Benefits of Speaking, Praying, and Singing in Tongues

[stonesoffire]

~Act 10:38　 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, he went around doing good and healing everyone who was oppressed by the devil.　




Context? Is Peter citing physical healings or forgiveness of sins?

What did Jesus say? Which is easier to say thy sins are forgiven or take up thy bed and walk?

For the cause of Christ
Roger

For the cause of Christ
Roger

It's not an either or thing. Sin, sickness, oppression, possession, depression...He heals it all. Savior is more than just forgiving sin. All the weaknesses of flesh or the human nature. Looking at the greek definition...flesh is the human nature with it's frailties, both physical, and morally and it's passions.

He makes us a complete being. If we believe Him and hold fast to our hope. If not here? There.

 

[stonesoffire]

I would also point out that our salvation itself is a personal experience. I'm sure you would agree that you were changed when born from above??

Why not believe it all?

 

[notuptome]

It's not an either or thing. Sin, sickness, oppression, possession, depression...He heals it all. Savior is more than just forgiving sin. All the weaknesses of flesh or the human nature. Looking at the greek definition...flesh is the human nature with it's frailties, both physical, and morally and it's passions.

He makes us a complete being. If we believe Him and hold fast to our hope. If not here? There.

More fantasy at the expense of bible doctrine.

We are saved from the penalty of sin but not the presence of sin. We strive against the body of flesh until it is redeemed by our death and glorification.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[peacefulbeliever]

not what i asked, i asked how does tongues improve a Christian?

I hope it's okay shrume that I jump in for a minute! Hey jaybird . . . Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves . . . That is what God says - to edify means to build up; especially in moral and religious knowledge. It builds up the Christian spiritually - that new creation within is built up to gain more understanding. It is talking to God, telling God secrets with the language that He gave your "new man". But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the holy spirit, . . .

are you saying that unless one can speak in this spirit language one can never be saved?

No that is not what he is saying - it is a manifestation of THE GIFT of holy spirit. When one is born again they receive that gift and the sure way of knowing that one is born again and has received THE gift is by speaking in tongues. In the book of Acts; how did one know that people had received the "like gift"? They either prophesied or spoke in tongues - that is why it is called a manifestation of the Spirit. One can be born again and NEVER speak in tongues, never prophesy . . .

so speaking in tongues allows one to speak in mysteries yet the tongues dont tell you what the mysteries are? im not getting what the point of that would be?

Just like I tell my best friend "secrets" - I get to tell God my secrets. It doesn't matter that you don't fully understand what matters it is what God says . . .

then whats the point of doing these thngs in the spirit language if it is no different than any other language

If it's not important . . . God would not have told us NOT to be ignorant of spiritual things.

If anyone thinks they are a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. . . 1 Cor. 14:37-40

if i could speak in a different language and speak to other people from other cultures, that would be a great benefit. speaking in a spirit language doesnt seem to offer any benefit aside what i can say in my own language.

That's okay if you do not want to utilize the gift God has given you. It is okay if you do not want to be built up spiritually. Being built up spiritually in order to operate the other manifestations - receiving word of knowledge, word of wisdom, being able to discern spirits, etc. You know Paul said he spoke in tongues more than all of them - LOOK at the revelation he received!!!

as far as mysteries, divine revelations, i believe one can receive these things, but i believe one must fast, pray, meditate, make lots and lots and lots of self sacrifice to receive this. you have to really want it, its not as simple as going into your room, closing the door, and turning on the prayer language. the ancient Essenes were into these mysteries, they gave up everything to receive these mysteries,no women, no family, separation from civilization, no meat diet, etc etc. every day from sun up to sun down they devoted every minute to the Most High. they didnt even go to the bathroom on the sabbath. people like Josephus and Philo said they were very spiritually advanced. and when we read their theology writings, tongues and spirit languages are never mentioned.

What are the "mysteries" we are trying to receive? I believe God said that we would be speaking mysteries to Him.

Again, shrume, did not mean to step on any toes and I hope I didn't.
Gotta run - 2:30am comes pretty quickly . . . yep, gotta work tomorrow.

 

[shrume]

Strong's #3466: musterion (pronounced moos-tay'-ree-on)

from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites):--mystery.

The communication of "mysteries" did not require ecstatic speech. Paul clearly revealed and taught mysteries ... in Greek..

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery (Gk. musterion) which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; (Romans 16:25-26 NASB)
​

Tongues is not "ecstatic speech". Where did you get that idea?

And while Paul clearly revealed and taught the mystery, what does this verse mean to you? Do you simply ignore it because you don't understand it?

1 Cor 14:
2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

You guys are trying very hard to ignore what the Bible states.

 

[jaybird88]

I hope it's okay shrume that I jump in for a minute! Hey jaybird . . . Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves . . . That is what God says - to edify means to build up; especially in moral and religious knowledge. It builds up the Christian spiritually - that new creation within is built up to gain more understanding. It is talking to God, telling God secrets with the language that He gave your "new man". But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the holy spirit, . . .

i get what the term means. i dont think you guys are getting my question. "how" does this spirit language edify? do you have an example? what religious knowledge knowledge was obtained by speaking in tongues that could not be obtained by what Jesus taught?

Just like I tell my best friend "secrets" - I get to tell God my secrets. It doesn't matter that you don't fully understand what matters it is what God says . . .

whats the difference in telling the Most High secrets in your common language and telling Him secrets in the spirit language?

If it's not important . . . God would not have told us NOT to be ignorant of spiritual things.

it may be important but i asked what was the point of it when its no different than doing these things in a common language. so far you guys have yet to distinguish a difference, until a difference can be shown i would never want to deviate from what Jesus taught.

That's okay if you do not want to utilize the gift God has given you. It is okay if you do not want to be built up spiritually. Being built up spiritually in order to operate the other manifestations - receiving word of knowledge, word of wisdom, being able to discern spirits, etc. You know Paul said he spoke in tongues more than all of them - LOOK at the revelation he received!!!

Jesus never taught we have to speak in a spirit language to improve in spiritual knowledge. Jesus improved in wisdom, He did this by prayer, fasting, helping, and living a Christ like life. tongues are never mentioned.

What are the "mysteries" we are trying to receive? I believe God said that we would be speaking mysteries to Him.

these:

LOOK at the revelation he received!!!

Again, shrume, did not mean to step on any toes and I hope I didn't.
Gotta run - 2:30am comes pretty quickly . . . yep, gotta work tomorrow.

your not stepping on my toes, i always enjoy discussing things with you. i hope i didnt step on your toes.

 

[shrume]

not what i asked, i asked how does tongues improve a Christian?

For one thing, a Christian who speaks in tongues is doing what God wants him to do (1 Cor 14:5; Eph 6:18). He is giving thanks well (1 Cor 14:17). He is speaking the wonderful works of God, magnifying God (Acts 2:11; 10:46). And by being obedient and faithful to speaking in tongues, the Christian is being edified and built up (1 Cor 14:4; Jude 1:20). To me, being edified and built up is being improved.

are you saying that unless one can speak in this spirit language one can never be saved?

No. As stated earlier, there are many Christians, probably even most, who do not speak in tongues. People are saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, not by manifesting the gift of holy Spirit.

But I submit that the reason most Christians do not speak in tongues is due to ignorance. They don't know what it is or why they should do it, and they don't know that they can do it.

so speaking in tongues allows one to speak in mysteries yet the tongues dont tell you what the mysteries are? im not getting what the point of that would be?

Well, I do not have an answer. Yet the Bible clearly states:

1 Cor 14:
2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

then whats the point of doing these thngs in the spirit language if it is no different than any other language?

Primarily because God wants us to (1 Cor 14:5; Eph 1:18). Don't you want to be built up?

if i could speak in a different language and speak to other people from other cultures, that would be a great benefit.

Indeed it would!

speaking in a spirit language doesnt seem to offer any benefit aside what i can say in my own language.

Please see the list of benefits with scripture above.

as far as mysteries, divine revelations, i believe one can receive these things, but i believe one must fast, pray, meditate, make lots and lots and lots of self sacrifice to receive this.

Why do you believe that?

you have to really want it, its not as simple as going into your room, closing the door, and turning on the prayer language.

Speaking in tongues is not receiving revelation. But speaking in tongues does show God that you believe Him when He says He wants us to do something, and He is more willing to give, and you are more ready to receive.

the ancient Essenes were into these mysteries, they gave up everything to receive these mysteries,no women, no family, separation from civilization, no meat diet, etc etc. every day from sun up to sun down they devoted every minute to the Most High. they didnt even go to the bathroom on the sabbath. people like Josephus and Philo said they were very spiritually advanced. and when we read their theology writings, tongues and spirit languages are never mentioned.

I'm not sure how that is relevant to what the Bible states.

 

[UnderGrace]

I am not trying to ignore anything, I want to understand the epistle correctly. I have searched through this chapter very carefully.

For me it is not a central issue, but I do feel I have a right to share what I have learned.

The word glossa means languages or the actual tongue depending on the context.

I agree that tongues that Paul is talking about in his letter to Corinth is not primarily about ecstatic speech but a real human earthly language.

The word glossa means languages or the actual physical tongue depending on the context.

If Paul used the word tongues or languages (which is a better rendering of the Greek word glõssa) differently in 1 Corinthians 14 than it is used elsewhere in the New Testament, one could conclude that he is talking about something other than "languages."

However the word is used in the same way as in other places, one must conclude that Paul is referring to the same gift as is mentioned elsewhere, that he is speaking of foreign or non-Greek languages.

Corinth was a city with many foreigners and many languages, that is why the church was having so many problems in their meetings. Paul was giving them instructions on how to deal with these problems. As well there is evidence that the temple prostitutes, who had converted did practice ecstatic speech were doing this in the meetings.

But the main point is glossa means language, and when the KJV says unknown languages the translators added that, to make it clear he was speaking about foreign languages it does not mean unknown as in not of this world.

Tongues is not "ecstatic speech". Where did you get that idea?

And while Paul clearly revealed and taught the mystery, what does this verse mean to you? Do you simply ignore it because you don't understand it?

1 Cor 14:
2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

You guys are trying very hard to ignore what the Bible states.

 

[shrume]

I am not trying to ignore anything, I want to understand the epistle correctly. I have searched through this chapter very carefully.

For me it is not a central issue, but I do feel I have a right to share what I have learned.

The word glossa means languages or the actual tongue depending on the context.

I agree that tongues that Paul is talking about in his letter to Corinth is not primarily about ecstatic speech but a real human earthly language.

The word glossa means languages or the actual physical tongue depending on the context.

If Paul used the word tongues or languages (which is a better rendering of the Greek word glõssa) differently in 1 Corinthians 14 than it is used elsewhere in the New Testament, one could conclude that he is talking about something other than "languages."

However the word is used in the same way as in other places, one must conclude that Paul is referring to the same gift as is mentioned elsewhere, that he is speaking of foreign or non-Greek languages.

Corinth was a city with many foreigners and many languages, that is why the church was having so many problems in their meetings. Paul was giving them instructions on how to deal with these problems. As well there is evidence that the temple prostitutes, who had converted did practice ecstatic speech were doing this in the meetings.

But the main point is glossa means language, and when the KJV says unknown languages the translators added that, to make it clear he was speaking about foreign languages it does not mean unknown as in not of this world.

Agree. "Glossa" simply means "language". I'm still not clear where you got the idea that speaking in tongues is "ecstatic speech".

Speaking in tongues is not "ecstatic speech", it is speaking a language that you do not know (1 Cor 14:2). The ability to do so comes from the gift of Holy spirit.

 

[stonesoffire]

Context? Is Peter citing physical healings or forgiveness of sins?

I was responding to the above Roger.

 

[jaybird88]

For one thing, a Christian who speaks in tongues is doing what God wants him to do (1 Cor 14:5; Eph 6:18). He is giving thanks well (1 Cor 14:17). He is speaking the wonderful works of God, magnifying God (Acts 2:11; 10:46). And by being obedient and faithful to speaking in tongues, the Christian is being edified and built up (1 Cor 14:4; Jude 1:20). To me, being edified and built up is being improved.

im going to try and explain this another way as you guys dont seem to get what i am asking.
lets say you have two Christians, jimmy and bobby. both give thanks, speak the works of the Most High, magnify the Most High. one does this in his common language, one does this in the spirit language. please explain the difference or explain how the spirit language is better?

But I submit that the reason most Christians do not speak in tongues is due to ignorance. They don't know what it is or why they should do it, and they don't know that they can do it.

i cant speak for other Christians but i dont try and speak in the spirit language as i follow Jesus and He never taught it.

Well, I do not have an answer.

dont you think when the scriptures teach something there would be a point to it?

Primarily because God wants us to (1 Cor 14:5; Eph 1:18). Don't you want to be built up?

of course, but i do this by following what Jesus and the 12 taught. Paul is a great teacher but he was not the Christ, and not one of the 12, if i cant confirm one of his teachigs with Jesus, the 12 or the Hebrew bible, i dont use it as its most likely being misunderstood.

Why do you believe that?

because Jesus taught this:
Matthew 13:10-11

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

Speaking in tongues is not receiving revelation. But speaking in tongues does show God that you believe Him when He says He wants us to do something, and He is more willing to give, and you are more ready to receive.

i dont remember Moses, Elijah, or Abraham speaking in the spirit language, does this mean they did not believe?

I'm not sure how that is relevant to what the Bible states.

it means some of the most enlightened believers of their day, a group John the Baptist most likely came from, never mention this spirit language. why do you think that is?

 

[UnderGrace]

I agree that Paul is talking about an earthly, human language.
Is that what you are saying or is it an angelic language?

Agree. "Glossa" simply means "language". I'm still not clear where you got the idea that speaking in tongues is "ecstatic speech".

Speaking in tongues is not "ecstatic speech", it is speaking a language that you do not know (1 Cor 14:2). The ability to do so comes from the gift of Holy spirit.

 

[wolfwint]

I agree to this point. A meaning of "manifestation is "making plain" or "making visible".


No, vv8-10 are a list of manifestations. Nine different ways the gift of holy Spirit is "made plain", or "made visible".

Earlier I mentioned the analogy of the Swiss Army knife. Another example might be a light bulb. A light bulb has two manifestations: light and heat. They are not "gifts" that the light bulb gives, they are different ways the light bulb can manifest itself, or "make itself plain".


I do not know of any other verse in the Bible that defines or describes any other manifestation besides those listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10. Do you?


They are not gifts, they are manifestations OF the gift of holy spirit.

And the bible distinctly states that the manifestation of the spirit is given to EVERY man (meaning Christian) (1 Cor 12:7).


I mean that every Christian has the gift of holy Spirit, and that every Christian has the ability to manifest that gift in nine different ways. The manifestation of "gifts of healing" is the only manifestation that is called a "gift" because healings are ALWAYS a gift.


When the apostles spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost, who did the speaking? The apostles did. When Peter heard Cornelius and his family speaking in tongues in Acts 10, who did the speaking? Cornelius and his family did. When people prophesy, who does the speaking? The prophets do. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets" (1 Cor 14:32).

Christians are responsible for the operation of the manifestations of the gift of Holy spirit. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you have the ability to speak in tongues whenever you want to. If you don't know you can, you won't.

That being said, several of the manifestations require revelation from God. You can't just demand a miracle to be performed. You can't demand that someone be healed. God has to give you the go-ahead, and then it's up to you to carry it out. An example of that is in Acts 14:
8) And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9) The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10) Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Paul "perceiving that he had the faith to be healed" was revelation from God (word of knowledge and word of wisdom, two more of the manifestations).


Again, we have an Adversary, and I believe he worked (and still works!) overtime to minimize and corrupt the truth of what God made available to Christians through the gift of holy Spirit.

Hi Shrume, you said:

Shrume: No, vv8-10 are a list of manifestations. Nine different ways the gift of holy Spirit is "made plain", or "made visible".
Earlier I mentioned the analogy of the Swiss Army knife. Another example might be a light bulb. A light bulb has two manifestations: light and heat. They are not "gifts" that the light bulb gives, they are different ways the light bulb can manifest itself, or "make itself plain".

Wolf: The example is good to understand. But what makes you so shure that with manifestation are not gifts meant? we know that 1.Cor. 12, 8 said that " For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another.......
Here is clear saying that this 9 gifts (which you call manifestations) are not given all to every christian, but each gift to different believers. Otherwise Pauls example with the body would not fit.



Shrume:I do not know of any other verse in the Bible that defines or describes any other manifestation besides those listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10. Do you?

Wolf: Romans 12,6-8 this are called: charisma
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.



Ore would you say there is no spiritual gifts, like in 1.Cor. 12? interesting that Paul is mention prophecie, but not speaking in tongues (as he did not mention in whole Romans)

Shrume: They are not gifts, they are manifestations OF the gift of holy spirit.
And the bible distinctly states that the manifestation of the spirit is given to EVERY man (meaning Christian) (1 Cor 12:7).


Wolf: Either you say they are manifestations of the Spirit ore you say they are manifestations of the gift of the Holy Spirit. I would say both are not the same! can you please clarify what you mean?


Shrume: I mean that every Christian has the gift of holy Spirit, and that every Christian has the ability to manifest that gift in nine different ways. The manifestation of "gifts of healing" is the only manifestation that is called a "gift" because healings are ALWAYS a gift.

Wolf: Where it is said in the bible that every Christian has the ability to manifest the gift of the Holy Spirit in nine different ways? That only the manifestation of healing (now you call it gift) is a gift is not logic, either all which are listet are giftore none!

Shrume: When the apostles spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost, who did the speaking? The apostles did. When Peter heard Cornelius and his family speaking in tongues in Acts 10, who did the speaking? Cornelius and his family did. When people prophesy, who does the speaking? The prophets do. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets" (1 Cor 14:32).

Wolf: right the people spoke, but are you shure that this events in acts 2 and 10 was not only for to show that the Holy spirit now is sent? Do you think they had a choice to speak ore not? From whom they knew that they have had the ability to speak in languages/tongues?

Shrume:Christians are responsible for the operation of the manifestations of the gift of Holy spirit. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you have the ability to speak in tongues whenever you want to. If you don't know you can, you won't.


Wolf: Where you got this theologie from? This theory you will find only in pentecostal ore charismatic theologie!
Nowhere in the bible it is said that Christians have the ability to speak in tongues whenever they want?
Even in the apostolic time it was not a gift for all, otherwise Paul made a mistake in 1. Cor. 12,30
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

In the consequence then all who are not speaking in tongues are guilty of disobidiance and ignorance to gods word?
Where it is written?





Shrume: That being said, several of the manifestations require revelation from God. You can't just demand a miracle to be performed. You can't demand that someone be healed. God has to give you the go-ahead, and then it's up to you to carry it out. An example of that is in Acts 14:
8) And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9) The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10) Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Paul "perceiving that he had the faith to be healed" was revelation from God (word of knowledge and word of wisdom, two more of the manifestations).

Wolf: thats a pure assumption, without any scripture proof.

 

[wolfwint]

i forgot a line:

Shrume:Again, we have an Adversary, and I believe he worked (and still works!) overtime to minimize and corrupt the truth of what God made available to Christians through the gift of holy Spirit.

Wolf: so you think the Azusa Street Movement, the Torontoblessing and the Powerevangelism movement are fakes?

 

[peacefulbeliever]

i get what the term means. i dont think you guys are getting my question. "how" does this spirit language edify? do you have an example? what religious knowledge knowledge was obtained by speaking in tongues that could not be obtained by what Jesus taught?

HOW does speaking in tongues edify? The only thing that I can say is that it makes you more open and receptive to receiving a message of knowledge or a message of wisdom when confronting situations in your life where you may not by your five senses know how to react or confront what is happening. Sometimes, I have felt the need to pray for something or someone and been at a loss for the words, searching for exactly what to say in prayer, so I would just speak in tongues concerning the problem. Sometimes immediately an answer will come (message of knowledge of message of wisdom) and other times it is a situation in which I just have to wait. It's a hard question to answer and I believe that is why we tend to answer with "It is written . . ."

whats the difference in telling the Most High secrets in your common language and telling Him secrets in the spirit language?

A relationship with God is just that - a relationship. God is Spirit - He talks to me via the gift he has given me - I talk to him via the gift he has given me. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23,24
Again, you are asking questions that seem to be questioning God's integrity . . . God said do it - I do it. God told us the profit of doing so . . . we trust and believe what is written.

it may be important but i asked what was the point of it when its no different than doing these things in a common language. so far you guys have yet to distinguish a difference, until a difference can be shown i would never want to deviate from what Jesus taught.

Jesus never taught we have to speak in a spirit language to improve in spiritual knowledge. Jesus improved in wisdom, He did this by prayer, fasting, helping, and living a Christ like life. tongues are never mentioned.

What Jesus taught?
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts 1:4
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2:33

these:

your not stepping on my toes, i always enjoy discussing things with you. i hope i didnt step on your toes.

What "these" - the revelation that Paul received? Yep, being built up spiritually helps operate the other manifestations.

 

[wolfwint]

No, not all are healed. There's the difference between Jesus and His body. He healed all who came to Him. The body as a whole I'm sure, has healed every manner of disease...because it is His Spirit moving through men or women. Nothing of us other than we hear, see and then do.

I follow certain ministries, and have posted of one mostly here. I know his ministry. He comes from a family of ministries. And he is an awesome young man who has a powerful wife too in her own right, raising their children in the ways of the Lord, and is sold out completely for the Lord to use.

I don't doubt at all the things that happen. I too received a healing from one of his meetings.

God is still here. He didn't leave. And He's looking for those who will believe He is the same as He was when He first came.

Can you tell me the name of His ministrie?

 

[shrume]

I agree that Paul is talking about an earthly, human language.

No, Paul is talking about a language. Speaking in tongues can be a language of men or of angels (1 Cor 13:1).

 

[shrume]

i cant speak for other Christians but i dont try and speak in the spirit language as i follow Jesus and He never taught it.

It was not possible to speak in tongues before the day of Pentecost.

dont you think when the scriptures teach something there would be a point to it?

Absolutely.

of course, but i do this by following what Jesus and the 12 taught. Paul is a great teacher but he was not the Christ, and not one of the 12, if i cant confirm one of his teachigs with Jesus, the 12 or the Hebrew bible, i dont use it as its most likely being misunderstood.

Interesting. I believe what Paul taught and wrote in his letters was scripture, as authoritative as any other scripture in the Bible. Also Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:1).

i dont remember Moses, Elijah, or Abraham speaking in the spirit language, does this mean they did not believe?

Of course not. It was not possible to speak in tongues before the day of Pentecost.

it means some of the most enlightened believers of their day, a group John the Baptist most likely came from, never mention this spirit language. why do you think that is?

I don't know, and it does not really matter to me. The Bible mentions it, and I try and follow the Bible.

 

[UnderGrace]

No, Paul is talking about a language. Speaking in tongues can be a language of men or of angels (1 Cor 13:1).

Every Biblical instance of interaction between angels and humans demonstrates that angels speak human languages. In fact, John understood them perfectly well even when they were speaking to each other (See Revelation 7:2).

When Paul states “ the tongues of men and of angels” Paul is using his literary skills to make an example of hyperbole/the superlative used for rhetorical effect to emphasize the superiority of love.

Paul does this in many places, example….. and if I have faith, all faith as if to move mountains (superlative/hyperbole) but do not have love I am nothing.

Might I also add that when glossolalia has been studied by various linguists, across different ethnicities, the person who is speaking in tongues/glossolalia duplicates the sounds (phonemes) of his or her native language.

For example the sounds made by an American speaker consistently has distinctly different phonemes from a Japanese speaker. On the other hand, there is strong sameness of sounds among the people of a particular ethnicity or group.

 

[stonesoffire]

Did anyone ever read the results of the studies done at the University of Pennsylvania on tongues?

I'm sure anyone can still find it by googling. Very interesting.