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.