The Gift of Tongues: Part 3

LESSON 9

You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.

In this edition, we continue with our series on The Gifts of the Spirit. The topic for this study is: The Gift of Tongues: Part 3. In the part two of this lesson, we noted in the book of Acts how the gift of tongues was poured out by the Holy Spirit only when the proclamation of the gospel was to be hindered by a language barrier. In this last part of our study on tongues, we will be exploring the widely misinterpreted passage of 1 Corinthians 14. The lesson is categorised into four sub-sections as follows:

1) THE BACKGROUND OF THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH

The ancient city of Corinth was renowned for its two international seaports. The city was undoubtedly a trade centre which attracted foreigners from various parts of the world. Evidently, the high influx of foreigners entering into the city on a regular basis had an effect on the Christian church in town. Some of the foreigners wanted to share with the Corinthian church various testimonies of God's leading in their lives, others wanted to sing to glorify God, while others wanted to share important Bible truths with the members (see 1 Corinthians 14:26). With most of these ministrations going on in diverse foreign languages, the service of the Corinthian church soon became chaotic and disorganized.

Majority of the church members naturally became concerned as they did not understand what was being communicated by the foreigners during church services. What compounded the problem was when some native members of Corinth who had been endowed with the gift of diverse kinds of tongues began to speak at church with foreign languages that many in the congregation could not understand. This situation that confronted the church needed immediate attention. The apostle Paul was alerted of the issue. It was to address this situation, among other things, that Paul wrote his first letter to the Christian church at Corinth. An examination of the contents of the passage in 1 Corinthians 14 will help us to appreciate the situation that confronted the church.

2) AN EXAMINATION OF THE PASSAGE OF CONTENTION

Many in Christendom today utilise the passage of 1 Corinthians 14 as a justification for them to babble in unintelligible ecstatic utterances which is commonly referred to as speaking in tongues. At this point in our study, we will be analysing 1 Corinthians 14 verse by verse to ascertain for ourselves whether the passage actually supports the speaking of unintelligible tongues. Outlined below is the entire passage of 1 Corinthians 14 with key explanations on some of the texts:

14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

Key Explanation: There is nothing wrong for God's people to desire spiritual gifts. However, in our desire for spiritual gifts, we must seek first to prophesy.

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.

Key Explanation: In this text, Paul was trying to help those gifted with diverse kinds of tongues in the Corinthian church to get the point that if they spoke with foreign languages at church, it did not matter the wonderful mysteries of the gospel they might be expounding, their message was only understandable to God, and not the church members.

14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Key Explanation: In this text, Paul contrasts those who utilised their gift of diverse kinds of tongues at church with those who prophesied (preached) to the understanding of the entire church. The apostle made it clear that those who prophesied (preached) spoke unto men to edification, exhortation and comfort.

14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Key Explanation: In this text, Paul makes it clear that the one, who makes use of his gift of diverse kinds of tongues at church, edified only himself. However, the one who prophesied (preached) in the common language edified the entire church. This verse opens up the verse 2 by helping us to understand that the person who spoke in an 'unknown' or foreign tongue actually understood what he said, otherwise he could not be edified. It is clear that the message this person delivered at church was understandable only to himself and God (review verses 2 and 4).

14:5 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.

Key Explanation: In this text, Paul makes it clear that even though the gift of tongues had its place in respect to the proclamation of the gospel, during church service however, it was prophesying (preaching) that was necessary. According to the apostle, the use of tongues would be beneficial during church service only if there was someone around to interpret what was being communicated. Moreover, Paul's statement "I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied" helps us to understand that it was not everyone in the Corinthian church that had the gift of diverse kinds of tongues (see also 1 Corinthians 12:27-30).

However, it is unfortunate that in Christendom today, members in several mainstream churches are expected to speak with tongues as evidence that they have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In fact, people in these churches who do not speak with tongues are classified as second class members irrespective of any other spiritual gifts that they may possess. Friends, it was not for nothing that the apostle Paul made the statement: "for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues" in this particular text.

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?

Key Explanation: The key point that Paul wanted to communicate to the Corinthian church in respect to the use of foreign languages gets clearer as we move along. Paul reiterates his earlier point that even though the gift of diverse kinds of tongues has its place in the church; it is definitely not in need when the church meets for worship. As if this was not enough, Paul provides several beautiful illustrations to bring out his point in the subsequent texts that follow:

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?

14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

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.

14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

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.

14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Key Explanation: In this text, Paul is basically addressing Corinthian church members who were showing off at church with their gift of diverse kinds of tongues. The gift of diverse kinds of tongues enabled such members to easily learn other foreign languages as they went on the mission field to propagate the gospel. Unfortunately, this gift, which was to be utilised on the mission field, was now being used in a negative way at the Corinthian church. When some people with this gift had the opportunity to lead the entire congregation, they now spoke in diverse foreign languages instead of the common language which could be understood by the entire congregation. Paul addressed such people with these words: "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful" (1 Corinthians 14:14). In addressing the "trouble makers" with these words, Paul actually was speaking on behalf of the entire congregation. The apostle put himself in the place of a Corinthian church member who could not comprehend the message that was being communicated in this foreign tongue. What Paul was communicating through this text is this: "if I pray in an unknown tongue" (as I follow a prayer that is being communicated in a foreign language); "my spirit prayeth" (in my spirit or mind, I know a prayer is being said); "but my understanding is unfruitful" (I do not get the message that is being communicated). This situation which was troubling the Corinthian church is the key reason why Paul made the subsequent statements in the verses 15, 16 and 17:

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.

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?

14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

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.

Key Explanation: In the verses 18 and 19, Paul challenged the Corinthian church that he could speak a lot of foreign languages more than any member in the church. It is clear that in making this statement, the Apostle Paul was not boasting; rather, he wanted to make the point that as a travelling evangelist among the Gentiles, he had come to quickly learn and know several languages than any of the church members at Corinth. This fact notwithstanding, he was still prepared to speak in the common language that all the members could understand instead of utilising several words in a foreign tongue or language. This statement of Paul was a direct rebuke to members with the gift of diverse kinds of tongues who utilised their knowledge of diverse foreign languages to show off at church meetings. In the verses that follow, the subject Paul sought to address becomes very clear:

14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

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.

Key Explanation: In this text, Paul makes it clear that the tongues he is talking about in the passage are recognisable human languages: for the apostle utilises the key words "men of other tongues and other lips" to signify foreign tongues or languages. This is markedly different from the unintelligible tongues we hear around in most churches today. In the passages that follow, Paul uses strong expressions to appeal to the conscience of the members in the Corinthian church:

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.

Key Explanation: Since the gift of tongues is manifested during the proclamation of the gospel, it becomes a sign not to the believers but rather to the unbelievers who witness it. Instead of making a show of the gift of tongues at church, it is rather prophesying (preaching) that is necessary for the church.

14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

14:25 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.

14:26 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.

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.

14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Key Explanation: The words of Paul in the texts above are very clear. If there are members who will want to speak to the church in foreign tongues or languages, the church must give opportunity to two or at most three at a time. Moreover, such members must speak one after another, with each person making use of an interpreter.

14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

Key Explanation: Similar to the counsel on tongues, Paul also admonished that when the congregation met, only two or three people were to be allowed to prophesy or preach. With the influx of false doctrines entering the church (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15), other prophets who could not minister that day were to judge the messages given whether they were consistent with the Word of God. Moreover, this verse comes to shed light on the verse 24 which seem to suggest that the entire church prophesied (preached) at the same time.

14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

Key Explanation: The prophets who were also gifted with foretelling were supposed to relate their messages to the church in order. They all could not talk at the same time.

14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

Key Explanation: Even though two or three prophets may be appointed to minister on a particular day, they were to minister one after another.

14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Key Explanation: Church members who possess the true gift of prophecy will not have a problem when their ministry (whether preaching or foretelling) is subjected to the judging of other prophets.

14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Key Explanation: This text provides the key reason why Paul gives the various guidelines to the members of the church at Corinth in respect to their various spiritual gifts. The subsequent verses in relation to Paul's admonition for women to keep silent in the church still borders on the issue of promoting order in the Corinthian church. This topic will however be dealt with in a comprehensive manner in the lesson 11 of this series.

14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Key Explanation: In this verse, Paul continued to make the appeal that the church members must desire the spiritual gift of prophesying instead of tongues (review 1 Corinthians 14:5). The apostle to the Gentiles was also careful to place the injunction that the church must not forbid to speak with other tongues. You see friends, besides the indigenous members of the church who were in the habit of showing off with their gift of speaking in foreign languages, there were genuine foreign visitors who came to the church from time to time. If Paul asked the church to cease from speaking with tongues, it meant that there was not going to be any room for these genuine foreign visitors to have the opportunity to express themselves. It was particularly for the ministry of these foreign believers that Paul provided the various necessary measures that was to enable the church to accept them without being chaotic and disorderly (review 1 Corinthians 14:26-28).

14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Key Explanation: This final verse summarises the situation that had engulfed the Corinthian church. The expositions and suggestions that Paul gave them were supposed to help them to reach this ideal.

(1 Corinthians 14:1-40; Emphasis Added)

Beloved, from what we have gone through so far in 1 Corinthians 14, it is clear that the type of tongues that Paul described within the passage is nothing more than an understandable human language. However, many in Christendom today continue to use the passage as a justification to babble in unintelligible tongues which has no place in Scripture. Some even assert that such unintelligible tongues is necessary to hide one's various prayer supplications from evil spirits around. Friends, it is Satan who promotes this reasoning among God's children so that instead of them praying in real languages that can ascend to the throne of God, they will waste their time by praying in unintelligible tongues. In respect to this point, the Bible makes it clear that it is only known sin that can prevent our prayers from reaching God (see Isaiah 59:2). Thus, Satan cannot in anyway prevent the prayer of any righteous person (whether said in silence or even spoken out) from reaching our heavenly Father.

3) UNINTELLIGIBLE TONGUES: A HEAVENLY PRAYER LANGUAGE?

Despite the clear message of Scripture in relation to the gift of tongues, some in Christendom will still want to argue that the babbling of these unintelligible utterances is actually a heavenly prayer language. Such people obtain this idea from the following statement of Paul: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Beloved, as you and I can see, there is nothing in this text to suggest any permission for God's people to babble in unintelligible utterances. In this verse, the apostle Paul basically emphasised that EVEN IF he spoke with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, all that is useless. The verses 2 and 3 of the chapter bring out this same point: "13:2 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.

13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

(1 Corinthians 13:2-3) Just as in the verse 1, the verses 2 and 3 of 1 Corinthians 13 stress Paul's point that EVEN IF he could achieve all the virtues he mentioned in the two verses and had not charity, it was all useless. Of course we know that Paul did not understand all mysteries; neither did he possess all knowledge; neither did he have enough faith to remove mountains; neither did he bestow all his goods to feed the poor, and neither did he give his body to be burned (review 1 Corinthians 13:2-3). Yet, Christians who further this idea will want us to believe that Paul actually spoke in some unknown angels' language.

Beloved, the clear fact from the above reasoning is that Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13:1 cannot be used to justify the babbling of unintelligible utterances as a heavenly prayer language. Rather, the entire passage in 1 Corinthians 13 is basically about the importance of charity in the use of spiritual gifts.

4) WHAT IS THE SPIRIT BEHIND SPEAKING IN UNINTELLIGIBLE TONGUES?

The Bible clearly admonishes us to ensure that in God's church all things are done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Yet friends, what we see in various Christian circles today is the direct opposite of this clear teaching of Scripture. The mass babbling of unintelligible ecstatic utterances by church members, commonly referred to as speaking in tongues cannot be traced to the Pauline passage of 1 Corinthians 14. Moreover, amazing recent phenomena such as church members being slain in the Spirit, drunk in the Spirit, stuck in the Spirit and laughing in the Spirit cannot be traced to any Bible source. The sheer noise, commotion and self-degradation that are associated with these manifestations show that these recent phenomena are in direct contradiction to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 14; for the Scripture is clear that God is not the author of confusion, but rather of peace, as should be manifested in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33). Beloved, as in the case of the apostles in the book of Acts, the baptism of the Holy Spirit imbues God's people with spiritual gifts, power and boldness to proclaim the gospel of Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit also enables God's people to develop the fruits of the Spirit. That is, the Holy Spirit enables the children of God to develop Christian virtues such as "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, GENTLENESS, goodness, faith, meekness and TEMPERANCE" (Galatians 5:22-23; Capital Emphasis Added). As the text above clearly suggest, the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not lead God's people to lose their mind and engage in bizarre activities. Contrary to this, people become gentle, temperate and sound, when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. For instance, in Luke 8:26-40, we read the story of a violent demon possessed man who wore no clothes and abode only in tombs. However, when this man was delivered from the unclean spirits by Christ, we find that instead of a violent self-degrading spirit controlling him, a calm and gentle Spirit now resided in him. When the Gadarenes came to find out what has happened, they discovered that the former violent lunatic was now clothed, and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Beloved, the invitation of God in Scripture for each one of us is this: "Come now, and let us REASON together..." (Isaiah 1:18; Capital Emphasis Added). Clearly, instead of relying on our emotions and feelings, the Lord wants us to use our mind.

My dear friends, the true Spirit of God does not lead God's children to do things that take away their self-dignity. The true Spirit of God does not force God's children down to the floor, wallowing, muttering, and exposed, because they have been slain by the Spirit. The true Spirit of God does not lead God's children to do bizarre things in the name of being drunk in the spirit. The true Spirit of God does not lead God's people into mass laughing, falling and losing control at church. This new idea that postulates that people must lose control under the unction of the Holy Spirit cannot be traced to any Bible quotation.

Beloved, the truth is that speaking in tongues (i.e. contemporary glossolalia) together with these new manifestations are being sold by the devil into virtually all religions. Alongside other supernatural activities such as strange miracles and healings, trances, noise and frenzy, speaking in unintelligible utterances can be found in indigenous tribal religions of Africa, independent spiritual churches in which Christianity is combined with pagan practices, Mormonism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Beloved, the fact that these recent phenomena we see in Christendom are also found in other non - Christian religions should make every child of God who is involved in such a practice to wake up, and think twice about these issues. Oh! I wish I could show you videos about how these manifestations we see in Christendom today are being practiced in the various religions of our world.

Beloved, the only way we can discern truth from error is to go to the Bible. As children of God, we are supposed to study the Bible, understand it, and live by it. God wants us to use our mind and not to depend on our senses, emotions and feelings. This is because in these end times, Satan is going to use various new phenomena that have no solid biblical support, coupled with a lot of miracles, signs and wonders to give people a false sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit. From 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, we read the following from the apostle Paul in relation to the antichrist and his end time deception: "2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). My dear friends, based on the plain and clear teaching of Scripture, I believe with all my heart that the spirit of Satan is behind the numerous bizarre manifestations that we see in most of Christendom today. I know it has been hard for a lot of you to have read to this point. But my aim was not to hurt your feelings, but rather to do all I can to help you to see the truth as it is in Scripture. The wise king Solomon made the following remarkable statement: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6). Beloved, it is better we are wounded by the truth than to hear watered down truth which will lead us unto perdition. I know there are many of God's faithful children who have been deceived to accept this falsehood. I know some of you have been babbling in these unintelligible utterances, thinking the gift is from the Holy Spirit. I know it's going to be hard to realize that what you have cherished so much is not from the Lord, and so you will have to let it go. I want to encourage you by revealing that many people across the globe have come to this same point, and have chosen to rather follow Bible truth than go ahead with their emotions. You can choose to follow the Bible today, and the true Spirit of God will never let you down. If you are confused about all this, why don't you honestly ask God to show you the right way in prayer now? He will not disappoint you.

Exhortation: "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words" (Matthew 6:7).

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (2 Timothy 2:16).

In our next study, we will consider the topic: The Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues. The Bible Study references for this study are 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:13 and 1 Corinthians 14:27-28. Please do well to go through these passages before the next study is released.

Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.

Maranatha!

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