SCRIPTURAL TEACHING ON "Glossalaleia" OR "SPEAKING IN TONGUES"
A CONVINCING CONCLUSION OF THE ISSUE
Prof. Satheesh Kumar
Academic Dean AECS
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
1.
Introduction
2.
Origin of Different Languages
3.
Etymology and Meaning of Tongues
4.
Definition of Speaking in Tongues
5.
Origin of the Modern Phenomena of
Speaking in Tongues
6.
Modern Tongues-Speaking is not the Partial Fulfillment of
Joel Prophecy
Joel Prophecy
7.
Third-Wave Movement
8.
Distinction Between Tongue and
Tongues
9.
Meaning of Tongues in 1 Corinthians
10. Contemporary
Views on Speaking in Tongues
10.1. Ecstatic Utterance View
10.2. Angelic Language
10.3. Heavenly Language
10.4. Socio-Linguistic Occurrence
10.5. Human Language
11. Eleven
Topmost Mistakes & Misunderstandings of Speaking in Tongues
12. City
of Corinth Known for Culture, Commerce, and Carnality
13. Mystery
Religions in Corinth
13.1. Symbale Attis
13.2. Dionysian
13.3. Apollo/Delphi
14. Are
they Speaking Mysteries in Spirit?
15. Are
they Speaking Mysteries to God?
16. The
Church at Corinth and Problems
16.1. Theme and Divisions of 1 Corinthians
16.2. Seven Corruptions in the Church
16.3. Six Questions of Difficulties of
Corinthian Believers
17. Spiritual
Gifts: Definition
18. Descriptions
of Spiritual Gifts
19. Two
Classifications for Spiritual Gifts
19.1. Temporary - Gifts (Sign Gifts) or Foundational Gifts
19.2. Permanent Gifts (Stationary Gifts)
or Formational Gifts
20. Ten
Confusions of Believers at Corinthian Church Regarding Speaking
in Tongues
in Tongues
21. Twenty
Rules and Regulations for Speaking in Tongues
22. Nine
Purposes of Speaking in Tongues
23. What
is the Meaning of “Perfect?” (Teleion )
24. Are Tongues Ceased?
Introduction
Speaking
in tongues is the most controversial gift among all other gifts of the Holy
Spirit in our day. This is in fact a minor gift that became a major issue in
the Churches today! The reason for this statement is, "the prophecy is greater gift than speaking in tongues" (1
Cor. 14:5). Speaking in tongues is one of the seven sign gifts given by the
Holy Spirit to the New Testament Church in the first century. MacArthur says
that, “speaking in tongues and interpretation of the tongues are temporary sign
gifts that are not active in the Church today” (MacArthur, New Testament
Commentary, 1 Corinthians, p. 306). However, speaking in tongue was overemphasized and seriously abused in Corinthian
Church. Paul had rebuked the Corinthians for their misunderstanding and misuse
of the tongues. Paul teaches three basic truths about the gift of tongues:
first, its position is secondary to prophecy (14:1-19); secondly, its purpose
was a sign to unbelievers (14:20-25); thirdly, its proper use was systematic
and orderly (14:26-40).
Origin of Different Languages
The
whole earth was of one language (Gen. 11:1). Humanity’s first attempt to
establish a world of one state in opposition to the divine law (Gen. 1:28), God
struck at the very thing which binds humans together was a common language
(Gen. 11:7-9). God confused the language of humans when they oppose the divine
plan of filling the earth with human beings (Gen. 1:28) at the tower of Babel
in Shinar (Gen. 11:2-4). Thus the people were divided into different states and
nations on the basis of language. The emergence of states in every nation is
divided on the basis of languages.
The
God one who scattered the people by various languages at the tower of Babel
(Gen. 11:7, 8, 9) also gave supernatural ability to the apostles (Church of New
Testament) to speak in different languages on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:7,
8, 11).
Etymology and Meaning of Tongues
The Hebrew
word for tongue is “lason” and the
Greek is “glossa” which means “tongue” and “lalia” means “to speak”.
Therefore, ‘Glossolalia,’ means “the
act of speaking in a human language either unknown to the speaker or
incomprehensible”. All the gift of the Holy Spirit has two things in common:
the unity in source (1 Cor. 12:4-6,
11); and the unity in purpose (1 Cor.
14:12).
Speaking
in tongue is not exclusive to Christianity. The phenomenon of speaking in
tongues was not unique to Christianity even in biblical time. Like speaking in
tongue or other ecstatic experiences can be seen in the heathen cults.
Definition of Speaking in Tongue
“It
is a super natural ability given by the Holy Spirit to speak in previously
unlearned human language”. (God, neither in angelic nor in heavenly language
could communicate with human being elsewhere in the Scriptures – therefore
there is no reason for claiming that it is angelic or heavenly language).
“Speaking in tongue is the God-given ability to speak in a language of earth
that is unknown to the speaker”.[1]
Interpretation of the tongue is the ability to interpret that message in a
language understood by the hearers.
Origin of the Modern Phenomena of Speaking in Tongues
The
history of modern phenomena of speaking in tongues had its beginning in 1901 from
the School of Bethel Bible School, in the city of Topikka in Kansas the state
of America. This school was established by Charles F. Parham. There was an
unmarried woman named Agnes Osman
who first spoke in unknown tongue.[2]
This specific event has marked the beginning of modern phenomena of speaking in
tongues in Charismatics, Pentecostalism, and neo-pentecostalistic groups as
well as in Third Wave movement.
For
over 1800 years the gift of tongues, along with the other miracle gift was
unknown in the life and doctrine of orthodox Christianity (MacArthur, 1 Corinthians,
1984:361). Around twentieth century, tongues became a major emphasis within the
holiness movement, a large section of which developed into modern
Pentecostalism. The charismatic as a movement began in 1960, carried the
practice of tongues beyond traditional Pentecostalism into many other
denominations with false experience.
Modern Tongues-Speaking is not the Partial Fulfillment of
Joel Prophecy
Many
charismatics claim that the modern tongues-speaking is the part of the
later-day signs spoken of by Joel (Joel 2:28-32) and quoted by Peter in his
Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:17-21). But it is very clear from a careful
examination that those prophecies do not apply either to Pentecost or to modern
times but it refers to the “Day of the Lord”, an event that will take place at
the Second Coming of Christ (Isa. 13:9-10; 24:21-23; Ezek. 32:7-10; Matt.
24:29-30; Heb. 6:5).
The
speaking in tongue on the Day of Pentecost before Peter began his sermon was a
glimpse or overview of what is going to happen during tribulation (Day of the
Lord) and will conclude in the Millennial Kingdom. Therefore, Acts chapter 2
cannot be regarded as a partial fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy but rather it
was a shadow or pledge of far reaching fulfillment in the future Millennial Kingdom.
Third-Wave movement
Traditional
Pentecost and charismatic movement joined together with ecumenical churches is
known as Third-wave movement. They say that if you don’t speak in tongue you
won’t go to heaven. Speaking in tongues for them is an evidence of filling and
anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Distinction
between Tongue and Tongues
We must
notice that the distinction between tongue and tongues used by Paul in 1
Corinthians 14. In verse 2 and 4 Paul uses tongue as ‘singular’ (cf. vv. 13,
14, 19, 27), whereas in verse 5 Paul uses the plural ‘tongues’ (cf. vv. 6, 18,
22, 23, 39). The singular form is used to indicate the counterfeited (false)
gift of tongue and the plural to indicate the true gift of tongues. This
distinction is made by the illustration from the musical instruments even
though those are lifeless but meaningful (vv. 7-11). The King James Version
translators recognized the distinction and supplied ‘unknown’ before the singular (14:2, 4, 13, 14, 19, 27). The
singular is used for the false gift of tongue. There are kinds of languages in
the true gift of tongues (12:10, 30; 14:5, 6, 18, 21, 22, 23, 39). Therefore,
there is a difference between tongue and tongues. The Corinthians exercised
false gift of tongue that was unknown
to the speaker and the listener (14:2, 6, 19). The unknown tongue that was regulated in Corinthian Church was
meaningless and useless (14:6-11). Moreover, there is no mentioning the term
‘tongue’ (singular) in the book of Acts whereas the plural form “tongues” are
used elsewhere in ACTS. This is remarkable to show that they all spoke in the
real/true “gift of tongues”. But in Corinthian Church they misunderstood with
the false “tongue” and the true gift of “tongues”. However, there are scholars who believe that the true gift of “tongues”
is ceased but “tongue” as ecstatic utterance of mystery religions still exist
in many of the Christian Churches. God can use believers and speak to the
people today through other tongues. It depends.
Meaning
of Tongues in 1 Corinthian
The Greek
terms for “tongue or tongues” is lalein glossais (lalein glossais) which means to speak in tongue or
tongues (MacArthur, 1984:370). Paul uses so frequently in chapter 14 of 1
Corinthians was commonly used in his day to describe pagan ecstatic speech. The
Corinthian believers were in no spiritual condition to properly use true
spiritual gifts or properly manifest true spiritual fruit. The believers were
in no doubt controlled by this ecstatic utterance of pagan practice. Paul says
all the gifts has a unity in source (12:4-13) – the Holy Spirit – and unity in
purpose (14:12) – edification of the Church – (Eph. 4:12). However, more likely the source of
speaking in tongues in Corinthian Church was pagan mystery religions in Corinth. There were some who spoke in true gift of tongues. The mystery religions in Corinth will be discussed briefly in the following sections.
Contemporary
Views on Speaking in Tongue
1. Ecstatic Utterance View: “something which leads to high
emotional stage”. It was a pagan practice in Paul’ time. The ecstatic speaking
that often accompanied such experiences was thought to be the language of the
gods and goddesses.
2. Angelic
Language: “a language by which angels used to communicate with human
being” (1 Cor. 13:1; Luke 1:28; Gen. 19:1-2; Isa. 6:3). It is not evident from
the Scriptures that angels communicate with human being in angelic language.
They at least used a language which is understandable to human being for e.g.
Hebrew (Gen. 19); and Greek (Luke 1:26 – 27). Even during their heavenly
ministry they spoke languages that are understandable to men (Isa. 6:3;
Revelation chaps. 4 – 5).
3. Heavenly
Language: “a language which is unspeakable and unknown to human
being”. In 2 Corinthians 12:1 – 4 Paul says that he knew a man (most
commentators say Paul was denoting himself as taken to third heaven) who was
taken to paradise (heaven) and heard unspeakable words, which is not lawful for
a man to utter. He could hear heavenly language but was not permitted to speak
(2 Cor. 12:1-4).
4. Socio-Linguistic
Occurrence: “speaking in tongue a combination of many languages at a
time”.
5. Human
Language: “an existing human known language to the listener and
unknown language to the speaker”.
Eleven Topmost Mistakes & Misunderstandings about speaking in tongue OR
(Unscriptural & Unbiblical concept of speaking in tongue). The following
references are given to avoid misunderstanding about speaking in tongues.
1.
It is an outward sign of the
presence of the Holy Spirit – No
(Acts 6:3, 5; 11:24 )
2.
It is an evidence of the filling of
the Holy Spirit – No (Acts 4:8; 4: 31;
7:55; 13:9, 10; 13:52). In none of these instances they spoke in tongues.
3.
It is the sign of baptism of the
Holy Spirit – No (1 Cor. 12:13)
4.
It is an evidence of anointing of
the Holy Spirit – No (Acts 10:38)
5. It is an evidence of indwelling of
the Holy Spirit – No (2 Cor. 1:22;
Rom. 8:9). All believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9; 2 Cor. 1:22)
6.
It is an evidence of a person got
saved – No (Acts 8:37, 38; 16:31)
7.
It is the guarantee for a person
going to heaven – No (Acts 16:31;
Rom. 8:1)
8.
If you don’t speak in tongue you
will not go to heaven – No (Jn.
1:12; 3:3, 5)
9. If you don’t speak in tongue you
have no Holy Spirit – No (Rom. 8: 14-16;
1 Cor. 12:3).
10. It is not for the edification of the
church – No (1 Cor. 14:4, 19)
11. It was for personal edification – No (1 Cor. 14:4; 1 Cor. 14:23)
City of Corinth Known for Culture, Commerce and Carnality
The
city of Corinth had been founded as a Roman colony by Julius Caesar in BC 46.
It was the capital of Roman Province. The city was known for three things:
Culture, Commerce and Carnality. It had a mixed population. The temple of
Apollo was located here. Much of the wealth in Corinth was centered on the
temple of Aphrodite and its thousands of temple prostitutes. The people of
Corinth were notorious for sexual immorality. When Plato referred to a
prostitute he used the expression of “Corinthian Girl”. Roman gods were
worshiped and other cults introduced in Corinth from all parts of Mediterranean
world. It was a trade center for the people from Rome, Macedonia, Syria, Egypt,
Greece, Mesopotamia, Achaia, etc.
Mystery Religion in Corinth
For a
better understanding of speaking in tongue at Corinthian Church we must look
into the mysteries of the mystery religions in Corinth. Those believers in
Corinth were carnal Christians (1 Cor. 3:1-2). However, they were much more
interested in the sophisticated than the simple and in the mysterious rather
than the edifying the Church. They did not care that no one understands, or
literally no one hears (MacArthur, 1
Corinthians, 1984:372). The followings are the mysterious factors that
could help the Corinthian Church to speaking in unknown tongues.
Symbale Attis:
This
goddess was accepted and worshiped by the Corinthians in B.C 200. The believers
of Symbale Attis were used sounding bronze, tinkling cymbals, trumps, and harp etc.
(Comp. 1 Cor. 13:1; 14:7). The use of these leads them to high emotional
“ecstasy”. At this time they would start speaking unformed words like tinkling
cymbal. Thus these people could believe that they were speaking to god and as a
part of worship.
The
practice of ecstatic utterances was very much common in many of the pagan
Greco-Roman religions of Paul’s day, including those active in Corinth
(MacArthur, 1 Corinthians, p. 370).
These pagan practices of ecstatic utterance outside of the Church came inside
of Corinthian Church and that influenced them to speaking in unknown tongues.
Dionysian:
He was a
god of vine or alcohol. Respectively he is called to be a drunken god. This
particular idol was made out of Pine Tree. Most of the followers of this god
were women and they drunk vine when worshiping this god. At this time they used
to get visions, voice, and words from this so-called god (1 Cor. 14:10, 11).
Devotees
of this god would drink and dance themselves into frenzies until they went into
semi-consciousness or even unconsciousness which means an experience they
considered to be the highest form of worship with the divine. They believed
that in such drunkenness their spirits left their bodies and communed directly
with the god or gods. This kinds of practice was condemned by Paul in Ephesians
5:18.
Apollo/Delphi:
This
particular god was worshiped in place called Delphi. The prophecies of Delphi
in Corinth made ecstatic utterances like the glossolalia found in Corinthian
Church[3].
When the spirit of this unknown god comes upon a believer he could speak
unknown tongue and it was interpreted.
Most of
the believers at Corinthian Church were helped by these mystery religions
listed above. In the Church at Corinth much of the tongues-speaking had taken
on the form of those pagan ecstasies. Today’s speaking in tongue in most of the
Churches is identical with that of Corinthian Church; not identical with the
book of Acts chapter 2 (Acts 2: 6, 8, 11). The tongues are unintelligible and
the effects of tongues are emotional rather than rational.
Are they Speaking Mysteries in Spirit (14:2)?
Most
people misunderstood the spirit in 14:2 is Holy Spirit but it is not true. The spirit in verse 2 is not referring to
the Holy Spirit but rather it is referring to the person’s own spirit. It is
very clear from the Greek (locative case) and thus indicated in the NASB by
“his” (1 Cor. 14:2, 14-16). The mysteries Paul has in mind here are of the type
of belief system that associated with the pagan mystery religions (few of them
are discussed above), out of which many of the Corinthian Christians had come. Their
concern was for the excitement and self-gratification of speaking mysteries in
the spirit (1 Cor. 14:2). They did not care that the mysteries had no meaning
to themselves or to anyone else (14:4).
Are they Speaking Mysteries to God (14:2)?
The Greek
word for God in 14:2 has no definite article (it is an anarthrous construction
usually should translate with an indefinite article), therefore, a better
translation is “For he that speaks in an unknown
tongue speaks not unto men, but unto “a
god” (an allusion to pagan god: e.g. Acts 17:23). The Bible nowhere
supports the believers speaking to God in unknown
tongue but rather a normal intelligible language. For example, when Jesus
prayed to the Father He used a normal and clear language (Jn. 17:1-26). Jesus
even rebuked “meaningless repetition in prayer to God” (Matt. 6:7).
In fact
our God does not need counseling from man. Nothing is mysterious in the sight of God
everything is visible and plain to God. We need not to reveal any mysteries to
God (1 Cor. 14:2) but rather God wants to reveal mysteries to us. Therefore, as
already have mentioned the mysteries here what Paul meant is pagan mystery
religions that helped Corinthians to speak ecstatic utterance to heathen gods
and goddess.
The Church at Corinth and Problems
The
Church at Corinth was founded by Apostle Paul in his second missionary journey
(Acts 16:11-18:1). Paul ministered in Corinth for one and a half years (Acts
18:11). The second leader of the Corinthian Church was Apollos (Acts
18:24-19:1). Paul in fact wrote three letters to Corinthians of which is
commonly referred to as the lost epistle (1 Cor. 5:9). This epistle also was
corrective in nature.
The
Corinthian Church had many serious problems than any other Church in the New
Testament period. The Church was divided under four groups. Paul strongly
rebuked all of these groups for quarrelling in the Church (1 Cor. 1:10-13;
3:1-9). The main problem in the Church was immorality (1 Cor. 3:1; 5:1-11; 5:9,
13; 6:9, 10). Yet they lacked no spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 1:5-7) and was zealous
of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:12).
Theme and Divisions of 1 Corinthians
Theme: What is true spirituality?
Divisions:
Divisions in the Church 1–4; Disorder in the Church 5–6; Difficulties in the
Church 7–16. True spirituality does not come when there is division in the
Church, disorder in the Church and difficulties in the Church.
Seven Corruptions in the Church Ch.
1 – 7
Following human leaders 1:10 – 17
Favoring earthly wisdom 1:18 – 2:13
Floundering in the flesh 3:14 – 3:7
Forgetting future judgment 3:8 – 23
Flattering themselves 4:1 – 21
Failing to discipline in the Church 5:1 – 13
Fragmenting the body of Christ 6:1 – 20
Following human leaders 1:10 – 17
Favoring earthly wisdom 1:18 – 2:13
Floundering in the flesh 3:14 – 3:7
Forgetting future judgment 3:8 – 23
Flattering themselves 4:1 – 21
Failing to discipline in the Church 5:1 – 13
Fragmenting the body of Christ 6:1 – 20
Six questions of difficulties of
Corinthian Believers
What about marriage? 7
What about Christian liberty? 8 – 10
What about Church conduct? 11
What about Spiritual gifts? 12 – 14
What about resurrection? 15
What about collection? 16
What about marriage? 7
What about Christian liberty? 8 – 10
What about Church conduct? 11
What about Spiritual gifts? 12 – 14
What about resurrection? 15
What about collection? 16
These are
the seven corruptions (Wilmington's Guide to the Bible) and six confusions (difficulties) in the Church at
Corinth yet they were rich in spiritual gifts and waiting for the coming of
Christ thus boasted themselves of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 1:5, 6, 7; 14:12) but
confused (12:1, 33) with the regulations of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1 – 14:1
– 39). Paul does not want them to be ignorant of the rules and regulations of
spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1). Paul says speaking five words with understanding
is greater than speaking ten thousand words in unknown tongue (1 Cor. 14:19).
Spiritual Gifts: Definition
The Greek
word for spiritual gifts is Carisma (charisma) it is also used for word grace, which means
something that is due to the grace of God[4].
In other word Carisma means “grace gift”. It emphasizes that a spiritual gift is
a gift of God’s grace. Therefore, the spiritual gift is a “God-given ability
for the service in the body of Christ”. A spiritual gift is “a divine endowment
of a special ability for service upon a member of the body of Christ”.[5]
Furthermore, “the spiritual gifts is a supernatural ability given by the Holy
Spirit for the edification of the body of Christ”.
No believer is without at least one spiritual gift. Peter
made it clear that all have at least one spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10). No
believer has all the gifts (1 Cor. 12:12 – 27). If any believer possessed all
the gifts then he or she would have no need for other believers. He would be
the hand and foot and eye and ear – the whole body – which is impossible.
Believers need other believers simply because no believer possesses all the
gifts.
Descriptions of Spiritual Gifts
Two
classifications for spiritual gifts
A. Temporary
Gifts – (Sign Gifts) or Foundational Gifts (these
are the temporary gifts limited to apostles and first century Christians)
Apostleship (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11)
Apostleship (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11)
a.
Qualifications for apostleship
i. He must be called by Jesus (Luke
6:13; 9:1)
ii. He must receive power and authority
from Jesus (Matt. 10:1)
iii. He must see the resurrected Lord
(Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 9:1)
iv.
He must perform wonders and miracles
(2 Cor. 12:12; Act. 14:3; Heb. 2:4)
An
apostleship is both a gift and an office (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11; Rom. 11:13).
An apostle must be called by Christ and endowed with special authority to
function as the official character member of the Church (1 Cor. 15:8-9). The
word apostle is used in a technical sense as well as a general sense. In a
technical sense it was limited to the Twelve who had the office of apostle as
well as the gift. In that sense it
was foundational gift limited to the formation of the Church (Eph. 2:20). When
the foundation of the Church is laid, the need for the gift is ceased.
Prophecy (1 Cor.
12:10; 14:1, 3-6; Rom. 12:6; Eph. 4:11)
It is a supernatural ability to
receive and transmit a revelation from God, especially that which concerns
itself with future events (Matt. 13:14; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Rev. 1:3; Acts 11:27,
28; 21:10, 11). Prior to the completion
of the canon the gift of prophecy was important for the edification of the
Church (1 Cor. 13:2). The prophet received direct revelation from God and
taught the people for their edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Cor.
14:3).
Miracles (1 Cor. 12:28)
It is a supernatural ability to
perform those events outside and beyond the realm of nature. There are three
periods where we can see a great outpouring or miracles had happen: (1) during
the time of Moses and Joshua; (2) during the time of Elijah and Elisha; and (3)
during the time of Jesus and his disciples.
The sign gifts were ceased during
the latter part of the first century at the completion of the canon of the
Scripture.
The
removal of sign gifts does not mean that God cannot and will not supernaturally
heal a believer today. God’s present day plan for healing is found in the book
of James 5:14-16.
Paul had possessed the gift of
healing (Acts 14:10; 16:18; 19:12; 20:10; 28:8, 9). But for some reason he did
not employ it during the final months of his ministry (Phil. 2:26, 27; 1 Tim.
5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20).
Healings (1 Cor. 12:9, 28, 30)
It is a supernatural ability to cure
human ills, whether of physical, mental, or demonic origins. Paul had this gift
but some instance he did not use it (Phil. 2:27; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20). The
removal of sign gifts does not mean that God cannot supernaturally heal a
person today.
Knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8; 13:8)
Most likely it is connected with the
gift of prophecy and may involve the ability to receive and record parts of
God’s words.
Tongues (1 Cor. 12:28)
It is a supernatural ability to
speak in previously unlearned human languages. Biblical tongues were human
languages (Acts 2:6, 8, 11). As we have already noticed tongue is the God-given
ability to speak in a language of earth that is unknown to the speaker and well
known to the listener.
Interpretation of Tongues (1 Cor. 12:10)
It is a supernatural ability to
clarify and translate those messages spoken in tongues. Uninterpreted tongues
especially in a private prayer is unfruitful or fruitless (1 Cor. 14:14).
B. Permanent Gifts ( Stationary Gifts)
or Formational Gifts
Wisdom (1 Cor.
12:8)
It is a supernatural ability to
apply rightfully both human and divine knowledge. Wisdom, in other words an
ability to apply knowledge into practical life.
Spirit Discernment (1 Cor. 12:10; 1 Jn. 4:1)
Supernatural
ability to distinguish between true and false sources of revelation when it was
being given in oral form before the completion of the Scripture. The ability to
distinguish between demonic, human, and divine works. Peter and Paul had this
gift (Acts 8:23; Acts 13:10; 16:16-18).
Giving (2 Cor.
8:1-5; Rom. 12:8; Acts 4:32-37; Phil. 4:10-18; Luke 21:1-4)
An
ability to be very generous with what means one has. It is exercised with
simplicity and with no thought of return or self – gain.
Exhortation
(Rom. 12:8; Pro. 25:11)
An
ability to give challenging words to encourage, comfort, and admonish people.
E.g. Barnabas (Acts 11:22, 24); Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32).
Serving or ministering (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7;
Eph. 4:12)
An
ability to serve or help or render practical help both in physical and
spiritual matters.
Showing mercy (Rom. 12:8)
An
ability to minister to the sick and afflicted ones.
Administration
or ruling (Rom. 12:28; 1 Cor. 12:28)
Ability
to organize or administer and promote either people or projects.
Faith (1 Cor.
12:9)
Ability
to believe God for the supply of specific needs. Every believer should walk in faith, and each has a measure of faith, but not all have the gift of faith.
Teaching (1 Cor.
12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11)
Ability
to explain, communicates, and clarifies God’s truth to the people.
Evangelism (Eph. 4:11 Ability to point sinners to Christ and burden for soul winning. All believers are responsible to witness Christ whether they have this special gift or not.
Evangelism (Eph. 4:11 Ability to point sinners to Christ and burden for soul winning. All believers are responsible to witness Christ whether they have this special gift or not.
Pastor (Eph. 4:11)
Ability to lead and feed the flock
of God (1 Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 20:28); preach and teach the word of God. Pastor is
both an office and gift. This is the only “double-portion” gift of the eighteen
gifts listed in the Scripture. All teachers are not called to be pastors but
all pastors are to be teachers.
Ten
Confusions of Believers at Corinthian Church Regarding Speaking in Tongues
They misunderstood the use (regulations) of spiritual gift (1 Cor. 14:12, 32, 33)
They thought speaking in tongue is speaking to God (1 Cor. 14:2)
They think that it is the language of the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:2)
The Speaker and listener could not understand what is being spoken (1 Cor. 14:2, 7, 8, 9)
They did not speak in any contemporary language (1 Cor. 14:9, 10)
They spoke tongue when there was no interpreter (1 Cor. 14:27, 28)
They all spoke together when one by one should speak (1 Cor. 14:23)
Their spirit did not humble themselves (1 Cor. 14:32, 33)
Their spirit was troubling spirit (1 Cor. 14:33)
The majority of speakers were women (1 Cor. 14:34-36)
Twenty
Rules and Regulations for Speaking in Tongues
All cannot speak in tongues (1 Cor.
12:30)
Two or three must speak (1 Cor.
14:27)
Each must speak in turn (1 Cor.
14:27)
Not more than three should speak (1
Cor. 14:27)
There must be an interpreter (1 Cor.
14:27)
No one was to speak in tongue unless
the message could be interpreted (1 Cor. 14:27)
Women must be kept silent (1 Cor.
14: 27 – 34)
If there is no interpreter the
speaker also must keep silent (1 Cor. 14:28)
Speaker and interpreter must be
different persons (1 Cor. 14:28)
If there are lack of interpreters
the speaker must pray for the power of interpretation
( 1 Cor. 14:13)
Speaker must be controlled by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 14:33)
Gift of speak in tongue is given according to the will of Holy Spirit not according to the will of pastor (Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 12:11)
Uninterpreted tongue in public prayer is to be avoided because he or she does not know
what is being asked for (1 Cor. 14:14)
Speaking in tongue help no Christian in the Church (1 Cor. 14:4)
Speaking in a known tongue helps all Christian in the Church (1 Cor. 14:19)
( 1 Cor. 14:13)
Speaker must be controlled by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 14:33)
Gift of speak in tongue is given according to the will of Holy Spirit not according to the will of pastor (Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 12:11)
Uninterpreted tongue in public prayer is to be avoided because he or she does not know
what is being asked for (1 Cor. 14:14)
Speaking in tongue help no Christian in the Church (1 Cor. 14:4)
Speaking in a known tongue helps all Christian in the Church (1 Cor. 14:19)
Speaking in tongue is a lesser gift (1 Cor. 14:5)
Tongue is useless unless heard and distinctively understood (1 Cor. 14:7, 8)
Unanimous speaking in tongue was prohibited (1 Cor. 14:23)
All believers must be baptized, filled, anointed, and controlled by the Holy Spirit but not al
believers will experience speaking in tongue (1 Cor. 12:13, 30)
God’s primary method for saving the people is preaching the Word of God, not speaking in
tongue (Acts 2:14 - 41; 1 Cor. 14:23, 24)
Tongue is useless unless heard and distinctively understood (1 Cor. 14:7, 8)
Unanimous speaking in tongue was prohibited (1 Cor. 14:23)
All believers must be baptized, filled, anointed, and controlled by the Holy Spirit but not al
believers will experience speaking in tongue (1 Cor. 12:13, 30)
God’s primary method for saving the people is preaching the Word of God, not speaking in
tongue (Acts 2:14 - 41; 1 Cor. 14:23, 24)
All the
believers in Corinth were baptized (1 Cor. 12:13) but not all spoke in tongues
(1 Cor. 12:30). Paul warns them that what he had been spoken (e.g. these rules
and regulations) so far is the commandment from the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37). Paul
wants everything to be done in decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40).
Nine
Purposes of Speaking in Tongue
To communicate the truth from (message of) God (1 Cor. 14:5, 23, 25)
To authenticate the truth of
Christian message (1 Cor. 14:5, 21 – 22)
To the edification of the Church (1 Cor. 14:12; Eph. 4:12)
To the edification of the Church (1 Cor. 14:12; Eph. 4:12)
To validate or authenticate or
confirm the authority of Apostles (Rom. 15:19; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4; Jn. 3:2;
20:30, 31; Matt. 10:5, 8)
Apostles:
Two Categories of Apostles
1.
Apostles who are send by Christ
(Matt. 4:18, 21; 9:9; Mark 1:16; 16:19; Luke 6:13; Jn. 20:23; Acts 9:15, 27; 1
Cor. 9:1; 2 Tim. 1:11)
2.
Apostles who are send by the Church
(Acts 14:14)
No
apostle is given special authority and power
All apostles names are written in heaven (Rev. 21:14)
All apostles are equally given power to rule in the Kingdom
(Luke 22:29, 30)
All apostles are equally given power of binding and loosing
(Matt. 18:18)
All apostles are given power to proclaim the message of
forgiveness of sin
(John 20:23)
(John 20:23)
Peter did not have special authority than other apostles
(Matt. 16:18, 19)
Peter just opened the door of Christian opportunity to
Israel on the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2:38-42)
Pentecost (Acts 2:38-42)
Peter was an apostle of Jesus like other apostles (1 Peter
1:1)
Peter was an elder at Jerusalem Church (1 Peter 5:1)
Peter was not the leader of Jerusalem Counsel (Acts 15:19)
Church is not built upon Peter (Matt. 16:18, 19)
Peter from Greek, petros,
which means “a stone” (masculine gender).
“Upon this rock” which is referring to Christ himself, petra (feminine
gender). Christ is the only corner stone or foundation stone not the apostles
(Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:10, 11). Peter is just a stone like other apostles. We are
living stones (1 Pet. 2:5). The keys in Matt. 16:19 simply means authority
(Rev. 3:7; Isa. 22:22)
“Upon this rock” which is referring to Christ himself, petra (feminine
gender). Christ is the only corner stone or foundation stone not the apostles
(Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:10, 11). Peter is just a stone like other apostles. We are
living stones (1 Pet. 2:5). The keys in Matt. 16:19 simply means authority
(Rev. 3:7; Isa. 22:22)
To be a sign for unbelievers or unbelieving
Jews (1 Cor. 14:22)
To demonstrate God’s judgment (1
Cor. 14:20, 21; Gen. 11:1, 7)
To confirm Gentiles are also the members of the body of Christ (Acts 10:45-46)
To serve as a sign for those who seek sign (e.g. Jews 1 Cor. 1:22; 1 Cor. 14:22)
To impart new truth prior to the completion of the Scripture (1 Cor. 13:8, 9)
To confirm Gentiles are also the members of the body of Christ (Acts 10:45-46)
To serve as a sign for those who seek sign (e.g. Jews 1 Cor. 1:22; 1 Cor. 14:22)
To impart new truth prior to the completion of the Scripture (1 Cor. 13:8, 9)
When Paul wrote 1 Corinthian (AD. 56) there were but only four
New Testament books in existence those are: James (AD. 45), Galatians (AD. 49),
and 1 & 2 Thessalonians (AD. 51). There was no written record available
concerning such important issue. See the doctrinal issues of the following letters
of Apostle Paul:
Ephesian: Doctrine
of Church
Colossians: Pre-eminence of Christ
Romans: Justification, sanctification and glorification
Jude: Doctrine of apostasy
Philemon: Christian forgiveness
Hebrews: Priesthood of Christ
Gospels: Life of Christ
1&2 Peter: Christian Service
1, 2&3 John: Christian love
1&2
Timothy and Titus: Qualifications to be a pastor
None of
these epistles are dealing with the issue of speaking in tongue. If speaking in
tongues, prophecy, knowledge, interpretation of tongues are mandatory for all
New Testament believers Paul could have deal with all these spiritual gifts in
his other epistles. But he could not do this just because these gifts will be
ceased from its regulation (1 Cor. 13:8, 9, 10). Furthermore, Apostleship,
prophecy, healing, miracles, knowledge, tongues, and interpretation of tongues
are sign gifts which were limited to apostles and first century Christians and
was given to validate the authority of Apostles and early Christians (Matt. 10:5,
8; Mark 16:20; Jn. 3:2; 20:30, 31; Rom. 15:19; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4).
Meaning of “Perfect”
1
Cor. 13:10
What
is the meaning of “Perfect” (Teleion) in 13:10?
Views on ‘Perfect’:
Second Coming of Christ
Rapture of Church
Maturity of Church
Perfect Love
Jesus Christ
Eternal State of Believers
Completion of Scripture
The Greek word for “perfect” is Teleion (this word is
prefixed with an article that is neuter gender in Greek (TO), therefore it cannot refers to a person it should be a ‘thing’
or ‘object’) of which means “make complete”, “make perfect”, “to become
completely one (Jn.17:23)”, “finish”, “accomplish”, “end (Luke 13:32)”,
“Completion”, “Perfection”, and “Conclusion” (Geoffery W. Bromiley, p. 1161).
Prophecy,
knowledge, tongues, and interpretation are all the means of partial knowledge
(1 Cor. 13:8-10). They know the word of God partially through prophecy,
knowledge, tongues, visions, and interpretation. All these gifts were used in
order to the completion of the Scriptures (1 Pet. 1:21).
The
primary purpose of speaking in tongue is to communicate the message of God
whereby the Church could be edified (1 Cor. 14:5, 12) not for personal
enhancement and enrichment (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:12). If a language does not
communicate or convey its message there is no use of that language, each
language has its own meaning that it convey the sense of meaning to human being
(1 Cor. 14: 5 – 11). Paul feels that uncontrolled and uninterpreted speaking in
tongues do not edify the community and that it gives outsiders the impression
that believers are mad (1 Cor. 14: 23).
Negatively: Reasons Why Speaking in Tongues is Ceased?
In this
section it is discussed about what are the reasons or why the tongues are
ceased? Paul clearly states the impermanence of three spiritual gifts:
Prophecy, Tongues, and Knowledge (1 Cor.13:8). First we will see the meaning of
“cease”. Paul uses three different verbs to indicate these gifts are ceased.
Prophecy and knowledge will be done away,
whereas tongues will cease.
The Greek
word for “done away” is “katargeo” (katargeo) which means “to reduce to inactivity” or “to
abolish”. The gift of prophecy and knowledge will be ‘inoperative’. The verb ‘katargeo’ is used to both prophecy
and knowledge, are passive (inactive) voice, that is something or someone will
cause them to stop.
The Greek
word for “cease” is “pauo” (pauo), which means “to stop, to come to an end”. This
verb ‘pauo’ in the Greek is middle voice, which indicating self-causing action.
Therefore, the gift of tongues is stopped by itself.
First Reason:
In the
first place, tongues was a sign gift just like the gift of healing and miracles
is ceased or stopped when the New Testament was completed. MacArthur says, these
sign gifts are ceased with the apostolic age (MacArthur, Corinthians, 1984:359). God has never ceased to perform miracles,
and He continues today to heal miraculously and to work in other supernatural
ways according to His sovereign will. But the Bible records only three periods
of history in which human beings were given the gift of performing miracles:
first, during the time of Moses and Joshua; second, during the time of Elijah
and Elisha; third, during the time of Jesus and Apostles (Heb. 1:1-2). Each
period lasted for about 70 years and then ended. The only other age of miracles
will be in the millennial kingdom (Joel 2:28-32; Heb. 6:5). The New Testament
miracle age was for the purpose of confirming the Word or the message of Jesus
and apostles (Heb. 2:3-4). The gift of miracles were uniquely tied to apostles
(2 Cor. 12:12). This does not mean God cannot do the miracles or healing today.
Second Reason:
Speaking
in tongue was a symbol of God’s judgment to the Hebrews (1 Cor. 14:21; Isa.
28:11-12). Jews refused to listen and believe when God spoke to them in clear
language, the prophet said that the day would come when He would speak to them
in a language they could not understand, as a testimony against their rejection
of Christ. Speaking in tongue was a sign for unbelieving Jews (1Cor. 14:22).
After the dispersion of Israel by the Roman general Titus in AD 70, the need
for tongues as a judicial sign to Israel had no further value. There is no need
today for a sign that God is moving from Israel to Gentiles. Therefore, there
is no need for a gift of speaking in tongue as a sign to Israel today. Because
God already judged them some 15 years after Paul wrote this epistle.
Third Reason:
The
tongues are ceased because they were an inferior means of edification. The
edification of the Church by the tongues was limited (1 Cor. 14:5, 12-13,
27-28). The primary purpose of 1 Corinthians 14 is to show that tongues were an
inferior means of communication (14:1-12), an inferior means of praise
(14:13-19), and an inferior means of Evangelism (14:20-25). Paul says five
words spoken intelligently and intelligibly in ordinary language are more
valuable than speaking ten thousand words in a tongue (14:19).
Fourth Reason:
The gift
of speaking in tongues has ceased because its purpose as a confirming sign of
apostolic authority and doctrine ended when the New Testament was completed. Speaking
in tongue always required interpretation or translation, often even to the
speaker himself (1 Cor. 14:27-28). When the book of Revelation was completed
the need for tongue was ceased because nothing is to be added to the Revelation
of God (Rev. 22:18-19). There is therefore, no need for the revelatory gifts
for today.
Fifth Reason:
The
tongues have ceased because their use is mentioned only in earlier New
Testament books. Most of the NT books do not mentioned it. Paul in his other
letters does not mentioned about issue of speaking in tongue. Other New
Testament writers such as James, Peter, John, and Jude make no mention of it at
all. Tongues have never appeared in the book of Acts after 19:6.
Sixth Reasons:
From the
apostolic age till nineteenth century tongues were not regulated by the Church
fathers. The gift of tongues is nowhere found in any writings of the Church
fathers. Clement of Rome wrote a letter to the Corinthian Church in the year
95, only about four decades after Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. In discussing
problems in the Church, Clement did not mention about tongues. Justin Martyr
church Father second century, Origen church Father third century and many other
church Fathers did mention the issue of speaking in tongues in their writings.
Chrysostom, who lived during 347 to 407 AD says that tongues and other
miraculous sign gifts not only had ceased but could not even be accurately
defined. Augustine says that the miraculous sign gifts were adapted to the apostolic
period and had ceased.
Seventh Reason:
The
historians and theologians of the early Church unanimously maintained that
tongues ceased to exist after the time of the apostles. There was no
tongues-speaking practiced in Christianity until the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries except a movement led by Montanus, a second century heretic who
believed that divine revelation continued through him beyond the New Testament.
What then?
A CONVINCING CONCLUSION
Five points conclusion:
1) Tongue(s) are profited in an assembly/Church only when they are interpreted (1 Cor. 14:5-12).
2) Tongue(s) that does not edify the Church /assembly should not be spoken in public (1 Cor. 14:16 -21).
3) Uninterpreted tongue(s) has no place in the Church gathering (1 Cor. 14:22-25).
4) Therefore, he/she who speak in tongue(s) should pray for interpretation (1 Cor. 14:13), otherwise, they should keep in silent and speak to himself/herself and to God (1 Cor. 14:28).
5. Paul did not encourage any use of gifts in the Church that does not result/help/edify others (1 Cor. 12:7; 14:12, 26-28; Cf. 1 Pet. 4:10).
Therefore,
speaking in tongue should not be a major issue in the Churches today. The Christian denominations defer each other on the issue of speaking in tongues. Even among the evangelical Christians, some believe tongues are ceased with the apostolic age when the New Testament was completed. Others believe in the regulation of the tongues today in the Church. However, Paul made a
clear distinction between tongue and tongues in 1 Corinthians thus the tongue
that was spoken by the Corinthian Church was not the true tongues but rather it
was counterfeit of the true tongues and false ecstatic utterance – a feeling which is not
intelligible but emotional. Paul encouraged them to speak in “tongues” (plural,
1 Cor. 14:5) not in “tongue”. That is the counterpart to the real “tongues”,
the gift of Holy Spirit. Moreover, we do not see anyone speaking in “tongue” in
ACTS but rather we see speaking in “tongues”. The simple reason is “tongue” was
not the real gift it was the counterpart. Paul made this fact clear in 1
Corinthians. No gift can be used for personal gratification or selfish ambition (1 Cor. 14:26; 14:12) including tongues. The modern speaking in tongue is
similar to that of Corinthian Church which was the result of mystery religions
in Corinth. The Corinthian believers thought that they were speaking mysteries
in spirit to God. Paul was not telling the Corinthians what is speaking in tongue
but rather what is not speaking in tongue (14:1-40). In 13:8, where Paul says
tongues will cease by themselves (pausontai).
Paul knew
that the gift of tongues would cease in a few years, he was not giving
instructions for governing tongues in the Church today. He was speaking of
counterfeit tongues, which were based in self-centered emotionalism and did not
originate with the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues has a definite purpose of
edification through interpretation. Paul says that he wish to speak five words
with understanding to teach others than to speak ten thousand words in a
tongue. Again Paul used single form of “tongue” which indicate that he is again
referring to pagan gibberish, emphasizes that an uncountable number of sounds
in unintelligible tones has no place in the Church and is useless.
Speaking
in tongues is not an evidence of baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).
Every Christian is baptized by the Holy Spirit, but not every Christian is
given the gift of tongues (1 Cor. 12:30). All believers cannot get the gift of
tongues not even during the apostolic time when that gift was tremendously active. However, when
three thousand people believed in Christ at Peter’s message and received the
gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) none of them spoke in tongues (Acts 2:41)!
Later we see that Peter and John met with some of the disciples, they “all
filled with the Holy Spirit”. The result of filling of the Holy Spirit was
speaking “the word of God with boldness”, not speaking in tongues (Acts 4:31). We have to speak the word of God with boldness to the lost world. God can still use a person
to speak with others in a language that is unknown to the speaker and
well-known to the listener. Try to excel our gifts to build up the Church!
"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way". (1 Cor. 14:40)
[1] Charles C.
Ryrie, Basic Theology, (Chicago:
Moody Press, 1989) p.430.
[2]Abraham T.
Thomas, The Spirit of Conscious, (Thiruvananthapuram: Athmasahai Publications,
2006), pp. 4-5.
[3] Millard J.
Erickson, Christian Theology, Grand
Rapids: Baker Books, 1983), p.894.
[4] Charles C.
Ryrie, Basic Theology, p.423.
[5] Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology,
(Chicago: Moody Press, 1989), p.270.
