Clearing Up Confusion Over Speaking In Tongues
Part 1
Rock of Offence Commentary
If the reader is new to this subject, I can recommend several books. These resources provide a more enjoyable way to learn about this valuable gift, which is so misunderstood in the church today. These books are entitled:
- "They Speak With Other Tongues" by John L. Sherril (Baker House Publishers)
- "The Beauty of Spiritual Language" by Dr. Jack Hayford (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Both can be obtained on the Internet at: Christianbook.com
They are also available at: Amazon.com
The following is a detailed discussion about one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit known as speaking in tongues. It's not designed for the casual reader. It's a study into a reasonably complex and misunderstood topic. It's confusing because of the way Scripture is distorted and massacred by groups on both sides of the argument. It's difficult because it requires an honest respect for the "things of the Spirit", which Saint Paul said would appear as "foolishness", and impossible to know for the natural mind. He went on to say that these things can only be "spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). These facts put us at a disadvantage because it's hard to communicate a spiritual truth using intellectual methods.
Except for Bible prophecy, no other topic seems to generate division among Christians as the subject of tongues. Yet, today more people are able to navigate around the confusion and examine these issues from Scripture. I came in contact with this subject as a young Southern Baptist believer over 33 years ago. I had an intense desire to know all the truths in God's Word--especially the ones that my denomination considered off-limits. It continues to amaze me how those of us who are "committed" to God's Word can literally throw away all rational thought processes when it comes to this discussion. For some reason, the "tongues controversy" has a tendency to bring out the worst in all of us, including finger pointing and name-calling. Actually, this topic is very sacred and holy. I wish I could just focus on the positive. Yet, like so many other topics I must not only give the reader information, but also address the misinformation campaign in the church. This is not just a simple debate to see who can get more aligned with Bible truths. The critics are highly trained theologians who know how to use complex principles of persuasion to win over their audience who are completely unaware of the psychological methods being used. These principles of persuasion appear to be Scripturally grounded. I will attempt to draw attention to some of these things toward the end of this study.
Why do some harbor such contrary attitudes toward this spiritual gift? I've been around people on both sides of the debate for many years--and I can say that it's disliked because of both misuse and pride. Some proponents of tongues tend to have an arrogant "holier than thou" attitude toward those who don't believe in it. It's commonly found in some Pentecostal and Charismatic groups. I've seen it all too often--and if I were on the other side, I'd get upset too. Unfortunately, after more than 70 years of this activity, it's too late to repair the emotional hurts in some people. Avoiding the topic when associating with members of certain denominations may be a good strategy. The other side of the problem are those who engage in the defense of unbiblical traditions related to liberal theology. These are powerful forces that Saint Paul warned us about, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." (2 Timothy 3:5). Speaking in tongues is not a condition for salvation. We need to keep our spiritual priorities in order and avoid putting the Body of Christ in a state of war over this issue. Sadly, it's already in this condition--so it doesn't need any more help. Also, God's Word commands us not to be quarrelsome--and, if possible, to live peaceably with all men.
We should never throw away valid truth because it upsets people. This kind of reaction treats God's Word in an irresponsible manner. The favorite tactic of our enemy is to draw attention to the abuse of certain truths in order to persuade people to reject it. This kind of rejection is not based on Biblical principles, but on a perceived "falsehood by association". There's plenty of "abuse" ammunition available on this topic. Yet, the subject of tongues is so important for the modern believer that I will not walk away without a Scriptural examination. Some Christians just want information. They want to hear all sides of the debate so that they can make up their own mind. That's exactly what I did as a Baptist 33 years ago. I quickly discovered that not everyone in my denomination shared my enthusiasm. I learned that some Christians don't want anything to disturb the "status quo". Some of the worst persecution I've experienced to date came from both my spiritual family in the church and later from my natural family. As a young Christian, I was both confused and hurt by this reaction. If the Word of God is our standard, why do we embrace only the parts that we agree with and reject the parts that tend to "upset" our traditions.
Around 1974 I received another surprise. I can't remember how I acquired the information. There was no Internet in those days. I discovered a group of Southern Baptists that believed the same thing in the Bible concerning the gifts of the Spirit. The church's name was "Lakewood Baptist Church" in Houston, Texas. The pastor's name was John Osteen. At that time his fellowship had somewhere around 3000 members. I also discovered that Osteen was a traveling evangelist and held meetings in the Philippines where thousands would show up to hear him preach about Jesus. Many were saved at these outdoor meetings. I ordered some books from his ministry and was happy to see other Baptists who believed the same thing. I learned that Lakewood was not the only group in my denomination who believed in the gifts of the Spirit. It's estimated that somewhere between ten and fifteen percent of the Baptist denomination is now considered "full gospel". The term "full gospel" was created to distinguish between those who believe in the gifts of the Spirit and those who choose not to.
I discovered that the Baptists are split into three general groups on the subject of Spiritual gifts. The first group claims to be "fundamentalist" and are hostile to the gifts of the Spirit message. The second group make up the "big tent" that generally disagree with the gifts of the Spirit, yet will allow you the freedom to follow your beliefs. The third group is what I refer to as the "full gospel" Baptists (some call them Charismatic Baptists) that think their beliefs shouldn't disqualify them from being part of the denomination. Yet, many Baptist leaders strongly disagree. Today, I've noticed that "Lakewood Baptist Church" has been renamed to "Lakewood Church". My guess is that the disagreement with the denomination's leadership became so exaggerated that the Lakewood congregation decided it was better to keep the peace, leave the denomination and become non-denominational. John Osteen died in 1999 and left his son Joel Osteen in charge of the ministry. My comments are meant to provide some background. While I found a "kindred" relationship with Lakewood during the decade of the 70's, the reader should not think that I agree with everything they teach today. Many things can change in a church congregation over time. I haven't had direct contact with them for 30 years. I do know that they are still "Christ-centered", have an auditorium that seat 8200 and an evangelistic television ministry that reaches over 100 countries. They hold 40 services a week in order to minister to a membership of 30,000.
We'll begin this study by asking questions and providing answers using New Testament Scripture that gives the clearest explanation. My goal is to allow Scripture to speak for itself and avoid "reading" my own meaning into the text. I will make comments for clarification. There's some redundancy because the same Scriptures may apply to different arguments that's "repackaged" versions of the same root misconception. It should be understood that I don't take a neutral position on this topic. I've observed this controversy for over 35 years--so I'm not exactly inexperienced. I may not answer all of the reader's questions, but I will cover the ones that deal with the controversy in the most direct way.
Those who oppose speaking in tongues do so because their church or seminary has wrongly taught them that the practice doesn't apply to Christians today. One expression of this belief is to selectively discredit things from New Testament Scripture. They believe these things shouldn't be there because God doesn't use them anymore. Theologians and denominations engage in this practice because God's Word has a tendency to contradict cherished traditions. Unbiblical tradition is a root cause of corruption and moral decay that we see in the institutional church. Another practice is to confuse the context so that the belief appears to be invalid. Saint Paul clearly instructs us on the use of speaking in tongues in the New Testament Scriptures. If we throw it out because we don't think it should be there--how many other important doctrines will be recklessly placed into our "trash can of unessential doctrines for Christian living?" I learned long ago to build my faith around what the Bible teaches--and not to redefine God's Word to fit my beliefs or those of my church. Yet, the reader needs to make a personal decision as to how this applies. It's part of Saint Paul's command to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12)
QUESTION: Why is the subject of tongues important?
When the Holy Spirit arrived on the day of Pentecost, He ushered in a whole new spiritual administration for the believer in Christ. It's not designed to be optional. If it isn't valued in your fellowship you shouldn't arbitrarily think that God holds the same view. Many of these things were not available under the previous dispensation of the Mosaic Law. One thing bothers me about the modern church: Most Christians operate like they did in the Old Testament. Their authority, worship, works of law, doctrine, religious service structure and even their church buildings follow an Old Testament design. On the day of Pentecost God introduced something entirely new. The Spirit of Christ, the third person of the Trinity, initiates this change. We should at least have some knowledge about the nature of those changes.
Saint Paul sheds light on this topic;
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 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. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." (1 Cor 12:1-11)
Paul lists nine "administrations" or characteristics of the Holy Spirit. In this Scripture Paul is discussing Church administrations or spiritual ministries that are expressed in the public gathering of the Church. Notice that the source of these administrations is God's Holy Spirit. Saint Paul repeats the term "by the same Spirit" when referring to these various ministries. Tongues and interpretation of tongues make up two of these nine administrations, so this subject carries some importance. Paul uses the term "divers" (or many different kinds) of tongues. He uses this description for a reason. In order to support their arguments, critics almost always attempt to limit tongues to one or two specific types of expression. Obviously, this makes the job of discrediting the topic a lot easier. They claim that tongues are only used to evangelize--or that Paul taught that tongues are only for a sign to unbelievers. Yet, Paul also taught there are several other expressions of tongues used outside the public gathering of the church. These issues are conveniently left out or explained away. Paul tells us that there are various different kinds of expressions (there's more than two or three) involving tongues. One of our goals in this study is to attempt to examine this complex subject, keeping each expression in context.
It's important to keep this topic in its proper place. Paul seems to suggest that tongues are "the lesser" of the gifts of the Spirit. For purposes of this study, lets assume this to be true. Yet, an examination of Paul's comments shows that he said this because the Corinthians were placing an unbiblical emphasis on its use. He encouraged the Corinthians to desire to prophesy, because the whole church could be edified through this gift. Yet, Paul's comments are not a rejection of tongues. He was only saying that prophesying is a better gift. It's important to note that religious critics treat the New Testament practice of prophesying with the same disdain as they do tongues. They only pretend to care about it because it makes tongues look less favorable. Saint Paul told the believers at Corinth:
"But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Cor 12:31)
Some in the church exaggerate the importance of tongues beyond the Scriptural standard. A few groups wrongly believe it's a condition for salvation. On the other side, the critics argue that because it's considered a "lesser" gift--we should ignore it or throw it out because God doesn't use it and doesn't care about it. Both of these positions represent serious error. Tongues may be a lesser gift--but when we see what God's Word says about it--even God's lesser gifts are extremely precious and valuable to the modern day believer.
There's also a Scriptural principle involved here. Jesus said:
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:10)
If we're unfaithful with God's lesser gifts, why should we believe that he's going to entrust us with anything greater? That's something to think about.
QUESTION: Where is speaking in tongues first mentioned in the Bible and what is its source?
Tongues are first mentioned in the opening pages of the Book of Acts right after the 120 believers in the upper room received the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost is where Christians believe that the New Testament Church began. Before the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit did not live inside believers.
Jesus told his disciples of this future event:
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:16-17)
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)
The Holy Spirit came upon an individual or would dwell with them--but He didn't permanently indwell His people until the day of Pentecost. The coming of the Holy Spirit is an entirely new thing for the human race. Never in the history of mankind did God place his Holy Spirit inside human vessels. The early church referred to this miracle as "the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38 Acts 10:45). God was actually giving himself to us as a gift.
Notice something important in the Acts 2:1-4 reference: Speaking in tongues is uniquely connected to being filled with the Holy Spirit (the King James Bible calls the Holy Spirit "The Holy Ghost"). We need to remember that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is also known as the "Spirit of God" (Ezekiel 11:24, Matt. 12:28 Rom. 8:9 1 Cor. 2:14), the "Spirit of your Father" (Matt. 10:20), the "Spirit of the Lord" (Isaiah 63:14 Ezekiel 11:5 Acts 8:39 2 Cor. 3:17-18) and the "Spirit of Christ" (Rom. 8:9 1 Peter 1:11). The Holy Spirit is co-equal with both the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Holy Spirit and His interests and methods are never to be treated with irreverence, disgust or mockery. Jesus sternly warns the religious leaders of his day after they attribute the works of the Holy Spirit to "Beelzebub" (the prince of the devils).
"And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." (Matt 12:32)
(Important Note: The reader should understand that Jesus' statement here does not support the popular notion that a Christian can lose his or her salvation. This is a topic for another discussion and won't be covered in this study)
The reason I include Jesus' warning is to address the reckless comments concerning the ministry and gifts of the Holy Spirit. I could easily write a book about my experiences over the last 33 years on this topic. I've heard speaking in tongues maligned as something "of the devil" and a "doctrine of demons" by many so-called fundamentalist Christians thinking they are defending the truth of God's Word. This area is sacred and God takes it serious. Jesus' warning represents a spiritual boundary. Once it is crossed there is usually no return. Why do I say that? Because Jesus said there was no forgiveness. If you don't believe the gifts of the Spirit are for Christians today--fine. Go your way in peace and give others the freedom to believe differently. However, getting embittered and attributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the devil crosses a sacred line that Jesus warns us not to cross. Insulting the Holy Spirit by comparing His gifts to "nonsense, gibberish or immature baby talk" also infringes on this area. I don't pretend to understand how all this works, yet I obviously agree with Jesus that the offense should be avoided.
God's Word has other things to say about the Holy Spirit:
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor 2:14)
Most opposition within the church comes from those who approach the Scriptures with a "natural mind". Many popular theologians are in this category. Their natural thinking processes are highly educated and developed. Yet, this never equates to spirituality. The "things of the Spirit", as Saint Paul calls them, are not natural--they are supernatural. They come from the realm of the spirit where God dwells. They are not only unusual, but many times "foolishness" to those who hold a natural human perspective (this includes the natural mind in religion). One reason speaking in tongues is unpopular in churches is because it disturbs the controlled environment of religion. God sometimes introduces the unusual and supernatural "things of the Spirit" to disrupt the traditions and doctrines of men (Matt. 15:8-9). He watches to see how his people respond to these things.
The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit completely changes our relationship with God. It isn't the same relationship that existed in the Old Testament. Many oppose this change. Saint Paul taught that the "things of the Spirit of God" are in this category. It's "natural" to view the subject of tongues as "foolishness"--but we need to keep in mind that, like it or not, speaking in tongues is listed by God's Word as one of the "things of the Spirit of God". It's listed as one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. The reader needs to know that I share the same struggle as anyone else in this area. Saint Paul taught that we must "renew our minds" toward the priorities (will) of God (Rom. 12:2). Renewing our mind is not always a pleasant process. It involves "a death to self" in favor of the way God thinks about things--and death is rarely pleasant. If it isn't important to change our natural human thinking to line up with God's priorities, Paul wouldn't have made it a Scriptural command.
QUESTION: What did these first occurrences of tongues accomplish?
Let's look at two examples where speaking in tongues occur. The first is on the day of Pentecost. At this event, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to Jews gathered in Jerusalem. This event started the first New Testament Church, which consisted of 3000 Jewish believers. In this case, speaking in tongues appear as known earthly languages--because the text says, "every man heard them speak in his own language". The Holy Spirit broke down the language barrier to accomplish certain goals. One of these goals is the establishment of the first church. This particular expression of tongues is only one of many used by the Holy Spirit.
"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 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: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 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: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" (Acts 2:5-18)
The Gentiles are next on God's agenda. God sends Peter to the household of Cornelius where the gift of the Holy Spirit is "poured out" on all those gathered. How do we know the Holy Spirit is given? They all speak with tongues just as the Jewish group did on Pentecost. It's important to recognize that Scripture does not specifically say that these tongues are known earthly languages. In this case, Saint Peter is the one doing the evangelism--not the tongues as on the day of Pentecost. Critics insist that tongues can't be anything else but known languages. Yet, Saint Paul taught later in his epistles that there are types of tongues other than known earthly languages.
"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. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:45-47)
Some try to teach that tongues are only used to evangelize the unbelieving Jews on the day of Pentecost. Yet, we clearly see that the Gentiles are also included in its use.
Important Note: In the case of the Gentiles, tongues are not a method of evangelism (communication medium for the gospel)--they were the result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Peter was the evangelist who preached the gospel at Cornelius' house. Tongues did not perform any "evangelism" in this situation.
In both these cases, one purpose for tongues is an evidence that the gift of the Holy Spirit is indwelling believers. This is what shocked Peter (who is a Jew) and the Jewish believers that accompanied him to Cornelius' house. They were surprised because up until that time the gift of the Holy Spirit was exclusively a Jewish "thing". In addition to this, God always exclusively dealt with the Jews in the past. It surprised them that things had changed. Yet, this outward sign signifying "the receiving of the Holy Spirit" is not the only purpose for this gift in these two cases. In the events on both Pentecost and Cornelius' household, we see one important characteristic that remains constant. At Pentecost the Bible says:
"we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."
At Cornelius' house the Bible says:
"they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God"
In both cases, tongues is a spiritual sign (one of the "things of the Spirit" Saint Paul taught about) that accompanies the presence of the Holy Spirit. It enables us to praise, extol and glorify (magnify) God. In these two similar events, tongues are never presented as something used just "one time" for evangelistic purposes, nor is it some kind of supernatural sign that God used only once to set up the early church--and then discontinued. Speaking in tongues goes far beyond these things. It is one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit uses (from his position inside us) to glorify and praise God in a way that can't be achieved through natural methods. It is an expression of supernatural worship and praise. Jesus told us about this before his Crucifixion:
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:13-14)
Tongues is a spiritual gift the Spirit uses to offer Spirit-led worship and praise to God. It is used to bypass our natural mind and thinking processes (including our "native" language) in order to offer a "perfect" praise to God. This is one of the reasons God takes a dim view of those who attempt to discredit and destroy its effectiveness in the life of the believer. It's a sacred ministry of worship to our heavenly Father.
QUESTION: Does the Bible teach believers how to operate in this gift and if so, what are the boundaries of its operation?
This area confuses some people. If you don't understand the various reasons for speaking in tongues, then Scripture itself can and will be used out of context in an attempt to prevent its use. For example, if you believe that the only use of tongues is in the public assembly of the church...and only when an interpreter is present--you can forbid its use at all other times. If you believe that tongues are only to be used when unbelievers are present--you can forbid its use under any other condition. Maybe you're seeing a pattern here. The goal of the critic is to forbid the use of tongues or to restrict it to a very narrow range of purposes, using Scripture to justify their position. You must be knowledgeable of all the Scripture on this topic, if you're to stay away from this trap.
Between the events on the day of Pentecost and Saint Paul's teaching to the Corinthian church, there are different purposes for tongues:
- Evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4 Acts 10:45-46 Acts 19:1-6)
- A sign to unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22)
- A ministry of the Holy Spirit to express worship...to magnify and extol God (Acts 2:8-11 Acts 10:45-46)
- A public ministry gift used to communicate a message from God through an interpreter "when ye come together"--or the public gathering of the church (1 Cor. 14:26-28)
- Praying in tongues--or praying with the Spirit used in intercessory prayer (1 Cor. 14:14-17)
- Singing in tongues--or singing with the Spirit used in prayer and worship to God (1 Cor. 14:14-17)
- Blessing in tongues--or blessing with the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:14-17)
Important Note: To limit confusion, we will not discuss the two expressions of "singing with the Spirit" or "blessing with the Spirit". For now there's enough in this study to consider without going into these areas. If the reader is convinced that the gifts of the Spirit are for the church today--he or she can look deeper into these things on their own. If they're not convinced--it doesn't make any difference if we cover them. I provide this list to illustrate that various different usages for speaking in tongues exist--and not just one or two.
Paul taught two major areas for the use of tongues in the life of the Church-Age Christian. Each area has different rules that govern it. These areas are:
- The "public oral" use of tongues in the assembly of the church
- The use of tongues in our personal intercessory prayer life
Tongues In The Public Assembly Of The Church
"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. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" (1 Cor 12:28-30)
"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." (1 Cor 14:19)
"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. 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. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence IN THE CHURCH; and let him speak to himself, and to God." (1 Cor 14:26-28)
Is there any doubt that Saint Paul is speaking about the various ministry gifts and the rules governing their public exercise in the church? When discussing the use of tongues in the Church, Paul put in place some specific limitations. He established these rules to keep confusion from occurring during the public gathering of the saints. The rules are for preserving order and to protect the integrity of the gospel. As an example, Paul tells us:
"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?" (1 Cor 14:23)
In the area of public ministry to the Church speaking in tongues is limited along with the other ministry gifts as follows (taken from 1 Cor. 12:28-30):
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public ministry of tongues
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public minsitry of interpretation of tongues
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public ministry of an apostle
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public ministry of a prophet
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public ministry of a teacher
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public ministry of working miracles
- Not every believer is called by God to operate in the public ministry of healings
- For those that operate in the public ministry of tongues--they should only speak when they know the complementary gift of interpretation is present and in operation. Otherwise, they should keep silent during the gathering of the Church. They should not publicly speak out because speaking in tongues is not always understood by the hearers without an interpreter and it will cause confusion among visitors who may not understand what's going on. Paul's reason for saying this is not hard to understand.
- Paul's statements, "do all speak with tongues" and "do all interpret" must be kept within the context of the public ministry of the Church. Attempting to apply these statements outside their context leads to confusion and error. The answer is--no, all believers are not called by God to operate in the public ministry of tongues and interpretation of tongues any more than that of the apostle or prophet. Yet, we will see that this same limitation doesn't apply in all areas of practice.
I apologize for the redundancy. Attempts are made to twist phrases and parse words in order to change the meaning of Scripture that normally should stand on its own merit. It is necessary to use the same repetition that Paul used in order to keep these Scriptures from being stripped from their context. The phrase "in the Church" is there for a good reason.
Tongues In Intercessory Prayer Life
"For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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." (1 Cor. 14:14-15)
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom 8:26-27)
Notice several things about Paul's comments in these passages. There is a Biblical variation of speaking in tongues called "praying in tongues" or "praying with the Spirit" (Paul's own words). Some Christians refer to it as a "spiritual prayer language". That description does not disagree with Paul's definition. Notice that Saint Paul doesn't place this activity in the realm of public ministry. It's important because this area of prayer is one of the supernatural benefits and characteristics of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Notice in 1 Cor. 14:14-15 that Paul says "praying in the Spirit" is something that bypasses our natural understanding (i.e. your understanding is unfruitful). Praying in the Spirit is yielding in such a way that we allow Him to operate in this area of tongues (or unknown spiritual language). Paul tells us more about this unique expression of tongues:
"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." (1 Cor 14:2)
There is a powerful truth here. Saint Paul is telling us something of monumental importance. Praying in tongues allows the Holy Spirit to use you as an instrument of spiritual prayer, which goes far beyond your knowledge or intellect. As we said before, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He's God--and He's omni-present and all knowing concerning everything happening in the world--AND HE LIVES INSIDE THE ONE PRAYING. When you allow him to have control of your mouth through praying in tongues (or "praying with the spirit")--you are giving Him the opportunity to pray through you (and back to God) about things involving God's kingdom. You only have limited head knowledge--God's Holy Spirit has total and complete knowledge. You're allowing the Spirit to "speak mysteries"--using you as the willing pathway. Yet, Paul tells us that we're the ones that make the decision to allow the Holy Spirit this access. We can choose to "pray with the Spirit" (tongues) or we can pray using our understanding (which is limited). Paul tells us that we can and should use both these methods. Those who reject the spiritual gift of tongues place a severe limitation on their overall prayer life.
The other advantage of "praying with the Spirit" is that it allows Him to help our infirmities. It permits Him to "make intercession for us according to the perfect will of God" (Rom. 8:26-27). I will ask the question: Would you rather pray about your own needs using your own limited understanding, or would you want the Holy Spirit (who has all knowledge) to help you in this task? Our understanding can't always get the job done. Many times, we don't know the will of God in a situation. Many times we don't know how to pray, or for what. Yet, the Holy Spirit always knows because He's God. Praying in tongues is God's way of releasing the indwelling Holy Spirit into this role. These are powerful spiritual gifts given to every believer through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Unlike the public ministry gift, this one is available to all believers. It's sad that we're cheated out of so much by those who think they're defending the truth of God's Word. They're sincere, yet their teachings rob the church of so much.
IMPORTANT: This area of our personal prayer life represents one of the most important aspects of speaking in tongues. It is not restricted to having an interpreter present, as in the public gift, because an interpreter is not needed in this case. It's part of the "Intercessory Prayer Ministry" of the Holy Spirit and it's never to be confused with the "oral" public ministry gift.
Clearing Up The Confusion Over Speaking In Tongues (Pt. 2)
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