Other Tongues

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you.

1 Corinthians 14:6-12

I’ve mentioned in an earlier blog that I once thought people speaking in ‘tongues’ was ancient Hebrew. I was in a prayer/healing meeting and people just started babbling. It was weird, fascinating, confusing and I didn’t want to be left out.

I was taught that tongues were a natural response to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a baptism that occurs after salvation and leads to a fuller experience of God.
I’ve since reconsidered what I think the Bible says about tongues.

But first, can I say, if you do speak in tongues or know someone that does - I’m not necessarily trying to shut that/you/them down. I think this is an area of the Bible that isn’t entirely clear and we each need to come to our own understanding. I’m just presenting to you what I think the Bible says.

This might take me a few Tuesday/Saturday blogs.

Let’s start with this. In the first instance of tongues - the hearers recognised a language they already knew. The purpose of this? Well, notice that Peter doesn’t go on to proclaim the gospel in their foreign tongue. I think it’s safe to say that in Acts 2 (and the rest of the Acts - 10, 19), tongues are a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work spreading across the world and its people groups. First in Jerusalem and spreading to the ends of the earth.

Ok, let’s start with that. On Tuesday, we will move to consider more modern forms of tongue speaking.

For Today:

• Have you spoken in tongues or heard someone speak in tongues?
• What has been your thinking on this phenomenon?
• Ask God to give you understanding and discernment in this area.

Pray: Praise the Father that He is the God who speaks to His people. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who we can know and understand. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others gain understanding and discernment of spiritual gifts.