Originally posted by Greeter
Going back to the above:
1 Cor 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
"To another the interpretation of tongues" gives us the indication that there are times when the crowd isn't able to speak the language.
It gives me the indication that a believer who goes among foreigners will be able to understand, or interpret,
their speech. I take 'interpret' to mean 'comprehend', not 'relay'.
That is one version of it but can't there be more?
1 Cor 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
If 'no-one understands', how can there be an 'interpreter'?
I don't know but this passage seems to refer to something else doesn't it?
1 Cor 14:13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
Hmm, even the person speaking may not understand it.
I don't understand that at all. What purpose does that serve? Who is edified by that? No-one?? There has to be another...um...interpretation.
There are other points within Corinthians that shows how the ability to speak in Tongues is one of the lesser gifts of the Holy Spirit, or at least that there are things much greater then it. It is still a gift though (though I would prefer the ability to prophecize )
1Cor 14:6Now, brothers, 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? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So 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. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Sounds like a chastisment to those who may be trying to pass off some kind of gibberish as the Gift of tongues.
The chapter of 1 Corinthians 14 addresses that by showing that it is better to prophecize then to speak in tongues and unless an interpretor is present then there isn't much use for it.
There is no use for it, apparently, "unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction". There are no more revelations. Public revelation ended when the last Apostle died. Scratch that one. 'Knowledge' is kinda vague, but when did you ever hear something 'interpreted' that told you something you didn't already know? Prophecy would be easy to authenticate. Do you know of any that have been recorded and proven true as a result of the Gift of Tongues? 'Word of Instruction' is also kinda vague, I cannot think of any instruction we might need that is not already contained in the Deposit of Faith.
Well by all means don't suger coat it, tell us how you really feel.
However, just to clear up what is acceptable behavior and what isn't, would I be allowed to go into the Catholic area and state that I felt something in the Catholic faith to be "absolute nonsense" or is that considered to be disrespectful? (No, not that I really want to )
I am truly sorry. I really didn't mean to be offensive, I only meant that I cannot make sense of it. I am very skeptical regarding people who claim this Gift because I can find no acceptable Scriptural or Traditional precedent for it as it is practiced today. I, in no way, meant to disparage anyone else's belief. I only meant to communicate my own perplexity. I do ask your forgiveness.
