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The Gift of Tongues
By Adam Bartlett
The gifts of the Spirit are one of the biggest areas of debate and disagreement in the Christian world. There are some that say that these particular gifts ended with the disciples and that they were only for that time period to serve a purpose at that time. Others contend that there are different gifts of tongues calling one a prayer language and another to be used only in addressing the church. There are some that go as far as to blaspheme the Holy Spirit (may God have mercy on their ignorance) by saying that tongues today is not real and it is of the devil.
I would like to look at the scriptures and give my commentary on what I believe these scriptures to be saying. It is obviously each Christian's obligation to search the scriptures for themselves and come to their own conclusion on this matter. Regardless of what any of us may say, the scriptures are the final authority and the Spirit can open our eyes to the truth if we allow Him.
Mark 16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Jesus speaks here and says "them that believe shall cast out devils and speak with new tongues." There are some that try to say that Jesus was indicating that Christians would have a new form of speech once being saved. That is the most blatant example of miss-interpreting scripture that can be found. It is clear that each of the things Jesus is referring to in these verses is a supernatural act and to pull out the ‘speaking with new tongues’ and make it a none spiritual act is ridiculous. It is also clear that Jesus put no time frame on these spiritual gifts He addresses in these verses nor does He say that they are only for a select few. It is also clear in vs. 16 that our salvation is not connected to these spiritual gifts rather that these gifts are an accompanying sign of that salvation.
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:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
This is the defining moment that changed the Christian world and causes such a needless forum of debate. There are some that use the argument that this event was the only reason for the gift of tongues. That there were others present that heard them in their own language and this was the purpose of God for doing this. It is not worth arguing the reasoning of God nor is it our place to assume that we can know the reason God chooses to do what He does. It is obvious that there were others there that understood what was being said and yes, it could very well be that God used this opportunity to accomplish just that. Unfortunately this scripture alone does not solidify that reasoning nor does it agree with other scriptures on this topic. It is clear that these men spoke in languages that they had not learned or knew. God gave them the ability to supernaturally speak in a different language. That in essence is what the gift of tongues is. It is quite interesting how that there are many that want to elevate this particular gift to the point of abuse. It is sad that they cannot be balanced in this area and see that God wanted the Church to operate in all of the gifts.
It is also interesting that Peter explains to the people that what they were witnessing was a fulfillment of prophecy. He then quotes that particular prophecy and what is interesting about this particular prophecy is that it does not mention "tongues." It is not to say that it was not to be included but I believe that it proves the "balance" problem that we witness today.
Acts 4
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
An important point in the discussion on the gift of tongues is that it is not the "evidence" of being filled with the Spirit as some claim. Here we see that right after the experience at Pentecost they were again assembled in prayer and it says the place was shaken and they "were all filled with the Holy Ghost." This scripture shows that there is not just one filling and then you have all you need, but that there are many "fillings" of the Spirit. The gift of tongues is NOT the evidence of being filled with the Spirit but I contend that the "Fruit" of the Spirit being evidenced in your life is that proof. The gift of tongues is just that, a "gift" and just one of nine I might add, so why isn't the gift of prophecy the proof of being filled, or wisdom, healing, knowledge, faith, miracles, discernment, or interpretation?
The reason is obvious and that being because they displayed this gift at Pentecost. Unfortunately in the very next chapter John and Peter exercise the gift of healing yet there is not a quick jump to make this the proof of their filling. What about the time when the seventy were sent out and cast out demons and healed the sick before Pentecost? I say this to make a point of how the Pentecostal realms have used this to monopolize a certain gift and elevate it to become exclusive. There are some of these people that go a step further and claim that you must have this gift or you are not saved. They claim it is the evidence of your filling and salvation. It is both sad and dangerous when people try to make exclusive doctrines to become the ‘ones’ that are more spiritual than the rest.
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?
It does not say here that anyone understood what was being said in their language so is it accurate to say that purpose applies? This scripture does not agree with those that want to say that the purpose was for those to hear in their language, as was the case on Pentecost. It shows that God is not a respecter of persons and He will pour out His gifts on whomever He chooses. It is also clear that not everyone in the accounts in the New Testament received the gift of tongues.
Why God chose to give some this particular gift and others different gifts and yet still others none is not for us to decide. One thing is for certain, it does not make a person more or less spiritual because they do or do not possess a gift. This scripture also posses a problem for those that think you have to ‘lay hands’ on everyone in order for them to receive something from God.
Acts 19
1 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,
2 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.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 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.
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.
Some received the gift through laying on of hands which is a common practice in Pentecostal churches. Unfortunately there are some that believe that this is the only method which is not verified in the account on the day of Pentecost. Another example of how some doctrines are not consistent with scriptures. At this point we see NO example of anyone trying to help out the Holy Spirit either by having people say certain things or recite some formula. There is no one hovering over them coaching them to do any certain thing to receive it. There is no one wanting to take them off to a room and counsel them into receiving it. I also find no place in the Bible where a person is told that if they do not speak in tongues they are not saved or filled with the Spirit.
Churches put a great bondage on people at the hands of non-Biblical doctrines they introduce such as those mentioned above. They place an expectation that if a person does not speak in tongues then they are not saved or filled with the Spirit. Then in order to keep this heretical teaching alive they help individuals get this gift by coaching them or having them recite some special mantra. There are so many people that are disillusioned because of being victims of this environment and knowing it is not right but fear to say anything.
1 Corinthians 12
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
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.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 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:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 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.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
Paul gives the most in-depth teaching in the Bible regarding this particular gift and devotes three chapters to it. It is clear that the spirit works in all and that we are all baptized into the same body and have drank of the same spirit. We are all but one of many members of the same body. The reason for these gifts of the spirit that are listed in this chapter is for the edification of this body and for it's benefit. To strengthen it and enable it to function in all areas and reach all.
Even though the gift of tongues is listed eighth it has been elevated to the main gift and proof of a person’s filling and even a requirement for salvation! What a contrast and what a diminishing of the other gifts listed.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
It is obvious by the questions in vs. 29-30 that not all will possess this gift. Some believe that the "evidence" of being filled with the Spirit is in speaking in tongues, yet Paul proves here that not all will. So are we to believe that those that don't speak in tongues are not saved or filled? Can a person have one of the other eight gifts and not speak in tongues? Absolutely!
I know a pastor that majored on speaking in tongues and thought it was the pentacle gift. He was once questioned about it since the gift of tongues was at the bottom of the list of gifts. His response was "Well, you have to step on the bottom rung of a ladder to start climbing it." First of all I don't think we should place importance on the gifts in that manner. Secondly, Paul said that we should "covet earnestly the best gifts," and the Bible says that prophecy is a more desirable gift. We should ask God to give us "ALL" the gifts that He desires for us to have and use what He does give us.
1 Corinthians 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.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Paul says that the most important thing is that whatever gift we operate in that it must be motivated and operated in love. Some of the most vicious people I have encountered have been those boasting to be "Spirit filled." As I mentioned above, it is much more important to display the "fruit" of the Spirit along with the gifts rather than just claim a gift as your spiritual thermometer. If a person claims to be "filled" with the Spirit because they speak in tongues and yet can treat a person with more evil than a lost person, is it real?
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
There are some that want to use this particular section of scripture to claim proof that the gifts of the Spirit ended with the disciples. They claim that it is signifying here that these gifts will cease when "that which is perfect is come," and they claim that the New Testament scriptures were that fulfillment. It is another perfect example of how the whole context is not taken into consideration. In vs. 12 it is clear that what was meant by "that which is perfect" is when we are taken from this earth and translated into our heavenly bodies. Once we get to heaven will there be a need for the spiritual gifts? Will there be a need for tongues, prophecy, or any of the other gifts? Looking at it in this context which it is obviously indicating makes it clear what is meant.
1 Corinthians 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.
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.
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.
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.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
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.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
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.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
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.
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.
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?
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.
It is quite clear that the gift of tongues was and is a viable gift in operation in the church then and today. Would it make sense for Paul to devote three full chapters to explaining a gift that by some was expected to end by the time his writings were available? It is also evident that there were some miss-uses of this gift even then and Paul was trying to correct them. The main point in the discussion of the gifts, mainly the gift of tongues is in the following verses.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Summary
It is a shame that there is so much confusion and debate over a spiritual gift such as this. The gift of tongues is a gift in which God enables a person to supernaturally speak in a language that they have not learned or known. It serves as a means to communicate with God when a person may not know what to say or how to say it. The Spirit then intercedes through this gift and allows the person to communicate those concerns to God. It is also an avenue of praise and worship in the Spirit. There are certain times when God will use this gift as a means to communicate a message to His people. In this case an interpretation is needed and may be given by the person giving the message in the unknown tongue or by another that has the gift of interpretation. In these two instances we see that this gift in one case edifies the owner of the gift and in the other case it is used to edify the church. Pray for God to give you the gift He chooses to that you may best glorify Him through it.
Bible Headquarters
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