Wow - so much unbelief through ignorance.
And yet in my church we operate speaking in an unknown tongue followed by interpretation.
God confirming tongues in the church and as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
1Corinthians 4:
So, what are the
mysteries of God according to the Bible?
1. The mystery that the gospel is also to the Gentiles:
"For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,3 how the
mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." Eph. 3:1-6
2. The mystery that is Christ in you.
"I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the
mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this
mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col. 1:23-27
3.The mystery that is Christ
"My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the
mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2:2-3
"Beyond all question,
the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory." 1 Tim. 3:16
Mystery of speaking in tongues?
"For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter
mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified." 1 Cor. 14:2-5
" For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but
my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen”to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified." 1 Cor. 14:13-17
This whole chapter is one where Paul points out that tongues are fruitless, not edifying to the church, and that UNDERSTANDING is more important.
So, yes, it is there, but it is only to point out the error of the Corinthians in exalting tongues, when there are so many more important things we can do as Christians to praise and glorify God. No wonder the whole practice died out. Paul says it clearly that tongues are simply not the goal.
If you have some verses that say otherwise, please post them. Otherwise, we shall leave it that the real mystery is the gospel that Christ died for our sins, Gentiles and Jews, and the Christ is the true mystery, risen from the dead and conquered sin.