This topic is very sensitive to many people, and this study is not intended to hurt or offend anyone. This study is to simply reveal what the scripture says. Our safe guard and life comes from every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. If we stay close to scripture and allow scripture to interpret it-self then we will not be deceived. The topic I am referring to is the gift of Tongues. It is an easy topic to understand if we are paying attention to the scriptures which reveals this gift. Let’s explore into the scripture and prayerfully, we will see and allow the scripture to interpret it-self.
There is a movement that calls themselves the PENTECOSTAL movement. They based their experience on Acts Chapter 2 which we will go into shortly. This movement claims that the evidence of the spirit is to speak in a language which does not exist on this earth. They also believe that it is a language that they can only speak to our Heavenly Father with. They are also some who claim to be able to interpret this unknown unearthly language for others in the church to receive a message from The Father. We will go into and answer those questions with scripture shortly. First lest look at Acts chapter 2 verses 1 to 8 which states,
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”
We see here that on the DAY OF PENTECOST the Spirit was poured on the disciples. And it says clearly THEY “began to speak in OTHER TONGUES”. We understand that the disciples were Galileans and unlearned men. But in these verses we see that the Spirit gave them the ability to speak in OTHER Tongues.
The next verse says that there were men from every nation at that location when the spirit fell on the disciples. The purpose of this gift is being revealed in these few verses. It states “every man heard them speak in his own language”. Every man hearing the disciples speak in THEIR OWN LANGUAGE. This is quite clear that on Pentecost the purpose of the gift of tongues was to speak to non believers about the Gospel.
As we observe these verses in its context we see the purpose revealed of the gift of tongues in the last verses which says “they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” The Tongues or language that they spoke was not an unknown language that only God can understand but instead it was the tongue or languages of other people in order to deliver to them the gospel.
Now that we see this truth about what actually occurred during the Day of Pentecost, lets see what started to occur with the gentiles as they receieved the spirit of God. Lets examine Acts chapter 11 verses 15 to 16 which reads,
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?”
These verses explain a time when Peter was summoned by a roman centurion who desired to serve God in order to teach Him and His house about the gospel. The 1st thing to remember is that Peter spoke Hebrew and the Roman spoke Latin. Therefore Peter had to speak in another tongue to deliver the Gospel to Him. But the statement I wanted us to examine is this…
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.”
Peter states as He witnesses the gentiles receive the Spirit, that it was the SAME AS IT WAS FOR THEM in the beginning. The beginning He is referring to was the day of Pentecost. It also says this more clearly in the following verses which says,
“then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?”
The gift was given to the gentiles just as it was given to the disciples, and if we remember the disciples experience on Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts is very clear on the type of Gift the spirit gave in regards to tongues. Let’s look at another example in the book of Acts before we move on to the letters and insights of Paul. Acts chapter 19, verses 1 to 6 which says.
“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
We see another example of individuals receiving the spirit and then speaking in tongues. The evidence in the previous examples of the gift of tongues gives us a clear understand that they began to speak in other languages professing the gospel. Another note to add is that it is only when individuals UNDERSTAND the truth that they receive the Spirit and are equipped to deliver the truth in other language as the spirit see it fit. Now The Gift of tongues is not possessed by everyone. It is not a mark of the Holy Spirit. The evidence that one has received the Spirit is actually in Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the spirit.
Many think that everyone who has the Spirit must speak in tongues. This idea is not biblical nor does it make sense concerning the body of Christ. Considering this fact, that every member in the body does not have the same function or gift, I suggest that you read 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and pray first. We will be focusing on verses 10 to 12 in this chapter which says,
“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”
These verses are quite simple and clear to as what the gifts of the Spirit are specifically the gift of tongues. This chapter reveals that one of the gifts of the spirit is “divers kinds of tongues”. This simply means the the gift is to speak in different languages. That is not the only gift but also the gift to interpret different language is also a gift. This chapter reveals that the different gifts are given to different people. Everyone does not get the same gift as stated here “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” As you study the rest of the chapter you will see that the body of Christ has different members and each member cannot have the same gifts or it wont be a body.
So far the scriptures have been very clear and simple. Now look and examine 1 Corinthians chapter 14 verses 1-28. We will only be dissecting certain verses for clarity. The first verse we will breakdown in verse 2 to 4 which says,
“1Co 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.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
The first thing I would like to state is that the word unknown is added to the text. Those who added it tried to help explain what kind of language it is to others. “he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him”
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself”
Is showing us that with this language He is able to edify or teach Himself because He understands this language. So it’s not an unknown language to the person speaking but only to those who are listening.
“1Co 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?
1Co 14:7 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?
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1Co 14:9 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.
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
Paul says here what can he profit or benefit others unless he speaks in words that deliver knowledge or revealing truth/Revelation. Paul uses instruments to explain the principle that How can you understand what to do if you cannot understand the words spoken? “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.”
Verse 10 clearly reveals that there are many voices or languages in the world. And they all have importance. But I don’t know the meaning the person speaking is like a barbarian and also if Paul speaks in a language others do not understand then Paul would be the barbarian. Verse 12 tells us that we ought to seek to teach and build the church more than anything else.
“1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 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.
1Co 14:16 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?”
Paul is extremely clear, stating that we ought to only speak in a unknown language if we can interpret after. Paul says He will pray with the spirit and with the UNDERSTANDING. To understand the words inspired is very important for the building and teaching of Gods people. And in verse 16, it states that when you speak in spirit how can them who are with you say amen unless they understand?
“1Co 14:19 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.”
Paul says here that He prefer to speak in 5 words that can TEACH than more words in a unknown language that you don’t understand. The language is not unknown to the speaker but only to the hearer and this is why it is unfruitful and unprofitable for the church. Lets continue to examine the verses in this chapter.
“1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”
Just like on the day of Pentecost and all others in the book of Acts who received the Spirit, These reveal that the gift of tongues is for the non believer and NOT for the believer. Many today are using in the church in a non biblical way. The spirit never works contrary to the word of God. The way the gift of tongues is manifested in the world today is not the gift which the bible reveals. We conclude with the final verses I will be using.
“1Co 14:27 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.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
If anyone speaks in a tongue that other do not understand, let there be interpreters. If there is no interpreter, we are counseled to KEEP SILENT. To avoid bringing in confusion to the people of God, The spiritual gifts are for the building up of the church. This is the only profitable purpose for any gift given to the body of Christ. Let us understand and remember the greatest principle concerning spiritual gifts.
“1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
ANYTHING WE DO OUTSIDE OF LOVE BECOMES UNPROFITABLE. Let us do everything according to scripture for the teaching and building up of the body of Christ.
There is a movement that calls themselves the PENTECOSTAL movement. They based their experience on Acts Chapter 2 which we will go into shortly. This movement claims that the evidence of the spirit is to speak in a language which does not exist on this earth. They also believe that it is a language that they can only speak to our Heavenly Father with. They are also some who claim to be able to interpret this unknown unearthly language for others in the church to receive a message from The Father. We will go into and answer those questions with scripture shortly. First lest look at Acts chapter 2 verses 1 to 8 which states,
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”
We see here that on the DAY OF PENTECOST the Spirit was poured on the disciples. And it says clearly THEY “began to speak in OTHER TONGUES”. We understand that the disciples were Galileans and unlearned men. But in these verses we see that the Spirit gave them the ability to speak in OTHER Tongues.
The next verse says that there were men from every nation at that location when the spirit fell on the disciples. The purpose of this gift is being revealed in these few verses. It states “every man heard them speak in his own language”. Every man hearing the disciples speak in THEIR OWN LANGUAGE. This is quite clear that on Pentecost the purpose of the gift of tongues was to speak to non believers about the Gospel.
As we observe these verses in its context we see the purpose revealed of the gift of tongues in the last verses which says “they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” The Tongues or language that they spoke was not an unknown language that only God can understand but instead it was the tongue or languages of other people in order to deliver to them the gospel.
Now that we see this truth about what actually occurred during the Day of Pentecost, lets see what started to occur with the gentiles as they receieved the spirit of God. Lets examine Acts chapter 11 verses 15 to 16 which reads,
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?”
These verses explain a time when Peter was summoned by a roman centurion who desired to serve God in order to teach Him and His house about the gospel. The 1st thing to remember is that Peter spoke Hebrew and the Roman spoke Latin. Therefore Peter had to speak in another tongue to deliver the Gospel to Him. But the statement I wanted us to examine is this…
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.”
Peter states as He witnesses the gentiles receive the Spirit, that it was the SAME AS IT WAS FOR THEM in the beginning. The beginning He is referring to was the day of Pentecost. It also says this more clearly in the following verses which says,
“then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?”
The gift was given to the gentiles just as it was given to the disciples, and if we remember the disciples experience on Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts is very clear on the type of Gift the spirit gave in regards to tongues. Let’s look at another example in the book of Acts before we move on to the letters and insights of Paul. Acts chapter 19, verses 1 to 6 which says.
“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
We see another example of individuals receiving the spirit and then speaking in tongues. The evidence in the previous examples of the gift of tongues gives us a clear understand that they began to speak in other languages professing the gospel. Another note to add is that it is only when individuals UNDERSTAND the truth that they receive the Spirit and are equipped to deliver the truth in other language as the spirit see it fit. Now The Gift of tongues is not possessed by everyone. It is not a mark of the Holy Spirit. The evidence that one has received the Spirit is actually in Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the spirit.
Many think that everyone who has the Spirit must speak in tongues. This idea is not biblical nor does it make sense concerning the body of Christ. Considering this fact, that every member in the body does not have the same function or gift, I suggest that you read 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and pray first. We will be focusing on verses 10 to 12 in this chapter which says,
“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”
These verses are quite simple and clear to as what the gifts of the Spirit are specifically the gift of tongues. This chapter reveals that one of the gifts of the spirit is “divers kinds of tongues”. This simply means the the gift is to speak in different languages. That is not the only gift but also the gift to interpret different language is also a gift. This chapter reveals that the different gifts are given to different people. Everyone does not get the same gift as stated here “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” As you study the rest of the chapter you will see that the body of Christ has different members and each member cannot have the same gifts or it wont be a body.
So far the scriptures have been very clear and simple. Now look and examine 1 Corinthians chapter 14 verses 1-28. We will only be dissecting certain verses for clarity. The first verse we will breakdown in verse 2 to 4 which says,
“1Co 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.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
The first thing I would like to state is that the word unknown is added to the text. Those who added it tried to help explain what kind of language it is to others. “he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him”
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself”
Is showing us that with this language He is able to edify or teach Himself because He understands this language. So it’s not an unknown language to the person speaking but only to those who are listening.
“1Co 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?
1Co 14:7 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?
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1Co 14:9 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.
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
Paul says here what can he profit or benefit others unless he speaks in words that deliver knowledge or revealing truth/Revelation. Paul uses instruments to explain the principle that How can you understand what to do if you cannot understand the words spoken? “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.”
Verse 10 clearly reveals that there are many voices or languages in the world. And they all have importance. But I don’t know the meaning the person speaking is like a barbarian and also if Paul speaks in a language others do not understand then Paul would be the barbarian. Verse 12 tells us that we ought to seek to teach and build the church more than anything else.
“1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 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.
1Co 14:16 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?”
Paul is extremely clear, stating that we ought to only speak in a unknown language if we can interpret after. Paul says He will pray with the spirit and with the UNDERSTANDING. To understand the words inspired is very important for the building and teaching of Gods people. And in verse 16, it states that when you speak in spirit how can them who are with you say amen unless they understand?
“1Co 14:19 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.”
Paul says here that He prefer to speak in 5 words that can TEACH than more words in a unknown language that you don’t understand. The language is not unknown to the speaker but only to the hearer and this is why it is unfruitful and unprofitable for the church. Lets continue to examine the verses in this chapter.
“1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”
Just like on the day of Pentecost and all others in the book of Acts who received the Spirit, These reveal that the gift of tongues is for the non believer and NOT for the believer. Many today are using in the church in a non biblical way. The spirit never works contrary to the word of God. The way the gift of tongues is manifested in the world today is not the gift which the bible reveals. We conclude with the final verses I will be using.
“1Co 14:27 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.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
If anyone speaks in a tongue that other do not understand, let there be interpreters. If there is no interpreter, we are counseled to KEEP SILENT. To avoid bringing in confusion to the people of God, The spiritual gifts are for the building up of the church. This is the only profitable purpose for any gift given to the body of Christ. Let us understand and remember the greatest principle concerning spiritual gifts.
“1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
ANYTHING WE DO OUTSIDE OF LOVE BECOMES UNPROFITABLE. Let us do everything according to scripture for the teaching and building up of the body of Christ.