Oh for a thousand tongues...(Bible Study)

I've had a number of discussiong lately about "the gift of tongues" and I thought my friends might benefit from some research I've put into the subject. I'm simply addressing the practice as taught in Scripture and whether modern practices have any resemblance to that.

Tongues in Acts

The first occurrence of the miracle of tongues in the New Testament occurs in Acts 2:1-12. Luke records that the disciples "were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."(Acts 2:4.) We are told that in Acts 2:6-8 "⁶ And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. ⁷ And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?" The speaking in other tongues, used here in the plural, was a miracle that allowed everyone to hear what the disciples said in their own language. Either the miracle was that the disciples were able to speak in the numerous earthly languages of those visiting Jerusalem, which the disciples themselves did not understand, or the disciples spoke in their native tongue and everyone understood in his or her own language. It was either a miracle of speaking or hearing. There is nothing to indicate that the miracle in Acts is ecstatic speech, or a gibberish sounding language.

At four different times in Acts, the Holy Spirit is poured out visibly upon a people group who had not previously be included among God's people, giving proof that God has decided to include them in the church (Acts 2:1-12, 8:17, 10:44-46, and 19:6.) The miracle of tongues occurred at most of these times, though not all.

Tongues and Tongue in 1 Corinthians 12-14

In I Corinthians, speaking in a "tongue" and speaking in "tongues," singular and plural respectively, are addressed in chapters 12-14. Careful reading is required here, because I believe Paul speaks of these two practices quite differently. If your translation of the Bible does not keep that distinction, find a new Bible, for the translator had a special bias for eliminating that distinction.

There are two interpretations of "speaking in a tongue," "speaking in tongues," and "interpretation of tongues" which I believe can fit the Biblical evidence. The interpretation which I think best fits the text is that Paul's references to plural tongues is a reference to an ability to speak in a language previously unknown to the speaker, but known to a hearer, as happened at Pentecost. These would be actual languages, like Latin, Greek, German, and so on. Paul's references to a singular tongue would be a counterfeit gift, gibberish speak (see 1 Cor. 14:7-9) imported from their former pagan practices (Paul introduces the discourse on gifts in chapter 12 with a reference to Pagan ways.)

Paul tells us that "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7) and not for selfish use. Speaking in a language no one understands benefits no one (see 1 Cor 14:6.) But we are to strive to excel in building up the church (1 Cor 14:12.) If someone speaks in a language no one can understand, we are instructed to pray for the power to interpret (1 Cor 14:13,) and if no one can interpret, keep silent. As Paul says, it would be better to speak five words in order to instruct others, than ten thousand they cannot understand. All things are to be done for edification, part of the loving rebuke issued to the Corinthians throughout chapters 12-14…and yes, even chapter 13 is a rebuke to the lack of love of the Corinthians, exhorting them to love. Paul also mentions acting like a child in chapter 13, and likely he illustrates how the Corinthians are behaving childishly in chapter 14.

In the case of speaking in a tongue (singular,) this could be a counterfeit gift where a person longing for the true gift of speaking in tongues spouts forth gibberish speak. Why would it be singular? Because there is only one kind of gibberish, not multiple dialects of gibberish. Praying for the interpretation of a gibberish language would actually be a bit of sarcasm on the part of Paul, because no one would be found who could actually interpret. Why? Because there is nothing to interpret, thought in our own day counterfeit interpretation happens regularly. Regardless, if the language spoken by the person who speaks in a tongue is not a human language, then it is not the same thing as happened in Acts 2 and is a counterfeit gift.

Another option the text allows is that the gift of tongues refers to ability to speak other languages through natural means: study and practice. Remember, all of our abilities are a gift from God. If this is the case then the miracle of speaking in tongues performed in Acts is different from gifted ability to speak in various languages. I favor the first interpretation, but the conclusion is still the same: if your congregation does not speak Latin, don't talk to them in Latin. If no one can interpret, keep it to yourself. They won't benefit, so it is a selfish use of your gift. Further, there is nothing in the text that would indicate the miracle of tongues in Acts bears any resemblance to what occurs in modern "charismatic" churches.

One last practice Paul addresses is praying in a tongue (1 Cor. 14:13-15.) If you pray in a language you do not yourself understand (such as gibberish speak) it is unfruitful (vs. 14.) What should we do then? Pray with both the spirit and the mind, hence praying in a language you understand (vs. 15.)

Please don't take my word for it though. Read over the Scriptures and check to see if what I have written is true.

Where does your assurance lay? (Bible Study)

Romans 8:16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

John Wesley believed that the great evangelical truth of Romans 8:16 had been nearly lost and forgotten, that the Spirit of God testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children. The Scriptures speak frequently and clearly on this matter, the purpose of which is to denote a peculiar privilege of the children of God from verse 17:

"...and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

So how does this testimony work? Or in other words, how can we have assurance that we are children of God?

The operation of this testimony of the Spirit is "an inward impression on the soul, whereby the Spirit of God immediately and directly witnesses to my spirit, that I am a child of God." What Wesley means, which he says we are to observe, is that this testimony is not by an outward voice, nor an inward voice, though he may do that sometimes. The inward testimony of the Spirit is instead an "inexplicable operation, that…there is a sweet calm; the heart resting…being clearly satisfied that God is reconciled, that all his iniquities are forgiven, and his sins covered."

But isn't that a little subjective? Wesley seems to be appealing to a feeling, that if one is inwardly calm and feels their sins are covered by God, and does not a have spirit of fear (as in Romans 8:15), then they must be a child of God. I run into folks every weekend who feel safe and secure, who will one day say "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name..." and yet being headed to hell. So there is a false sense of security many are liable to. But where does a true sense of security come from?
The explicable, objective assurance that we are children of God come from the previous three verses:
"13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" "

How does Paul say our assurance that we are children of God come? We know we are children of God if we are led by the Spirit. We know we are being led by the Spirit of God as by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body. All who are led by the Spirit of God have recieved the Spirit of adoption as sons. The objective reality of being led by the Spirit, of being adopted into God's family is a great reason to be unafraid, assure of your adoption.

That is the testimony of this passage of Scripture. A profession you once made means nothing if you are not led by the Spirit. If you are leaning on a profession you once made, that is false assurance.

Just to make sure I'm not misunderstood, being led by the Spirit is not sinless perfection, but should be the direction of your life. It is an attitude of repentance, where God brings sin in your life to your attention and by the Spirit of God you put it to death. Repentance is not the reason you are saved, but it is the necessary response to it. You can cry "Abba! Father!" because you love God and understand the greatest expression of His love toward you: the Cross. How can we continue loving our sin, knowing that the wrath we deserve was poured out on Christ because of it?