The Bible speaks of a plurality of Baptisms in Hebrews Chapter 6 verse 2....
Heb
6:2
2
instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of
the dead, and eternal judgment.
(NIV)
In
the Old Testament we have the Baptism of Moses (1 Cor 10:2) and in the
New Testament, the Baptism of Repentance (Mark 1:4), Christian Water Baptism
(Matt 28:19;Acts 8:35-38) and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11;Acts
1:5). Needless to say the Baptism of Moses and John’s Baptism of Repentance
are no longer valid
today.
We are, therefore, left with two Baptisms for the New Testament Church,
viz, Christian Water Baptism and Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We have already
dealt with Christian Water Baptism, so this article will concern itself
solely with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
First of all we must be very clear that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct encounter with God the Holy Spirit apart from salvation for the following reasons:
1.
In the case of the first christians, our Lord imparted the Holy Spirit
to them first (after His resurrection) before telling them to wait for
the Baptism of the Holy Spirit...
| SALVATION | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT |
| John 20:22
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (NIV) In the New Testament context only Born-again (saved) christians have the Holy Spirit. |
Acts 1:4-5
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (NIV) Emphasis mine. Acts Chapter one is chronologically after John 20:22. |
2.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit is given upon one’s salvation; the Baptism
of the Holy Spirit is given after one’s salvation......
| SALVATION | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT |
| Acts 2:38
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NIV) The conditions for receiving the Holy Spirit are repentance and faith in Jesus Christ-THE BASIC TENETS OF SALVATION (Christian Water Baptism provides the public evidence of one’s faith). Baptism in the Name of Jesus is synonymous with Christian Water Baptism- see Acts 10:47,48. |
In the case of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Jesus
told his “post-resurrection apostles” (who must have already been saved)
to wait in Jerusalem for this gift. Besides this, John 20:22 clearly states
that the Holy Spirit was already given to the disciples (some of whom are
His Apostles)...
Acts 1:2
Acts 1:4-5
|
3.
Upon getting saved, the minister or pastor baptizes you with water. But
the Administrator of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is Jesus Himself......
| SALVATION | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT |
| Acts 8:38
38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. (NIV) Take note that the baptizer was Philip |
Matt 3:11
11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He (JESUS) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (NIV) Addition and Emphasis Mine |
4.
Salvation makes a person a born-again christian i.e. he or she “enters”
into the Kingdom of God. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for purposes of
witnessing.
| SALVATION | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT |
| John 3:16
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV) John 3:3 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (NIV) |
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NIV) Emphasis mine |
5.
No supernatural gifts are given upon salvation. On receiving the Baptism
of the Holy Spirit supernatural gifts are normally evident...
| SALVATION | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT |
| Acts 2:41
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (NIV) No supernatural gifts mentioned Acts 4:4
|
Acts 2:4
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV) Emphasis Mine Acts 19:6
|
ONCE WE ARE CLEAR IN OUR MINDS THAT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT ENCOUNTER WITH GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE MUST THEN PROCEED TO PRAY TO RECEIVE IT AS IT IS A COMMAND OF THE LORD AND NOT AN OPTION (ACTS 1:4,5; Ephesians 5:18). A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN WHO WILFULLY REJECTS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS SINNING AGAINST GOD. IN FACT,IN THE EPISTLES, THE APOSTLE PAUL DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SPIRIT BAPTIZED AND NON-SPIRIT BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS AT ALL. HE ASSUMES THAT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE SPIRIT BAPTIZED, AS SHOULD BE THE CASE.
A
PRAYER: Father God, I come to you in the Name of Jesus. I am a born-again
christian and I pray that you would Baptize me in the Holy Spirit as your
WORD commands.
“TONGUES” MYSTERY UNRAVELED
An apparent point of contention between charismatics and non-charismatics (or pentecostals and non-pentecostals) is the so-called issue of “tongues”. Let us delve into the Scriptures to sort out this issue in a clear and indisputable manner.
Point #1
“Tongues” is a Scriptural phenomenon and as far back as the Book of Isaiah, “tongues” have already been mentioned prophetically as a future event.....
Isa
28:11
11
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to
this people,
(NIV)
The resurrected Lord made it quite clear that Born-again believers would be able to exercise the following five supernatural gifts (as the Lord sovereignly directs), new tongues being one of the gifts....
Mark
16:17-18
17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will
drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18
they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison,
it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people,
and they will get well."
(NIV)
Emphasis mine. These five supernatural gifts are given for ministry
purposes....
Point #2
The
gift of “Tongues” was only poured out at Pentecost in Acts Chapter Two
after Jesus were resurrected and after the impartation of the Holy Spirit
to the first christians (See John 20:22). This gift of “tongues” was a
sign gift upon the infilling or Baptism of the Holy Spirit on the first
Born-again disciples of Christ...
Acts
2:4
4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
(NIV)
Emphasis mine. Notice the words “filled with the Holy Spirit” to describe
the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The “tongues” described in Acts Chapter 2, are actually foreign languages temporarily endowed as a supernatural gift on the early disciples so that they can proclaim the wonders of God (which with Peter’s message following, resulted in many souls being saved)....
Acts
2:11
11
(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring
the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
(NIV)
In most other instances in Acts where the Baptism or in filling of the Holy Spirit was encountered, there were sign gifts being exercised....
Acts
10:45-46
Peter
were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even
on the Gentiles.
46
For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
(NIV)
Here the tongues must be a known foreign language for verse 46 says that
they HEARD THEM SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND PRAISING GOD. In other words, they
understood that those speaking in tongues were praising
God.
Acts
19:5-6
5
On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
6
When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they
spoke in tongues and prophesied.
(NIV)
Notice that the Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT was ministered to the disciples
after they were baptised into Jesus (Water Baptism-see Acts 10:47,48).
Take note that in addition to “tongues” the disciples also prophesied.
“Tongues” is a New Testament phenomenon but prophesying as a result of the Spirit’s anointing has Old Testament precedents (1 Sam 10:10,11;19:20).
At
this juncture, it need be mentioned that there was no mention of “tongues”
in Paul’s initial salvation/baptism experience. It must, however, be inferred
that Paul was Baptized in the Holy Spirit as he says that he spoke in tongues
more than any of them (those in the Corinthian Church)- see 1 Cor 14:18.
TWO KINDS OF TONGUES -
1 Corinthians Chapter 12 speaks of different kinds of tongues...
1
Cor 12:10
10
to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing
between spirits, to another speaking in different
kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation
of tongues.
(NIV)
Emphasis mine
In 1 Corinthians 13:1, the Apostle Paul specifically mentions two kinds of tongues, viz, tongues of men (foreign but known languages) and tongues of angels (unknown tongues).....
1
Cor 13:1
1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
(NIV)
Emphasis mine
PUBLIC USAGE OF TONGUES
Supernaturally endowed foreign languages are part of a disciple’s evangelistic armament, albeit temporary (“new tongues” in addition to the other four supernatural signs in Mark 16:17 and the foreign tongues in Acts 2:4 which helped to bring souls to God). Supernaturally endowed foreign tongues is also a gift that is exercised in the church for its edification on the proviso that there is an interpretation from the Holy Spirit.....
1 Cor 14:5
............He who prophesies
is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that
the church may be edified.
(NIV)
1 Cor 14:13
13 For this reason anyone
who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
(NIV) Notice that
Paul says that one should 'pray' for an interpretation implying that it
is a supernatural "tongue' which requires interpretation from God.
1 Cor 14:6-13
6 Now, brothers, if I
come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I
bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
7 Even in the case of
lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone
know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
8 Again, if the trumpet
does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
9 So it is with you.
Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know
what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
10 Undoubtedly there
are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
11 If then I do not grasp
the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker,
and he is a foreigner to me.
12 So it is with you.
Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that
build up the church.
13 For this reason anyone
who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
(NIV) Emphasis mine
In
verse 6 above, Paul says “ brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues.....”
He is addressing christians (the church) and further on in verse 10, he
equates this “tongues” with “all sorts of languages in the world”. In Verse
11, he says a person speaking in tongues is “a foreigner to me.” What Paul
is saying is that the gift of tongues in this context (or different kinds
of tongues as mentioned in 1 Cor 12 verse 10) is essentially a gift of
different kinds of languages endowed on the speaker by the Spirit as HE
wills. This “gift”, as mentioned before, needs to be interpreted
(verse 13) in order that the church may be edified.
So to sum up, the foregoing discussion
speaks of two kinds of supernatural tongues or languages both in the context
of public usage.....firstly as an evangelistic tool and secondly as a means
of edification to the church as a whole (when supernaturally interpreted).
PRIVATE USAGE OF TONGUES/PRAYER LANGUAGE
In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul speaks of tongues of men and angels. Tongues of angels are essentially unintelligible tongues......
1
Cor 13:1
13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am
only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
NIV
FURTHER
ON THE SCRIPTURES DIFFERENTIATES BETWEEN SPEAKING AND PRAYING IN TONGUES...
1 Cor 14:13-14
13 Therefore let one
who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I
pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is
unfruitful.
(NAS) Emphasis
Mine
“..Let him that speaketh (King James Version)” in 1 Corinthians 14 verse 13 is laleo1 in greek and it means “to talk, i.e. utter words”. “Pray” in verse 14 above is proseuchomai1 in greek and it means “to supplicate or worship”. These are two distinct and different words that Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has chosen to use. Therefore you can clearly infer that THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPEAKING IN A TONGUE AND PRAYING IN A TONGUE. Speaking in an unknown tongue (supernaturally endowed foreign language) is a public ministry that requires interpretation for the edification of the church; praying in a tongue is a prayer language for private usage. It is prayer from our spirit unto God with an unction from the Holy Spirit....
Rom
8:26-27
26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what
we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans
that words cannot express.
27
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the
Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with
God's will.
(NIV)
Emphasis mine
The crux of the above verse is that we “do not know what we ought to pray for” therefore the Holy Spirit intercedes through us (through our spirits) in a heavenly language- 'groans that words cannot express' i.e. unknown or unintelligible tongues or tongues of angels, so that we can pray in the will of the Father. Further on, we are commanded to pray in the Holy Spirit (on all occasions) as it is not only intercession but it “builds us up” in the faith.........
Eph
6:18
18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with
all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the saints.
(NIV)
Emphasis Mine
Jude
1:20
20
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your
most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
(NIV)
Emphasis Mine
Yes, as the Apostle Paul says, pray in the SPIRIT (in unknown, UNINTELLIGIBLE tongues) but also pray with your mind (intelligibly).
1
Cor 14:15
15
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,
but I will also pray with my mind;
I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
(NIV)
Emphasis Mine. Congregational prayer must always be intelligible i.e.
with the mind, as the Word of God is quite clear that two or more must
agree with each other when they pray together...
Matt
18:19-20
19
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you
ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two
or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
NIV
The confusion in charismatic circles regarding the initial evidence of tongues arises from the failure to differentiate between a private prayer language of a Spirit Baptised Christian from the supernatural gift of a foreign tongue or tongues as in Acts Chapter 2.
What about the issue of singing in the spirit? If you read Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 verses 12 to 17, you will find that he puts praying in the spirit (IN TONGUES- see verse 14 below) in the same category as singing in the spirit (IN TONGUES-implied). In other words, singing in the spirit should be a private ministry. The whole context of 1 Corinthians 14 verses 12 to 17 indicates that praying or praising God in public requires agreement amongst believers (see verse 16 below) and THIS PREMISE MAKES 'UNDERSTANDING' A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT...
1
Cor 14:12-17
12
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to
excel in gifts that build up the church.
13
For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret
what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind
is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I
will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also
sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can
one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your
thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be
giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
NIV
I
trust that the above dissertation has put to rest the controversy surrounding
“tongues” once and for all. The Bible has this to say of itself in 2 Tim
3:16.....`All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness.....’ If the Bible is full of
controversies and subject to countless number of
interpretations
as some contend, then it is no longer useful for teaching, rebuking and
training in righteousness- a thought utterly blasphemous by itself!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.
Strong's Greek-Hebrew Dictionary- Biblesoft, Seattle, USA 1994
ADDENDUM:
EXEGESIS OF 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER FOURTEEN
1 Cor 14:1-2
14:1 Follow the way of
love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of
prophecy. 2 For anyone
who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.
Indeed, no one understands
him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
NIV
1 Cor 14:2
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.
KJV Emphasis Mine.
There
are two kinds of tongues, viz, known and unknown tongues (tongues of angels
and
tongues of men-1 Cor 13:1). Known tongues are foreign languages unknown
to the
speaker
whilst Unknown tongues are essentially tongues of angels unknown to
mankind.
That is why in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 14 verse 2, Paul says that
no man
understands
the person who speaks in an unknown tongue.
1 Cor 14:3
3 But everyone who prophesies
speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement
and comfort.
NIV
Prophesy
is essentially God speaking through man and this must be in a language
that
is
understandable for the congregation in order to strengthen, encourage and
comfort.
1 Cor 14:4
4 He who speaks in a
tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
NIV
Here
Paul is referring to the Unknown tongue of 1 Corinthians 14:2, which is
essentially
Man
praying or speaking to God in an unintelligible, angelic “language” and
it is this
private,
prayer language which edifies the person who is praying. It is Man’s spirit
communicating
with God and bypassing the Mind that is why in verse 2, Paul says such
a
person utters mysteries with his spirit. It is also Man praying in the
Will of God as
evidenced
in the verse below...
Rom 8:26
26 In the same way, the
Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought
to pray for, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot
express.
NIV
1 Cor 14:5
5 I would like every
one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you
prophesy. He who prophesies
is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he
interprets, so that the
church may be edified. NIV
Before
proceeding further, it is imperative that we differentiate between the
private,
prayer
language of the Spirit-filled believer and the public ministry of tongues
which
Paul
is introducing now. In verse 5 above, Paul refers to tongues as an unknown
language
supernaturally endowed on the Spirit-filled believer in church for the
edification
of all. In the exercise of such a gift, it is mandatory that there be
interpretation
so that the whole church can be edified. Take note that Strong’s Greek
Hebrew
dictionary defines the words “he interpret” which is “diermeneuo” in Greek
as
“to
explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate” Translation is made in
reference to a
foreign
language; one cannot translate an angelic language.
1 Cor 14:6-9
6 Now, brothers, if I
come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless
I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in
the case of lifeless
things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone
know what tune is being
played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the
trumpet does not sound
a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you.
Unless you speak intelligible
words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you
are saying? You will
just be speaking into the air.
NIV
Here,
the Apostle Paul is saying that speaking in a tongue (foreign language)
has no
spiritual
value to the congregation of believers. It is like a flute or harp without
any
distinction
in the notes. In other words, it is unintelligible to the church at large.
1 Cor 14:10-12
10 Undoubtedly there
are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without
meaning. 11 If then I
do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a
foreigner to the speaker,
and he is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are
eager to have spiritual
gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
NIV
Verses
10 to 12 is a follow up of verses 6 to 9 and these verses support the inference
that
Paul was referring to foreign languages in verse 6 when he mentioned “tongues”
for
he goes on to say that there are many languages in the world and all of
them have
meanings;
but in the church if the meaning is not made known then this gift of tongues
or
languages is like a foreigner speaking to us in a foreign language which
is utterly
meaningless
to the congregation. A spiritual gift exercised in the church must edify
the
whole
body.
1 Cor 14:13
13 For this reason anyone
who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret
what he says
NIV
So
in the public ministry of tongues, which refers to KNOWN (supernaturally
endowed)
tongues
or languages, the exercise of this gift must be accompanied by a proper
interpretation
of these tongues or languages (which is also supernaturally endowed) so
as
to edify the church. It is in this respect that a person who exercises
the gift of
tongues
publicly should also seek God for a translation or interpretation.
1 Cor 14:14-16
14 For if I pray in a
tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I
do? I will pray with
my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit,
but I will also sing
with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one
who finds himself among
those who do not understand say "Amen" to your
thanksgiving, since he
does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving
thanks well enough, but
the other man is not edified.
NIV
In
verse 14 above, Paul becomes more specific referring to the private, prayer
language
of
the Spirit-filled believer as “praying in tongues”. He goes on to say in
verse 15 that
intelligible
prayer (with the mind) is also necessary for the church as a whole. So
it is
with
singing; one sings in the spirit privately to edify himself but one also
sings or
praises
God intelligibly so that the other believers may say “Amen” in agreement
so as
to
edify the body.
1 Cor 14:18-19
18 I thank God that I
speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would
rather speak five intelligible
words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a
tongue.
NIV
In
verse 18 above, Paul is again referring to the private, prayer language
of a Spirit-filled
believer.
In church, Paul would rather instruct in a language known to all so as
to edify
the
body of believers. One must remember that Paul is writing an epistle or
letter to the
church
in Corinthians and his thoughts (though inspired by the Holy Spirit) do
not
necessary
have the ordered sequence of a science or medical book.
1 Cor 14:20-21
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.
KJV
Verse
21 above is taken from Isaiah 28 verse 11. The context of the first few
verses of
Isaiah
Chapter 28 concerns the back-slided ten tribes of Israel and the warning
of the
prophet
of the judgments that were coming upon them for their sins. This will be
soon
be
executed by the king of Assyria, who will lay their country waste, and
carry the people
into
captivity. Isaiah 28:11 is also prophetic in that it refers to the future
event of
Pentecost
whereby God spoke to his people via the supernatural tongues or languages
of
the 120 disciples; in spite of this, some of the Jews still did not accept
this sign of
God.
In is in this reference, that one should try to understand the meaning
of the verses
following....
1 Cor 14:22-23
22 Tongues, then, are
a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is
for believers, not for
unbelievers.
NIV
Just
like in Pentecost, tongues or foreign languages supernaturally endowed
are a sign
for
UNBELIEVERS; Unbelievers hearing so called unlearned, Spirit-filled Christians
speak
or praising God in their own languages or tongues ( supernaturally through
the
anointing
and unction of the Spirit) will recognize the presence and working of God
Almighty
and will open themselves to receive the Gospel message as in Acts Chapter
2.
Tongues
in this context therefore refers to its use as an evangelistic tool outside
the
Church
of Christ. Prophecy as mentioned in the latter half of verse 22 is a spiritual
gift to
be
exercised in the church for the edification of believers.
1 Cor 14:23-25
23 So if the whole church
comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some
who do not understand
or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of
your mind? 24 But if
an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while
everybody is prophesying,
he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be
judged by all, 25 and
the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and
worship God, exclaiming,
"God is really among you!"
NIV
The
exercise of the gift of tongues in the church without interpretation will
only baffle
and
stumble any unbeliever present in a church. On the other hand, the exercise
of the
gift
of prophecy (which is intelligible to the unbeliever) could result in him
being
convicted
of his sins, thereby resulting in his repentance.
1 Cor 14:26-28
26 What then shall we
say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or
a word of instruction,
a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be
done for the strengthening
of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the
most three-should speak,
one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no
interpreter, the speaker
should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
NIV
Now
Paul comes back to the subject of the public usage of tongues in the church.
Again
he
emphasizes that it should be orderly and should only be exercised with
interpretation
or
translation for the edification of the church.
1 Cor 14:29-33
29 Two or three prophets
should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is
said. 30 And if a revelation
comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker
should stop. 31 For you
can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and
encouraged. 32 The spirits
of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God
is not a God of disorder
but of peace.
NIV
Here
Paul is giving some very practical instructions with regards to the exercise
or use
of
the gift of prophecy. It should be orderly and be subject to spiritual
scrutiny
(something
not adhered to in churches today).
1 Cor 14:33-35
As in all the congregations
of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the
churches. They are not
allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35
If they want to inquire
about something, they should ask their own husbands at home;
for it is disgraceful
for a woman to speak in the church.
NIV
Still
speaking on the subject line of ‘orderliness’, Paul touches briefly on
the subject of
women
speaking in church. The command to be silent is not absolute as there are
references
elsewhere in the Bible to women prophesying and praying in public (Acts
2:17;1
Cor 11:13). Here the command to be silent pertains to Spiritual instruction
and
doctrine
which is not the DOMAIN of the woman as per the creation order (that is,
God
speaks
or instructs Adam who in turn instructs his wife). A wife who needs spiritual
or
doctrinal
instruction should receive it from her head (husband) as exemplified in
the
order
of creation.
1 Cor 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God
originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37
If anybody thinks he
is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am
writing to you is the
Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
NIV
In
verses 36 and 37, Paul emphasizes the fact that his calling and gifting
with regards to
doctrinal
instruction is directly from the Lord Himself and one should only ignore
what
he
(Paul) dictates at his own peril.
1 Cor 14:39-40
39 Therefore, my brothers,
be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 But everything should
be done in a fitting and orderly way.
NIV
Those
who conveniently write off ‘tongues’ as a spiritual vestige of Paul’s time
should
pay
heed to the command in verse 39 not to forbid speaking in tongues. Antagonism
and
rejection
of tongues is a violation of a command of God and has definite adverse
spiritual
consequences in the long and short term.
In
summary, let me just recapitulate what we discussed
above. There are two kinds of
tongues
i.e. known (a human language unknown to the person exercising the gift)
and
unknown
(angelic language) tongues. Known tongues can be used as an evangelistic
tool
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH as exemplified in Acts Chapter 2. Known tongues can
also
be
a spiritual gift inside the church but this must be followed with proper
interpretation
or
translation for the edification of the church. These two categories can
also be
classified
as the public usage of tongues. UNKNOWN tongues or angelic language is
a
private,
prayer language from the Spirit-filled believer’s spirit to God’s SPIRIT
(this may
be
a misnomer as God is Spirit). This private prayer language is only bestowed
upon the
believer
through the Baptism or in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
This
private prayer language edifies the believer and helps him to pray in line
with the
Will
of God. Rejection of tongues is synonymous with the rejection of revealed
Biblical
truth
and will result in serious, adverse spiritual consequences (2 Thess 2:10-12).
AMEN.
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