Christ for Asia: 2013

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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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)

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)

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 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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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