THE GIFT OF TONGUES Contents: Introduction Tongues in Acts: Acts 2; Acts 8; Acts 10; Acts 19 Tongues in 1 Corinth. 12-14 The Dichotomic Nature of Tongues Has Tongues Ceased? How does one receive the "Gift of Tongues?" What is the purpose of "Speaking in Tongues?" Rules for "Speaking in Tongues" in a Corporate Gathering Conclusion INTRODUCTION Just before His ascension Jesus gave His disciples these final words: Mk 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 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. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Notice in verse 17: they shall speak with new tongues; What exactly is the nature of these new tongues? As you may know there are two schools of thought as to what they are: 1. Human languages spoken by an individual who has not previously learned the language.(such as can be found in the accounts of Acts 2;8;10;19) 2. Ecstatic utterances (for want of better terminology) (i.e speaking in the tongues of angels 1 Corinth. 13:1 also 1 Corinth. 12-14) But is it possible that they could be both? In this study I will begin by looking at the phenomenon in Acts and then looking at the gift of speaking in tongues as found in 1 Corinth. 12-14. I will also discuss how tongues are received and what purpose they serve. file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (1 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
TONGUES IN ACTS Acts 2 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. Here we find the account of the disciples/believers who had gathered in the Upper Room to await the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them as prophesied by Jesus in Acts 1:8. What was the effect of this outpouring? 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. We see that the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers in the form of cloven tongues like as of fire with the result being that the disciples began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Was this speaking in tongues ecstatic utterance or was it a human language? In verses 6-8 we read the following: file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (2 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
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. (Emphasis mine) 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? (Emphasis mine) We see here that the speaking in tongues here was indeed a human language understood by those Jews that had gathered to witness this phenomenon (Acts 2:5-6). To emphasize this point the Holy Spirit then inspires the author of Acts to list no less than 14 nationalities of the Jews that had gathered (Acts 2:9-11). So therefore we can safely claim that the tongues here is indeed a human language previously unlearned by the speaker(s). Acts 8 This chapter gives us the account of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Samaritans, and even though speaking in tongues is not explicitly stated in this chapter, it is nonetheless implied as we shall see. 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (3 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
Here we see Philip proclaiming the gospel to the Samaritans, and then the apostles sending Peter and John down to Samaria. Upon their arrival Peter and John pray for the Samaritans that had received Jesus and the Holy Spirit descends upon the Samaritans. How do we know whether the Samaritans spoke in tongues after they received the Holy Spirit? Like I said earlier it can only be implied that they did. Notice verse 18: 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money. There was some physical manifestation that Simon saw that caused him to offer the apostles money. This physical manifestation may have been that the Samaritans spoke in tongues after receiving the Holy Ghost. Acts 10 Now we turn our attention to the Holy Spirit descending upon the Gentiles. In this account we will see that the resulting manifestation was speaking in tongues (which was a human language, not ecstatic utterance). Let s have a look at the Scripture: 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (4 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 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. As Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and those in the room with him the Holy Spirit fell upon them (vs 44). We can see that this amazed the Jews ( they of the circumcision vs 45), and the result of this was that the Gentiles spoke with tongues (vs 45). What was the nature of these tongues? Were they ecstatic utterances or were they human languages? We can safely assume from vs 46 that the tongues were human languages, as the Jews understood what the Gentiles were speaking. (How could the Jews know that the Gentiles were magnifying God unless they understood what they were hearing? Compare this with Acts 2:11) Acts 19 Finally in this section we see the account of the Holy Spirit falling on the disciples of John: 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 file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (5 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
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. Again we can safely state that the tongues that the disciples of John spoke were human languages (vs 6). How can we assume this? Well, it states in verse 6 that the disciples spake with tongues, and prophesied., so there must have been an understanding, by those that heard them, of what was being spoken by these disciples. Summary We see from all 4 accounts that the speaking in tongues referred to the ability to speak in an unknown human language previously unlearned by the speaker. TONGUES IN 1 CORINTH. 12-14 In these chapters we find Paul giving in depth discussion/teaching about the spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy. However there is an emphasis on the gift of tongues (due to it s misuse by those in the church of Corinth) and it s use in a corporate gathering as well as it s use in the private life of the believer (which I ll discuss later). Amidst this discussion we also find a seeming change in the nature of tongues. Whereas in the accounts of glossalalia in Acts there was no need for interpretation, we now find in 1 Corinthians 12-14 the gift of interpretation of tongues (1 Corinth. 12:10). Let me ask you this: If the tongues in 1 Corith. 12-14 were a known human language why would there be a need for interpretation? (You could argue that the need for interpretation is for the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with the language that was being spoken. But if you look carefully in the accounts in Acts where the speakers did speak in an unknown human language, it was readily understood by all those that heard it, without the need for the tongue to be interpreted.) So therefore we can assume that it has to be something other than a human language. In 1 Corinth. 13: 1 Paul states: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels... Summary file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (6 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
In 1 Corinthians 12-14 we see that the nature of tongues is different than that found in the accounts in Acts. In Acts it was readily understood, whereas in 1 Corinth. 12-14 there had to be an interpretation. Thus we find the contrast between the tongues of men and the tongues of angels THE DICHOTOMIC NATURE OF TONGUES Is it possible that glossalalia can be both a human language and the language of angels? I have to admit that I spent years believing that it could only be one and not the other, and I also have to admit that I could not reconcile the phenomenon in Acts (i.e that of speaking in an unknown human language) with that described in 1 Corith. 12-14. (i.e the gift of speaking in tongues with the need for these tongues to be interpreted. Which can be assumed as the tongues of angels). When you compare these two phenomenon together they seem to be in direct contrast to each other. This is what bothered me for years. One of the rules of biblical interpretation is that Scripture never contradicts itself. But once you realise that the gift of speaking in tongues can be dichotomic, (that means that it can be divided into two), then you find that glossalalia can be both the tongues of men and the tongues of angels. Thus you have the harmony between then phenomenon in Acts and that found in 1 Corith. 12-14. There are some that believe that Paul in 1 Corinth. 13:1 was writing in poetic hyperbole, but there is no reason why it can not be accepted that Paul was referring to the language that the angels spoke. The main point in this chapter is that the gifts of the spirit need to be operated out of a motivation of love. Summary Throughout the years there has been a lot of controversy over the nature of tongues. The phenomenon of speaking in tongues found in Pentecostal/Charismatic circles is said to be at variance to the gift found in Acts and 1 Corinth. 12-14 (and thus is from the devil), but once one realises that speaking in tongues can be dichotomic, then there is harmony between the phenomenon in Acts and that in 1 Corinth. 12-14. HAS TONGUES CEASED? There are those that state that the gift of "speaking in tongues" ceased with the close of the canon of Scripture. Others believe that it was only bestowed upon the first apostles as a means of confirming their credits as apostles of God.( By this I mean that, as apostles of God, there were certain signs and wonders that would accompany them, as a means of verifying they were sent from God - Mk. 16:17,20). Upon the passing away of the last of the first century apostles this gift ceased. Such views are based on 1 Corinth. 13:8 which states: file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (7 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
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. First of all, we can easily discount the view that the gift of "speaking in tongues" passed away with the last of the apostles, and was a means of verifying an apostle's credits. The letter of 1 Corinth. was written to the Christians at the church in Corith. This church may well of consisted of apostles, prophets, teachers (1 Corinth. 12:28) as well as laypersons, so the gift of "speaking in tongues" was not just confined to the apostles according to the context of 1 Corinth. 12-14.(also see Acts 8:14-18; 10:44-46: 19:1-6 (none of those that received the Holy Spirit and "spoke in tongues" in these Scriptures were apostles)). There is also no indication in Scripture that the gift of "speaking in tongues" ceased when the last first century apostle passed away (other than one's interpretation of 1 Corinth. 13:8) The second viewpoint, i.e. that "tongues" would cease upon the completion of Scripture, can be dismissed by the fact that the church at Corinth was not canon conscious. By this I mean there is no indication that the Corithians believed that this gift would cease once Scripture was completed. Such a view that this cessation might refer to the completed canon comes from 1 Corinth. 13:10: 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. There are those that believe that the phrase " which is perfect is come " refers to the completed canon of Scripture. Therefore " that which is in part shall be done away " refers to the cessation of "tongues". Are these accurate interpretations of the verses? In Rom 11:29 we read: 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (or "irrevocable" as some translations state). So, if "tongues" ceased at the closure of the canon, or upon the death of the last apostle, we have a contradiction of Scripture. When, then, will the gift of tongues "cease"? If one reads vs 8 in context one sees that this verse refers to some future event (cf vs 10 "when that which is perfect has come"). In vs 9 we see that our knowledge of God, etc. is imperfect (see also 1 Corinth.8:2; 13:12), yet there is a time coming (at the return of Christ) such things will be perfected. Therefore we see that vs 8 refers to the future return of Christ. Summary The gift of tongues is still in operation today. It did not cease upon the death of the last of the file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (8 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:51]
first-century apostles (nor was it confined to such apostles only), nor did it end at the closure of the canon of Scripture. There is a time coming when such gifts will come to an end, such cessation will occur at the Second Advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. HOW DOES ONE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF TONGUES? To get an understanding as to how one receives the gift of tongues we need to look at the accounts in Acts. Acts 2: Here we see the Holy Spirit descending upon the believers as they were praying in the upper room, they began to spontaneously speak in tongues as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4) Acts 8: The Samaritans received the Holy Spirit when the apostles laid hands on them. Remember that it is only implied in this chapter that the Samaritans spoke in tongues. Acts 10: Just like the account in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit descended upon Cornelius and those that heard Peter s preaching. The result was that Cornelius and the other Gentiles began to spontaneously speak in tongues Acts 19: Here we see John s disciples receiving the Holy Spirit after Paul laid hands on them, with the result being they spoke in tongues. Notice in Acts 19:2 Paul asks the disciples: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (cf Acts 8:16 where the newly converted Samaritans were baptised in the Holy Spirit by Peter and John). From these accounts we clearly see that the baptism/infilling of the Holy Spirit is something that occurs subsequent to one s salvation. At this point we need to look at some terminology: Baptism of the Holy Spirit - this is the means whereby the believer is placed into the Body of Christ upon his/her conversion (1 Corin. 12:13). Baptism in/with the Holy Spirit - this refers to the post-salvation experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit with the manifestation of speaking in tongues, thus empowering believers to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinth. 12: 7-11). This experience is directed by Jesus (Matt. 3:11; Mk. 1:8; Lk. 3:16; Jn. 1:33; Acts 1:5;11:16) and is a gift available to all believers (Acts 2:38-39). NOTE: If one has not experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit it does not mean that you are less saved or less spiritual that those that have. It s unfortunate that there are some file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (9 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:52]
Pentecostals/Charismatics who do indeed look upon those who do not speak in tongues or who have not received the infilling of the Holy Spirit as somehow being spiritually deprived. The gifts of the Spirit are not meant as an indication of an individuals spirituality (if this were so then Paul would not have accused the Corinthians of being carnal. (1 Corinth. 3: 1-3)). Rather the purpose of the gifts is for the edification of the church/body of Christ (1 Corith. 14: 1-5). So then, how does one receive the gift of the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues? As seen in the accounts in Acts above it can be received in one of two ways: 1. By the laying on of hands by the leadership of the Church: (Acts 8; 19). This is the way that I received it straight after my conversion. 2. By the Holy Spirit descending spontaneously upon the believer whether they are in corporate gathering or are by themselves: (Acts 2: 10). I have heard of accounts of people receiving the Holy Spirit several days after their conversion, the Holy Spirit just descended upon them with the accompanying sign of speaking in tongues. I have also heard of accounts of people being by themselves and asking Jesus to be their Lord and Saviour and then immediately the Holy Spirit descended upon them with the accompanying sign of speaking in tongues Summary There is a difference between the baptism of the Holy Spirit (which every believer experiences upon his/her conversion) and being baptised in the Holy Spirit (which is directed by Jesus and is a gift available to every believer if only they would ask). Those believers who experience the latter baptism are no more spiritual those believers who choose not to. Such a baptism can be received either by the laying on of hands by the leadership of the church or can be experienced simply by asking God for it. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES? Paul deals at length with the purpose of speaking in tongues in 1 Corith. 14. From this chapter we see that: 1. It s for edification both for the church as well as for the individual believer: (1 Corith. 14: 4-5). Primarily the motivation for speaking in tongues should be for the edification for the church (vs 5), however the believer is also edified by speaking in tongues (vs 4 cf Jude 20). 2. It s a means of communicating with God in times of private worship: (1 Corith 14:15) 3. It s a means by which the Holy Spirit intercedes through us in times of prayer: (1 Corin 14:14; see also Rom 8:26 cf Eph 6:18).There are times when we are praying when we just don t know what to pray about or how to pray, that s when we can yield our prayer over to the Holy Spirit via praying in tongues. 4. It s a means of rejoicing: (1 Corinth. 14:15 cf Eph 5:18-19) file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (10 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:52]
5. It brings a rest to the believer: (1 Corith. 14:21 cf Isa. 28:11-12) 6. It s a sign of the believer s infilling with the Holy Spirit: (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6) 7. It s akin to prophesying when interpreted: (1 Corith. 14:5) The purpose of prophesy is to edify the believer (1 Corinth. 14:4), speaking in tongues has the same effect when interpreted (1 Corith.14:5) Other purposes of speaking in tongues are: 8. It s proof of the ressurection and glorification of Jesus: (Jn. 16:7;7:39) 9. It s confirmation of God s Word when it is preached: (Mk. 16:17,20; 1 Corith. 14:22) There are some that believe that when a believer speaks in tongues (in this context referring to human languages), they are preaching the gospel. However such a view can be easily dismissed when you look at Acts 2 (the disciples spoke in tongues first THEN Peter got up and proclaimed the gospel in his own native tongue, with the result being 3,000 people were converted) and also Acts 10 (here Peter proclaimed the gospel, in his own native language, to Cornelius after which the Holy Spirit descended upon Cornelius and all those that heard with the accompanying sign of speaking in tongues ) RULES FOR SPEAKING IN TONGUES IN A CORPORATE GATHERING In 1 Corith. 14, Paul discusses the use of tongues in a corporate gathering. To conclude 1 Corith. 14 Pauls states: Let all things be done decently and in order. - 1 Corith. 14:40 If you go to some Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, you ll hear them slip into speaking in tongues during the service It sometimes seems like a free for all (see what Paul says about this in 1 Corinth. 14:23). But what does Paul say regarding tongues in the corporate setting of a church service? 1. There should only be two or at the most three people who should speak in tongues (1 Corinth. 14:27(a)) 2. There should be one person to interpret (1 Corinth. 14:27(b)) 3. If there is no one to interpret then there should be silence (1 Corinth. 14:28) Summary We see that in a church service there should be 2-3 people who speak a message in tongues, there should be 1 person to interpret the message. If there is no interpreter present, then those who want to speak in tongues must be silent and only speak to himself/herself and God. CONCLUSION file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (11 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:52]
From this study we have seen: 1. That tongues need not necessarily be confined to human languages, but can extend to include angelic languages due to its dichotomic nature. 2.The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable, and we see this with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Tongues didn't cease at the conclusion of the canon of Scripture, nor with the death of the last of the first century apostles. The gift of tongues will continue until our Lord returns at His Second Coming. 3. The baptism in the Holy Ghost is a gift available to all believers and is directed by Jesus Christ. Those that receive this gift should not consider themselves any more spiritual, or any more saved, than those who choose not to receive it. This should not be confused with the baptism of the Holy Spirit which refers to a believer being baptised into the Body of Christ upon his.her conversion. 4. The purpose of speaking in tongues: covers a range of areas, from self-edification to assisting the believer in his/her individual prayer life. 5. In a church setting speaking a message in tongues needs to be confined to two or three believers. There should be one interpreter, and if there is no one to interpret, then those that want to speak in tongues need to keep silent. Back to Bible Studies Back to Godzone Front Page file:///c /My%20Documents/Godzone/tongues.html (12 of 12) [26/09/02 13:35:52]