fact, we find, when looking a little closer, that the Apostles seemed to have stopped speaking in tongues in order to address and "teach" the Jews- Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 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, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up HIS voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: So in this example, the only time mentioned where others NOT of the church understood what was being said (through the gift of interpretation), was far from being the Apostles speaking and teaching them through tongues. What happened in fact, can be seen to be exactly what Paul was explaining in 1 Corinthians. With the one exception that these Jews were able to understand at least one or the other of them, in their native language. That's not necessarily a contradiction to Paul's words, because the apostles and disciples (all 120 of them) weren't technically speaking to the others that came rushing in, but to God. There is no reason to believe that God merely allowed them to hear and understand what was being said. And what was being said were things these Jews recognized as being the works of God- so there is NO reason for us to assume they were being taught anything through tongues. Also, they accused the disciples of being drunk, so obviously something else was going on beyond them just speaking to people in their native tongues! And then we find, after the Apostles realize they have an audience, Peter stands up, and speaking to them all (therefore probably in Greek or Hebrew), teaches them what is going on, and he therefore did just as Paul taught- and spoke to them in a known language. Although the passage doesn't say any of this specifically, it is what can be clearly seen when it is interpreted according to the chronology of the moment, and according to Paul's exhortations in 1 Corinthians. No contradictions here! You know what they say- "When all else fails, read the manual"! Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. ~~~
You don't mind if I file this in the "don't knock it 'till you've tried it" category, do you? Here's an interesting bit about this. Jesus said this- John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. There is a word that is conspicuously missing from this whole passage. Can you guess what it is? It is the word "holy", as in "Holy Spirit". Remember that Jesus never said that "you would know them by their speaking in tongues". He said- Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: When people received the Spirit through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles, they didn't seem to have any doubt as to the fact that it was the Holy Spirit… Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Nevertheless, the Apostles DID exhort through their writings that there are other "spirits" and other ways to tell "which spirits" than only through the unreliable witness of tongues… 1 Cor 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is THE LORD, but by the Holy Ghost. Remember, in Acts 10, Peter had told them that Jesus wasn't just a Lord, but that He was Lord of all, making Him equal with God… Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Here we get into the essential belief in the Oneness of God in the name of Jesus Christ, and the confession of the fact that Jesus is THE Lord. Not just "a" Lord, as in "one of the members of the Godhead". But THE Lord- God the Father who is a Spirit, and is Holy, and is therefore THE Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come (present tense) in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come (present tense) in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. It is not at all surprising that the Apostles would add to what Jesus said. For He said- John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. Yes there is a spiritual realm out there. There are people being born into that spiritual realm both good and evil. Stick your head in the sand, and ignore it all you want, but that won't make it go away. All man's so-called intelligence can't make it go away. All man's probing can't bring him to prove it, or understand it. The word of God isn't written to confuse you. It is written in a way that forces us to learn to trust in Him to teach us what it means, and not to lean on our understanding. The more we lean on Him, the more He opens up His word, and His word becomes one of the most precious treasures that can be possessed by a man. May God bless! |