Is Speaking in Tongues still available today?
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Well.. the disciples were empowered at Pentecost.. but was this indwelling?
The passage has the Holy Spirit as a rushing wind that came 'upon' them.
This is quite different to 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall receive everlasting life .. all through the book of John. John 3:16, 3:36, 5:24, 6:40, 10:28 etc..
The disciples had already walked with Jesus for years before this. Jesus talked to the disciples about church discipline to them in Matthew 18. As believers.
So.. this is a different way of the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than salvation itself.
The Holy Spirit works in the individuals soul..but also empowers groups of believers as a corporate gathering. A local NT church.
The passage has the Holy Spirit as a rushing wind that came 'upon' them.
This is quite different to 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall receive everlasting life .. all through the book of John. John 3:16, 3:36, 5:24, 6:40, 10:28 etc..
The disciples had already walked with Jesus for years before this. Jesus talked to the disciples about church discipline to them in Matthew 18. As believers.
So.. this is a different way of the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than salvation itself.
The Holy Spirit works in the individuals soul..but also empowers groups of believers as a corporate gathering. A local NT church.
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Well.. the disciples were empowered at Pentecost.. but was this indwelling?
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
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First of all, I didn’t ascribe any of your comments to Satan.
Secondly , what I did say that is that Satan is the author of confusion.
I believe that I am saved by Jesus ‘ sacrifice on the cross, I’ve confessed this publicly and have been immersed in baptism. I really don’t need to understand what you describe as “the unknown tongue,” you're trying to school me on. I just happen to believe that this gift was part of the early church - see below.
Speaking in tongues was more of helping the Apostles prove to the unbelievers that God's salvation was real. This was proven in the verse 1 Corinthians 14:22:
Acts 2:4-6 says (some of what you quoted…”All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.”
I do know that my daughter and husband we’re going to join a church years ago and they ran into a pastor who had to meet with them about membership. He explained to them that the church believed in speaking in tongues and in the instance that this happened, they would have an interpreter. And, guess what….? They did! So whatever they were trying to communicate was unknown to them and others there at worship. He also told them that if they wanted to become members, it was to be understood that their giving was part of membership and if their tithing stopped, so would their membership.
I also have a memory of this same daughter, Katie, visiting a friend that, it being a Wednesday night, they would be going to the friend’s church, I think she was about 10. I picked her up that evening and she was scared! 😱 “She said momma, momma, their church was speaking’ Spanish, and I was sooo scared!” 😳 Of course I had no idea that this was going to happen, but I do remember holding her and comforting her. And she never went back over to that friend ‘s house!
So yeah, not a lot of good experience with churches that believe in this gift, but I still agree with Paul‘s explanation in 1 Corinthians 14:13-14, that when someone speaks in tongues, it should be interpreted. This is because speaking in tongues can only benefit one man, it won't help others know God better. The interpretation will also help prove that the tongues are used to praise God and not just a show of prophetic statements to impress other people.
There are two views on speaking in tongues:
Pentecostals affirm what is often called a “private prayer language,” explained in your post. This type of prayer is a miracle of speaking without a miracle of hearing. Pentecostals will often pray in tongues publicly during corporate services, which seems to contradict much of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14.
I understand what you have said, I’m just not in agreement. But also remember, we are to speak to each other in love, one of the very commandments that Jesus left for us to fulfill until He calls us home. So lovingly, I‘ll agree to disagree with your view.
First of all, I didn’t ascribe any of your comments to Satan.
Secondly , what I did say that is that Satan is the author of confusion.
I believe that I am saved by Jesus ‘ sacrifice on the cross, I’ve confessed this publicly and have been immersed in baptism. I really don’t need to understand what you describe as “the unknown tongue,” you're trying to school me on. I just happen to believe that this gift was part of the early church - see below.
Speaking in tongues was more of helping the Apostles prove to the unbelievers that God's salvation was real. This was proven in the verse 1 Corinthians 14:22:
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.”
Acts 2:4-6 says (some of what you quoted…”All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.”
I do know that my daughter and husband we’re going to join a church years ago and they ran into a pastor who had to meet with them about membership. He explained to them that the church believed in speaking in tongues and in the instance that this happened, they would have an interpreter. And, guess what….? They did! So whatever they were trying to communicate was unknown to them and others there at worship. He also told them that if they wanted to become members, it was to be understood that their giving was part of membership and if their tithing stopped, so would their membership.
I also have a memory of this same daughter, Katie, visiting a friend that, it being a Wednesday night, they would be going to the friend’s church, I think she was about 10. I picked her up that evening and she was scared! 😱 “She said momma, momma, their church was speaking’ Spanish, and I was sooo scared!” 😳 Of course I had no idea that this was going to happen, but I do remember holding her and comforting her. And she never went back over to that friend ‘s house!
So yeah, not a lot of good experience with churches that believe in this gift, but I still agree with Paul‘s explanation in 1 Corinthians 14:13-14, that when someone speaks in tongues, it should be interpreted. This is because speaking in tongues can only benefit one man, it won't help others know God better. The interpretation will also help prove that the tongues are used to praise God and not just a show of prophetic statements to impress other people.
There are two views on speaking in tongues:
- The “cessationist” view sees tongues as a gift appropriate only for the early church, a gift that the Spirit ceased giving long ago.
- The “continuationist” or Pentecostal perspective sees tongues (and other gifts, such as healing or prophecy) as ongoing gifts for the body of Christ.
Pentecostals affirm what is often called a “private prayer language,” explained in your post. This type of prayer is a miracle of speaking without a miracle of hearing. Pentecostals will often pray in tongues publicly during corporate services, which seems to contradict much of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14.
I understand what you have said, I’m just not in agreement. But also remember, we are to speak to each other in love, one of the very commandments that Jesus left for us to fulfill until He calls us home. So lovingly, I‘ll agree to disagree with your view.
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Do you have any scripture that when Paul spoke in tongues it was another language? Of all the scripture that pertains towards speaking in tongues all differ from the one single example in the Book of Acts. In fact, most other scripture describing speaking in tongues indicates "utterings and groanings." That for certain cannot be considered a form of language. But it's still considered speaking in tongues in the Bible.
Examples of no one claiming speaking in tongues was other languages someone could understand:
1. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
2. Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 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.
...there's many more but "none of them" say someone can understand them because it's a human language.
So basically, "one verse" has the example of (human language) and the rest of the verses claim it's speaking to God and no one can understand it.
Since every verse "but one" shows us no human is able to understand it, wouldn't most of the Biblical examples sound gibberish then?
Yes it would.
Examples of no one claiming speaking in tongues was other languages someone could understand:
1. Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
2. Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
3. 1 Corinthians 14:2 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.
...there's many more but "none of them" say someone can understand them because it's a human language.
So basically, "one verse" has the example of (human language) and the rest of the verses claim it's speaking to God and no one can understand it.
Since every verse "but one" shows us no human is able to understand it, wouldn't most of the Biblical examples sound gibberish then?
Yes it would.
Even in Acts 10 it shows "NO ONE" understood it was a language but it was "ONLY" speaking tongues.
45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
My bet is it sounded "gibberish" to the circumcised. Not as a human language since the Bible ""is clear to not include"" it was a human language being spoken.
45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
My bet is it sounded "gibberish" to the circumcised. Not as a human language since the Bible ""is clear to not include"" it was a human language being spoken.
So "One single example of human language" and the other 10+ examples of speaking in tongues are gibberish examples all found in the Bible.
Maybe this is why it "REQUIRES THE HOLY SPIRIT GIFT of INTERPRETATION to interpret the Gibberish Utterings and Groanings" from the Holy Spirit?
My Bible claims Interpretation is a GIFT, not being able to speak many human languages which can be learned.
Maybe this is why it "REQUIRES THE HOLY SPIRIT GIFT of INTERPRETATION to interpret the Gibberish Utterings and Groanings" from the Holy Spirit?
My Bible claims Interpretation is a GIFT, not being able to speak many human languages which can be learned.
8 For to one ""is given"" through the Spirit
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
To interpret is a GIFT of the Holy Spirit. If you don't have the Gift it sounds gibberish.
But I can speak 5 human languages and that is learned.
To "interpret" speaking in tongues ""requires"" the GIFT of Interpretation from the Holy Spirit.
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
To interpret is a GIFT of the Holy Spirit. If you don't have the Gift it sounds gibberish.
But I can speak 5 human languages and that is learned.
To "interpret" speaking in tongues ""requires"" the GIFT of Interpretation from the Holy Spirit.
God alerted me about something.
All of us can learn other human languages.
Only those "who have the Holy Spirit Gift of Interpretation" can understand speaking in Tongues.
So, you can know 50 human languages and speaking in tongues won't make any sense to you.
And it's not because you haven't educated yourself in that language, it's because only the Holy Spirit GIFT of Interpretation can understand it.
See how cool God is.
He completely "removed" this idea speaking in tongues is a human language because you need the Holy Spirit Gift of Interpretation to understand it.
All of us can learn other human languages.
Only those "who have the Holy Spirit Gift of Interpretation" can understand speaking in Tongues.
So, you can know 50 human languages and speaking in tongues won't make any sense to you.
And it's not because you haven't educated yourself in that language, it's because only the Holy Spirit GIFT of Interpretation can understand it.
See how cool God is.
He completely "removed" this idea speaking in tongues is a human language because you need the Holy Spirit Gift of Interpretation to understand it.
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Very interesting question, the text says in Acts 2:5-8,
5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
I honestly feel like this miracle seem more likely to be taking place in the people ears more than the believers mouths. It says they were "devout men from every nation under heaven", so they spoke many different languages yet they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?"
So we are clearly told that they each heard them speaking in their own native tongue. This to me sounds more like the men would speak and each one of them understood what was being said in their own language.
One of the Key factors in my mind is they "understood", they all understood this day. Very much not what I see practiced in churches today. Where is my misunderstanding here?
5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
I honestly feel like this miracle seem more likely to be taking place in the people ears more than the believers mouths. It says they were "devout men from every nation under heaven", so they spoke many different languages yet they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?"
So we are clearly told that they each heard them speaking in their own native tongue. This to me sounds more like the men would speak and each one of them understood what was being said in their own language.
One of the Key factors in my mind is they "understood", they all understood this day. Very much not what I see practiced in churches today. Where is my misunderstanding here?
Some things to understand there were 120+ speaking in Tongues, now it could have been:
1. Each one was speaking a different language
2. Each one was speaking multiple languages one at a time
3. Some could have been speaking in tongues and some could have been interpreting.
no matter which scenario is being used, whether tongue or common spoken language, both are speaking in tongues. 15 different dialects or regions present in the crowd would have obviously understood what was being said with so many languages being spoken.
It is not like that today because 1. In most church setting today there won't be 15 or more different kinds of language with the congregation. 2. Nor would there be 120+ people speaking in Tongues --aloud for entirety of congregation to hear on purpose-- because that would be out of order. This was a one time event to mark the birth of the Church and display the Universality of the Gospel message.
It is not like that today because 1. In most church setting today there won't be 15 or more different kinds of language with the congregation. 2. Nor would there be 120+ people speaking in Tongues --aloud for entirety of congregation to hear on purpose-- because that would be out of order. Repeating this I have more to say and I hope it helps someone to understand.
The only exception to #2 is during worship service, healing service, pray meetings, and altar calls. Now I admit at times some new converts get a little overzealous with the Gifts and speak a little to loud or dance in the Spirit a little to wildly, but what do you expect from newborn babes. In time they will come to understand more and more. Carefully keep an eye on the leadership of the Church, if at times someone get out of control with the Gifts during regular service, and they don't take them aside, be leary of that Church or at least help them understand that everything needs to be decent and in order according to scripture. We are here on earth to help each other to better understand.
If someone is speaking aloud in the congregation during regular service and there is no interpreter they should be quiet. During regular service there should never be more that one speaking in tongues at a time. And there should never be more than 3 without an interpretation. Let me explain further what I mean:
1. Tongues, Tongues, Tongues, Interpretation
2. Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation
3. Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation
4. etc...... In course by three at most anymore and the Pastor should immediately shut them down for being out of order of the Holy Ghost. I have seen this done before. Plus in a True NT following Church there will be The Gift of Discernment (the ability to know if the Spirit in someone is True to God or not) I hope this helps.
1. Each one was speaking a different language
2. Each one was speaking multiple languages one at a time
3. Some could have been speaking in tongues and some could have been interpreting.
no matter which scenario is being used, whether tongue or common spoken language, both are speaking in tongues. 15 different dialects or regions present in the crowd would have obviously understood what was being said with so many languages being spoken.
It is not like that today because 1. In most church setting today there won't be 15 or more different kinds of language with the congregation. 2. Nor would there be 120+ people speaking in Tongues --aloud for entirety of congregation to hear on purpose-- because that would be out of order. This was a one time event to mark the birth of the Church and display the Universality of the Gospel message.
It is not like that today because 1. In most church setting today there won't be 15 or more different kinds of language with the congregation. 2. Nor would there be 120+ people speaking in Tongues --aloud for entirety of congregation to hear on purpose-- because that would be out of order. Repeating this I have more to say and I hope it helps someone to understand.
The only exception to #2 is during worship service, healing service, pray meetings, and altar calls. Now I admit at times some new converts get a little overzealous with the Gifts and speak a little to loud or dance in the Spirit a little to wildly, but what do you expect from newborn babes. In time they will come to understand more and more. Carefully keep an eye on the leadership of the Church, if at times someone get out of control with the Gifts during regular service, and they don't take them aside, be leary of that Church or at least help them understand that everything needs to be decent and in order according to scripture. We are here on earth to help each other to better understand.
If someone is speaking aloud in the congregation during regular service and there is no interpreter they should be quiet. During regular service there should never be more that one speaking in tongues at a time. And there should never be more than 3 without an interpretation. Let me explain further what I mean:
1. Tongues, Tongues, Tongues, Interpretation
2. Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation
3. Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Tongues, Interpretation, Tongues, Interpretation
4. etc...... In course by three at most anymore and the Pastor should immediately shut them down for being out of order of the Holy Ghost. I have seen this done before. Plus in a True NT following Church there will be The Gift of Discernment (the ability to know if the Spirit in someone is True to God or not) I hope this helps.
I did not see how the information you have presented supports the conclusion you draw in that last sentence.
Speaking in tongues means speaking in languages. It's in the meaning of the words used in the Bible.
now if those in cordelia's house spoken some foreign language that Peter or his friends knew about would this passage be worded incorrectly or would it be any less true or Peter stood up and interpreted their tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues with this passage be any less true?
I am not saying that happened but not every detail that happened as recorded in the Bible and if there was an interpretation of tongues or that someone understood the language that was spoken in tongues the passage would still be true and accurate even if it doesn't include that detail.
Speaking in tongues means speaking in languages. It's in the meaning of the words used in the Bible.
now if those in cordelia's house spoken some foreign language that Peter or his friends knew about would this passage be worded incorrectly or would it be any less true or Peter stood up and interpreted their tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues with this passage be any less true?
I am not saying that happened but not every detail that happened as recorded in the Bible and if there was an interpretation of tongues or that someone understood the language that was spoken in tongues the passage would still be true and accurate even if it doesn't include that detail.