INTRODUCTION
What are biblical tongues? What does it mean to speak in tongues? How should this gift be exercised today, if at all? Rather than debating the doctrines or scriptural interpretations used by today’s Charismatic’s[1] it would be more prudent to ask, what the bible says about their manifestations and uses.
To do this, a close examination of 1 Corinthians 12-14, as well as several occurrences out of the book of acts is necessary. By reviewing these scriptures and coming to an understanding of them you will be better equipped to fend off the hype of the media and those around you given over to the deception of the prince of this world.
CHAPTER 12
Paul opens chapter 12 wanting the Corinthian church to be knowledgeable of the operations of spiritual gifts. He reminds the Corinthians that they were formerly unbelievers, given over to idols. He assures them that no one can live by the Holy Spirit and curse Jesus.
He continues by elaborating that there are many gifts but only one giver. The Spirit is dealt to each for the profit of all and the Holy Spirit distributes as He chooses.
Just as there are multiple parts in the human body, it takes many members to form the body of Christ. We were all baptized into one body; Jews, Greeks, slaves and freemen. In the body, if an eye or foot is not an ear or hand that does not take away its importance. All members have a purpose and task. How awful would it be if the body as we know it had four feet with no hands or many ears but no eyes? There are many members yet only one body, many members working for one purpose. If one part suffers all suffer and if one part is honored all parts are honored. If a person breaks a leg, doesn’t the whole body feel it and require other members to take up the slack in order to keep the body in motion? If a craftsmen is honored for his craft it is not just his hands that receive honor but the person as a whole.
Within the body He has appointed:
* First apostles.
* Second prophets.
* Third teachers.
* After that miracles.
* Then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Right after this ordered listing he asks, in verses 29-30, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” He finished the chapter by telling us to “earnestly desire” the best or greater gifts.
From here Paul goes into chapter 13. What is the greatest gift? Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God and one another (Matt 22:37-40). Paul says in the beginning of chapter 13 that if you have all these gifting but not love you are and have nothing. In chapter 14 Paul says, “Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts especially that you may prophesy.”[2] Actually, seek to love and pray or hope[3] for gifts.
Look at 1 Corinthians 14:39, when Paul says, “…desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.” He was not specifically protecting tongues but stating the first and last gifting as prioritized from his listing in chapter 12 by way of a summary.
Though a person may have the least or the greatest of the gifts, if he does not have love then he has nothing. If he sells all to feed the poor or sacrifices his body for Him, but does not have love then it profits him nothing.
From here, Paul goes into an explanation of what love is and is not. It quickly becomes evident that only God Himself is able to completely love.
Love never fails. When that which is perfect has come that which is incomplete or is in part will be done away with.[4] God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). This means that when God comes all else will be done away, there will be no need for these gifts. In 13:11-12, Paul gives several illustrations of youth growing into maturity as contrast between being in the world or “now” verses when Christ comes. He finishes this line of reasoning by telling his readers to abide in faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love.
CHAPTER 14
In 14:1, Paul relates that our main pursuit should be that of love. “To pursue” is defined as a running or putting into flight or even to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing.[5] Then he tells us to desire gifts. The word desire is to covet or envy.[6] We see “to pursue” is active, requiring an effort where as desire is more passive as far as a seeking after. That does not make desire completely void of action. Prayer and ability given are still required while within the realm of desiring or hoping for the gifts especially the greater gifts, such as prophesy. Prophesy is normally thought of as foretelling the future, but it also means to teach, refute, reprove, admonish or comfort others.[7] Putting these together you see that Christians are to desire to teach, use apologetics, correct the body of Christ when necessary, as well as to confront and comfort the lost with the gospel.
Reading through this chapter can become very confusing. However, if you look at the chapter as a whole, you will see that there is a difference between the singular “tongue” and the plural “tongues.” Replacing the singular with “gibberish” and the plural with “foreign language” opens a new realm of understanding.[8] [9]
Using this interpretation and replacing for the singular “tongue” as mentioned earlier, you will read 14:2 as, “For he who speaks in [gibberish] does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” In taking a closer look at this verse, Paul says that tongue speakers are not speaking to men but to God. The reason Paul allows that they may be speaking to God is simply that God knows men’s hearts, He knows what is going on and why, so there are no secrets to Him. In this verse Paul also states that, “in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” “He” being the tongue speaker and the spirit here is the human spirit (cf. Matt 5:3; Acts 17:16 and 2 Cor 2:13). So, the tongue speaker is speaking mysteries (things unknown to him or those around him) to God or according to 14:9 he is speaking to the air, which is to say, he is speaking to no earthly person because, once again nothing is being understood.
It is also shown in chapter 14:14-16 that a lack of understanding is unfruitful and that all (praying and singing) should be done with understanding. So, that which cannot be understood cannot edify.
Some may argue that since 14:4 says, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself,” the speaker must receive some edification, however, look at Romans 14:19, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another (cf. Rom 15:2; Eph 4:12, 16, 29; 1 Cor 8:1, 14:17; 1 Thes 5:11).” You see that Christians should be doing what builds up another not oneself. Also, see that this attempt at self-edification is self-seeking and should not be done according to James 3:14-16. Finally, Christians are encouraged to always be in self-control (1 Cor 7:5; Gal 5:23).
Moving back to 14:3, Prophesy is not a personal self-edifying gift, it is used to edify or buildup others. Tongues with interpretation can edify the body but without interpretation tongues do not edify anyone. Additionally, tongues without interpretation do not belong in the church assembly, at all (14:28).
Paul states continually that prophesy builds-up the whole body. It is simple enough to test a prophet against the scriptures as detailed in Deuteronomy 12 and 13 or 2 John 10. Gibberish talkers merely appear spiritual and simply puff-up themselves.
Paul wishes that all spoke in true tongues. True tongues is the gift of speaking in a tongue not known by the speaker, then interpreted (usually by another person) as will be shown later in the chapter. However, he prefers that they would prophesy because this builds up the whole body. Even when someone comes in speaking in tongues, what good is it without teaching? This is seen in Acts 2 when the apostles and disciples at Pentecost speaking in tongues amazed the crowd. No one would have known what to do if Peter had not instructed them.
Coming back to 1 Corinthians 14:7, even musical instruments must make a known recognizable sound or else how does it please or edify anyone. How would an army know to charge if there were no intelligible ordered notes? Likewise, in 14:9, if you do not speak in a way that others may understand you are speaking into the air, which is to edify no one.[10] There are many languages in the world and not everyone understands each, so we are foreigners to each other that do not understand the others language. Many are zealous for gifts, but let it be zeal to do what edifies the body, not oneself only,
If anyone speaks in a tongue the interpretation should be sought. There is no understanding without the interpretation and therefore it is unfruitful. Paul continues, in 14:15, by saying that he will follow the spirit with understanding. He will pray and sing with understanding (how else would any person know what spirit in which they are following). How would those that do not understand the gibberish or the un-translated foreign language confirm what is said? Therefore, without the understanding no one is built up, especially the body as a whole (14:17).
In 14:18, Paul explains that being an evangelist or church planter, he has occasion to use or be endowed with this gift more than most. However, he would rather speak a few words with his hearer’s understanding (prophesy or even foreign languages), than many words with no understanding (un-translated tongues or gibberish). Paul is being specific to the church setting and is requiring both his own understanding as well as that of his audience.
He was rebuking the Corinthians for being more knowledgeable of the evil (idols and false gods) around them than the understanding of God’s word and His gospel message.
Tongues are for a sign to unbelievers because the unbeliever would hear the wonderful works of God in their own native language from a person that would most obviously not have known the language. This miraculous gift would be evidence of Gods hand on the message.
Prophesy is for believers because it teaches those that already believe and desire the things of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21 “…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
Paul saying that disorderly use of the gift of tongues is useless because of the confusion it causes and the unfruitfulness of it now gives a mild rebuke. However, if many prophesy, that is teach, reprove or exhort et-cetera, then there is understanding, through the instruction and the unbeliever will see that God is in the body.
Paul now goes into the proper exhibition of the gifts. With tongues, let no more than two or three speak and none without interpretation. If there is no interpretation then they should be silent or dismissed. When prophets speak let the “others” judge. That is let the assembly, other prophets and the elders test the speaker against the scriptures. Judge, is diakrino, which is to learn by discrimination.[11] This means to use discernment when comparing what is said or taught against God’s Word. At that time they all knew the penalty for being found to be a false prophet, even though they are no longer under the law (2 John 10). The first prophet should be silent (as in respectful) if another needs to confirm, reprove or rebuke what has been said. In turn all may have an opportunity to speak. He then reminds them they are in control of their spirit and God is not the author of confusion but of order.
He continues the thought of maintaining order by addressing other distractions. These next few verses could be rebukes because there were too many distraction from women asking their husbands questions. It could also be a rebuke because of the influence of the false goddesses over the people from the culture around them causing strife in the assembly between married couples. Most likely these verses are addressing issues that had been raised due to cultural changes within the melting pot of people groups in the Corinthian church. Paul was giving a quick synopsis of the order of things continued from chapter 7.
Paul switches to a sarcastic tone, to mock those that believe they have a superior word or those that were causing confusion just to puff up themselves. If anyone believes they are of God, let them confirm what is being said by His disciple (Paul). Do not recognize him who denies these things and let no seat (position over those who are believers/servants of God) be given to the unbeliever (person with false doctrinal beliefs).
He closes by referring back to verse 1, where we are encouraged to pursue love and desire the spiritual gifts, not forbidding even the least of the gifts. Concluding with the declaration that all be done in order not confusion.
TONGUES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
Acts 2
In verse 3 there are flames referred to as “tongues, as of fire.” These were not literal tongues of fire as some suggest, but they were more likely what we call today a “lick of flame.” Then the disciples, along with the apostles, that were in the upper room (about 120) were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in languages unknown to each individual speaker but was known and understood by those unbelieving Jews around them. As a crowd gathered the people were confused because they were realizing that each group from different regions could understand them speaking the wonderful works of God being said in their own native language and dialect.
Those Jews with open hearts were amazed, yet others with closed minds or lack of understanding mocked and said they were drunk. Then Peter stood with the rest of the apostles and began to instruct them on the meaning of all this, as well as, giving apologetics for Jesus as the Messiah and how to be saved. 3,000 converts were added at that time and there is no implication that any of them spoke in tongues.
Acts 10
The Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius, his family and friends, showing that God wants even the Gentiles. This is the first outpouring on the Gentile nation. There is no record in the New Testament of any other outpouring of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues upon the Gentiles. Peter and those with him knew they had received the Holy Spirit because they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. The languages that those in the house of Cornelius spoke were known languages. How else would they have known them to be magnifying God if they did not understand them?
Acts 19
Paul laid hands on the Old Testament believers and they received the Holy Spirit as evidenced by the least of the gifts, speaking in tongues, but they also prophesied. The prophesying is significant because these were believers in the coming Messiah. First came the instruction from Paul on the baptism of the Holy Spirit then came the teaching through the Holy Spirit prophesying through them of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies. These were Jews that still needed the confirmation that Jesus was/is the Messiah. They did not have the advantage of things like the scriptures we have today that hold testimonies such as theirs.
Acts 8
In this chapter tongues are not specifically mentioned but it is possible and even likely that this gift is how the apostles knew the Samaritans had received the Holy Spirit. In this chapter, the Samaritans came to believe what Philip was preaching to them about Jesus. When the apostles heard that the Samaritans were receiving the word of God Peter and John went down to them. The apostles laid hands on the people and they received the Holy Spirit. Again, it does not mention that the people spoke in tongues; it could be that they, like the Old Testament believers prophesied. It could be that they performed other miracles or some other sign, but it is likely that they spoke in tongues.
It is also important to point out the reaction of the Simon the Sorcerer. He thought he could buy this power and like so many today are only after the power or experience of the Holy Spirit and the gifts that would follow.
HAS THE GIFT ON TONGUES CEASED
John MacArthur has a three-point argument for why he believes tongues have ceased.
1. Because no miracles were recorded from a.d. 58-96, the last part of the apostolic age.
2. Tongues were a sign to an unbelieving Israel to signify the transition between the old and new covenants.
3. A lack of historical evidence to support its existence since the apostolic age until now.[12]
In an article written by Matt Slick he argues that they have not ceased.
1. Simply because we have the Bible does not mean we have full revelation of God.
2. Tongues are not further revelation and thus are not equal to scripture and would not be adding to or taking away from scripture.
3. Misuse of a gift does not discredit the gift itself.[13]
1 Corinthians 13 Argument
In verses 8-10, we see Paul explaining that these gifts are only a partial revelation. They are used to assist in understanding. When that which is perfect or complete comes, then what is in part will not be necessary and will be done away with.
Although, it is generally accepted that this means the second coming of Christ, Lehman Strauss argues that it does not with the following argument: “The word perfect is in the neuter gender, and therefore refers to the perfect (finished or completed) Word of God. If the word perfect referred to Christ it would be in the masculine gender.”[14]
However, when you move onto the next few verses you will see this can only mean when Jesus comes. Specifically, look at verse 12, when it says, “face to face.” This must mean when we see Jesus face to face (cf. Gen 32:30; Ex 33:11; Num 12:8; Deut 34:10). Who knows us and may reveal us to ourselves but our Lord?
Also, compare this to 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, looking specifically at verse 7, “so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In these verses, you can see that the second coming of Christ is the fulfillment of revelation and that gifts are not to be shorted.
A lack of records does not discredit an action. If a husband and wife are reviewing their balance sheets and the wife sees that there are no gas receipts for two months but she knows her husband was driving his car, does that mean that he did not get fuel for two months? No, it just means that he used cash, got free gas, or maybe he got the gas paid for by his commuting buddy. People should not jump to a conclusion of cessation due to a lack of records.
Not every martyr story is recorded does that mean there are no martyrs? Has every missionary since the apostolic age written a book or kept records of their exploits? No, of course not, so how can researchers determine that there is no gold in China without complete knowledge?
WHERE DO TODAY’S “TONGUES” COME FROM
To know exactly where these Charismatic false tongues come from will not be known until Christians are glorified with Christ.
However, compare these unscriptural instances with the “burning in the bosom” used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints (LDS or Mormon). LDS members claim that this burning in the bosom is confirmation of the truth of their scriptures by God. What happens if you do not receive the burning? “Supreme emphasis is put on the prayer and the subsequent "burning in the bosom". If one prays and does not receive the appropriate "testimony", one is encouraged to pray more sincerely. The absence of an emotional confirmation is seen not as a testimony against Mormonism, but rather against the sincerity of the one praying.”[15] Again, compare this to what is taught in the Charismatic church and its branches. If one does not receive the experience of baptism by the Holy Spirit as evidenced by speaking in tongues then that person is not sincere enough or is not willing to release some sin and is therefore not saved.
Now, obviously, to most Christians, the LDS do not worship the same Jesus. However, that should be all the more testimony to the falsity of the experience of non-biblical tongues.
The fact is that while on this earth there is an adversary that will stop at nothing and use any tactic necessary to distract people away from God.
CONCLUSION
While reading 1 Corinthians 12-14 it is imperative to keep in mind these passages really are one letter, one fluid thought, not separate thoughts arranged into chapters for a book. Why does this matter? It matters because, without the whole picture there is no clarity.
With these tidbits of knowledge you should be able to warn others of the deception of false tongues abroad. Three main facts are vital: all biblical tongues are interpreted, they are only used to edify the whole body of Christ and they are typically used to speak to a new people group.
Now, knowing what true tongues are and their proper order of manifestation, we must confess , as stated by Larry Christenson, “Scripture simply does not support an argument against speaking in tongues- only against its abuse.” He continues (or finishes the thought) with, “The cure for abuse is not disuse but proper use.”[16]
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Christenson, Larry, Answering Your Questions About: Speaking in Tongues, Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bethany House, 2005.
MacArthur, Jr., John F., Charismatic Chaos. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.
MacArthur, John, The MacArthur Study Bible. United States of America: Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997.
Matt Slick, “Have the Charismatic Gifts Ceased,” Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, http://www.carm.org/questions/about-doctrine/have-charismatic-gifts-ceased [accessed July 15, 2010].
Mormonwiki.org, “Burning in the bosom,” http://www.mormonwiki.org/Burning_in_the_bosom [accessed July 21, 2010]
Lehman Strauss, “Speaking in Tongues,” Bible.org, (1997 Biblical Studies Press), http://bible.org/article/speaking-tongues [accessed July1, 2010].
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
[1] For the purpose of this paper the term Charismatic refers to Charismatic, Pentecostal and Apostolic denominations, not necessarily as a whole but in general.
[2] All scripture references are New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
[3] Romans 5:5, 1 Corinthians 13:7
[4] Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G5046). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[5] Ibid., G1377.
[6] Ibid., G2206.
[7] Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G4394). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[8] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible (United States of America: Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997), 1751.
[9] The reader could also transpose “tongue” with glossolalia and “tongues” with xenoglossy.
[10] Notice, however, that according to Ephesians 2:2, Satan is the prince of the air.
[11] Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G1252). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[12] John F. MacAurthur, Jr., Charismatic Chaos (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 282-284.
[13] Matt Slick, “Have the Charismatic Gifts Ceased,” Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, http://www.carm.org/questions/about-doctrine/have-charismatic-gifts-ceased [accessed July 15, 2010].
[14] Lehman Strauss, “Speaking in Tongues,” Bible.org, (1997 Biblical Studies Press), http://bible.org/article/speaking-tongues [accessed July1, 2010].
[15]Mormonwiki.org, “Burning in the bosom,” http://www.mormonwiki.org/Burning_in_the_bosom [accessed July 21, 2010]
[16] Larry Christenson, Answering Your Questions About: Speaking in Tongues (Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bethany House, 2005), 19.
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