Speech And Tongues Of Fire

[Revelation 14:6-12]

What does the Bible have to say upon the subject of our speech, upon our witness, upon or language, for "Who hath made man's mouth" [Exodus 4:11;p]?

What does the Bible have to say about a specific gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, the gift of "tongues"?

Does the gift still exist today? How can one determine if it is of the right "spirit"?

GOD does give "gifts unto men" [Ephesians 4:8;p], but the devil, a "murderer...abode not in the truth...liar" [John 8:44;p] loves "confusion" [1 Corinthians 14:33;p] and loves to "deceive" [Matthew 24:5;p; Revelation 20:3,8;p] and he counterfeits the true gifts and miracles of GOD to draw followers after himself, "by the iniquity of thy traffick"[Ezekiel 28:18;p], just as he did with 1/3rd of the angels in heaven [Revelation 12:4].

How then can we tell the difference? The Bible says...

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. [Isaiah 8:20]

Since there are two primary spirits in this world, that of GOD, and that of devils...

[1.] [GOD] "...the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you..." [Romans 8:11;p]

[2.] [satan/devils] "...the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" [Ephesians 2:2;p]

...and satan/devils can do miracles, signs and great wonders to deceive, and maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men...

... "...they are the spirits of devils, working miracles,..." [Revelation 16:14;p]...

... and "...whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders..." [2 Thessalonians 2:9;p]...

... and he [satan] counterfeits the HOLY fire of GOD...

"And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men," [Revelation 13:13] ...

...and the devil has his counterfeit of the Biblical gift of tongues...

"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." [Revelation 16:13] [an unholy trinity, Dragon, Beast, False Prophet]

...the power of the frog, an unclean animal [representing the unclean spirits, devils], is in its tongue, how then shall we know and not be led into error?

For wicked men will wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, orating with "flattering lips...the tongue that speaketh proud things" [Psalms 12:3;p], and even "great words" "against the MOST HIGH" [Daniel 7:11,25]:

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [Revelation 18:2]

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. ]2 Timothy 3:13]

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: [Romans 3:13]

For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. [Psalms 5:9]

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity. [Psalms 10:7]

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips [are] our own: who [is] lord over us? [Psalms 12:4]

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. [Psalms 50:19]

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. [Psalms 73:9]

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. [Romans 16:18]

So, do we go by our "eyes", our "ears", our "hearts", our "feelings", our "flesh" or our "experience"?

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. [Jude 1:19]

Or do we go by the WORD of GOD instead, an "it is written", or a "thus saith the LORD"?

Do we want to know for certain what the Bible teaches on these things?

Whether what we believe is of the TRUTH or a lie? There is only one way to know...

"...search the scriptures..." [John 5:39;p]

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [1 Thessalonians 5:21]

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. [1 Corinthians 14:32]

The "scriptures cannot be broken" [John 10:35;p], are given by "inspiration of GOD" [2 Timothy 3:16;p], and we are to be like the noble Bereans, "more noble than those in Thessalonica" [Acts 17:11;p] and we are to go "line upon line, line upon line" [Isaiah 28:10;p], "rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH" [2 Timothy 2:15;p], to "Despise not prophesyings." [1 Thessalonians 5:20] and to know that "no prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation" [2 Peter 1:20;p], being guided by the HOLY SPIRIT, HE who leads us "into all TRUTH" [John 16:13;p] we should be able together to look at the WORD of GOD on the subject of "tongues" and come to the same conclusions, for as GOD says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD..." [Isaiah 1:18;p].

So, "Quench not the Spirit." [1 Thessalonians 5:19], but "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." [1 John 4:1].

There are many false spirits...

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." [2 Corinthians 11:14],

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. [Revelation 16:14]...

...yet, GOD is the GOD of TRUTH...[Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 24:15, 119:142,151; John 14:6, 17:17; 1 John 5:6]...

What does the Bible then teach on the matter of our speech?

"...that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth..." [Exodus 13:9;p]

"...This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth..." [Joshua 1:8;p]

"My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments [are] righteousness." [Psalms 119:172]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Let us begin by looking at how followers of CHRIST JESUS should have their speech...

And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. [Exodus 23:13]

But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. [Deuteronomy 30:14]

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. [Psalms 34:13]

[[To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.]] I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. [Psalms 39:1]

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. [Psalms 119:171]

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. [Colossians 4:6]

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. [Titus 2:8]

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. [1 Corinthians 15:33]

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [Ephesians 4:29]

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. [Colossians 3:8]

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: [1 Peter 3:10]

My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. [Job 27:4]

My words [shall be of] the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. [Job 33:3]

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding. [Psalms 49:23]

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. [Ecclesiastes 5:2]

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [1 Corinthians 13:6]

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [1 Peter 1:15]

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [Colossians 3:16]

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [James 3:5]

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [James 3:6]

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. [Revelation 14:5]

...A Christian should be like JESUS:

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [1 Peter 2:22]

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. [Deuteronomy 8:3]

...and speak without confusion, without swearing, without bearing a false witness, speaking in True Love and Truth, according the the LAW and to the TESTIMONY.

We should, by the Grace of GOD, speak to one another in compassionate kindness putting away and rebuking that which is error, deception, misunderstanding, falsehood, and to do this in truth, love, patience, longsuffering...

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. [Ephesians 5:11]

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [2 Timothy 4:2]

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [Colossians 3:12]

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, [2 Corinthians 6:6]

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness. [Proverbs 31:26]

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: [Deuteronomy 32:2]

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [1 Timothy 4:12]

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [1 Timothy 6:3]

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [1 Timothy 6:4]

All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [2 Timothy 3:16]

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: [Titus 2:1]

...How did Paul himself preach?...

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. [Acts 26:25]

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. [1 Timothy 2:7]

...It is not wrong to call error by its true name, but let us not step beyond the boundaries given us by scripture and step into sin and sinning. Let us not be called by HIS [JESUS] name while speaking like a dragon, for then we violate and transgress the 3rd Commandment.

As the HOLY SPIRIT speaks to us what HE hears, let us also speak to others what HE speaks to us through THE WORD in love, uprightness and truth...

...Let us follow such a heavenly example in all speech, prayer, song, etc...

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. [Jude 1:9]

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. [1 Peter 2:12]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Now that we have a good foundation in what our speech should be from the WORD, let us now look at the various words for "tongues", "language" and "speech" [along with associated and similar words] in scripture:

"לָשׁוֹן" "lashown" Language Hebrew [From "Lashan" meaning "to use the tongue"]; Translated into English as "tongue"; Def 1. Tongue b.) Language [Strong's Concordance; See also Gesenius's Lexicon]


"לִשָּׁן" "lishshan (Aramaic)" Language Aramaic [Corresponding to the Hebrew "lashown"]; translated into English as "language"; Def 1. Tongue, Language b.) People [Strong's Concordance] Def 1. A Tongue, hence used of a Nation using a peculiar language [Gesenius's Lexicon]


"שָׂפָה" "saphah" Language Hebrew [From "caphah or shaphah" meaning "sweep away, snatch away, sweep bare, scrape, etc"]; Translated into English as "language"; Def 1. Lip, Language. Speech, Shore, Bank, Brink a.) lip (body part) b.) language c.) edge, shore, bank [Strong's Concordance; See also Gesenius's Lexicon]


"דָּבָר" "dabar" Language Hebrew [From "dabar" meaning "speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing"]; Translated into English as "language"; Def 1. speech, word(s), speaking, utterance, etc. [Strong's Concordance; See also Gesenius's Lexicon]


"לָעַז" "la`az" Language Hebrew [Primitive Root]; Translated into English as "strange language"; Def 1. To Speak Indistinctly, Speak Unintelligibly; [Strong's Concordance]; Def 1. To Speak Barbarously, In A Foreign Language [Gesenius's Lexicon] [Speaking in Psalms 114:1 of Egyptian Language Specifically]


"γλῶσσα" "glōssa" Language Greek; Translated into English as "tongue"; Def: 1. Tongue, Member of the Body, an Organ of Speech; 2. a Tongue a.) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations. [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]


"ἑτερόγλωσσος" "heteroglōssos" Language Greek [From "glossa" and "heteros" meaning "another language"]; Translated into English as "[other] tongues"; Def 1. One who speaks another language. [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]


"διάλεκτος" "dialektos" Language Greek [From "dialegomai" meaning "to think different, or to converse, argue, discuss" or "through,by [dia] speaking [lego]"]; Translated into English as "tongues; language"; Def 1. Conversation, speech, discourse language; 2. The Tongue or Language peculiar to any people [hence our English word "dialect" which traces through Latin to Greek.] [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]


"διαλαλέω" "dialaleō" Language Greek [From "dia" meaning "by/through" and "laleō" meaning "uttering speech, conversing/discussing one's mind/thoughts"]; Translated into English as "noise abroad, commune"; Def 1. To converse together, to talk with [Strong's Concordance]; Def 1. To converse together, to talk with, of the conference of men deliberating [Thayer's Lexicon]; Def 1. Commune, to speak with anyone, to talk over, to noise abroad; 2. Noise [Vine's Expository]


"homileō" "ὁμιλέω" Language Greek [From "homilos" meaning "a multitude of men gathered together, a crowd, a throng"]; Translated in English as "talk, commune with, commune together"; Def 1. To be in company with; 2. to associate with; 3. to stay with; 4. to converse with, talk about: with one; intercourse/dialogue with [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]


"syllaleō" "συλλαλέω" Language Greek [From "syn" meaning "with" and "laleō" meaning "uttering speech, conversing/discussing one's mind/thoughts"]; Translated in English as "talk with, talk, speak, commune with, confer"; Def 1. To Talk with [Strong's Concordance]; [hence our English word "syllable" which traces through Anglo-French to Latin to Greek]; Def 1. Commune, To talk together; 2. Confer, conference; 3. Speak; 4. Talk [Vine's Expository]


"phōnē" "φωνή" Language Greek; Translated in English as "voice, sound, noise"; Def 1. A sound, a tone a.) of inanimate things, as musical instruments, natural: thunder, earthquake, millstone, chariots, wings, winds, waters, etc.; 2. Voice a.) of the sound of uttered words; or noises: crying, weeping, lamenting, joyful noises, laughter, painful expressions, moaning, yelp, crying out, shouting, or singing musical notes, etc.; 3. Speech a.) of a language, tongue [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]


"thorybeō" "θορυβέω" Language Greek [From "thorybos" meaning "noise, tumult, uproar"]; Translated in English as "tumult, uproar"; Def 1. A noise, tumult, uproar a.) of persons wailing b.) of a clamorous and excited multitude c.) of riotous persons; 2. A tumult, as a breach of public order [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]

Let us look at a few brief examples, to also be gone over again later:

"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." [Acts 2:6]

[The Greek word "idios"="own" is used here, meaning "pertaining to oneself, one's own, belonging to oneself" [Strong's Concordance], so the Passage clearly reads that "every man heard them speak in his own Language", or dialect of his/her Nation, and were preaching the WORD in POWER through the HOLY SPIRIT to the "multitude", since there were many there in the city of Jerusalem, Jews from many Nations and Countries - See Acts 2:1-13...

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 how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" [Acts 2:8]

"Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." [Acts 2:11]]


"λαλέω" "laleō" Langauge Greek [Prolonged form of an obsolete verb]; Translated [mostly] into English as "speak"; Def 1. To Utter a Voice or Emit a Sound; 2. to speak a.) to use the Tongue or Faculty of Speech b.) to Utter Articulate Sounds; 3. to Talk; 4. to Utter, Tell; 5. to use Words in Order to Declare one's Mind and Disclose one's Thoughts a.) to Speak [Strong's Concordance; See also Thayer's Lexicon and Vine's Expository]

[See also the many uses in the LXX (Septuagint), of the Greek "laleō" meaning "to Speak", beginning with Genesis 18:27 (Abraham and the LORD "speak" to one another directly): http://www.septuagint.org/LXX/Genesis/18 ]


"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost." [2 Peter 1:21]

[The word used for "spake" is the Greek "laleō", and used in conjunction with the HOLY SPIRIT. Compare to the events in Acts 2:10-13 and other places of Scripture, wherein Prophets had given the WORD of GOD in clearly defined languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and now Greek, etc.]


"As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." [2 Peter 3:16]

[The word "speaking" is the Greek "laleō", and Peter is warning others about Paul's Epistles, being not for the unlearned, for some things were more difficult to grasp and many were using those Epistles (as is done today) to their own ends apart from the rest of the Prophets of GOD. Many are "wrest"ing the Biblical gift of tongues and replacing it with something it is not - confusion.]


Peter, reiterating the events in Acts 10, says; "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." [Acts 11:15]

[Peter is stating that the same "gift...of tongues" was given by the HOLY SPIRIT to preach the Gospel to those of another Language [Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Arabic, see Acts 2:9-11, etc] as was given at Pentecost in Acts 2, Cornelius, himself, was a Gentile "of the Italian Band", and Peter was a Jew who spoke Aramaic, but was given the gift of the tongues to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles in their own languages without having to have first learned them.]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Let's look at the uses of those words and examine the specific places in scripture which reveal the "gift...of tongues" directly in use as given by the wisdom and power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

How many such places are there in scripture and where are they?

There are only three such places as found in scripture and they are found in the Book of Acts alone [Acts Chapters 2, 10 and 19] and all this being foretold, even by JESUS:


And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [Mark 16:17]

And, "Why was it given so?" The Great Commission, to preach the "Everlasting Gospel" in all of the world "for a witness":

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [Mark 16:15]

The Background: JESUS was ascended from the Mount of Olives after having appeared for 40 days alive [HE being resurrected] and doing many miracles [Acts 1:2-3], and the devout discples went back to Jerusalem from there and gathered in an upper room [about 120 of them; Acts 1:15] to pray and read the scriptures, as was commanded by JESUS before HE ascended bodily into Heaven [Acts 1:4-5].

They were to await the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT [Acts 1:8] [10 days later on Pentecost] which came from the anointing of JESUS in Heaven [Acts 2:33] [see Dr. Samuel Koranteng-Pipim - http://www.drpipim.org/seminar-hand...01/140-the-unknown-truth-about-pentecost.html

The day finally/fully came, type met anti-type, shadow met reality, and that which had been for so long pointing forward met the moment of fullness:

Acts Chapter 2

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [Acts 2:1]

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [Acts 2:2]

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [Acts 2:3]

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]

Before we can continue past these verses, we have to ask, "What are these "other tongues" and what was the purpose that was to be accomplished that such a "gift" of "other tongues" was given to the Apostles and Disciples at this time by the HOLY SPIRIT?"

These "other tongues" are the national languages of the world and this "gift" was given for the clear preaching and spreading of the "Everlasting Gospel", first in Jerusalem to Jews, then later to all Peoples, Nations and Tongues [just as the same commission is true in our day, Revelation 10:11, 17:15],

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, ...:" [Matthew 28:19;p]

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." [Acts 1:8]

"...he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead." [Acts 10:42;p],

Many devout Jews from out of every nation under heaven were gathered at Jerusalem for Pentecost:

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. [Acts 2:5]

These devout Jews were not all learned in the Hebrew [or even Aramaic, or Greek or Latin] language/tongue, for they were those which were born and raised in various parts of the world, in various nations, and mainly spoke their native born tongue/language and made [in some instances great] pilgrimmage to Jerusalem for the Feasts, as scripture attests to:

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, [Acts 2:9]

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, [Acts 2:10]

"Cretes and Arabians..." [Acts 2:11;p]

So, we may ask of scripture, "How then did these devout Jews come to know the Everlasting Gospel?"

It was through the power and presence of the HOLY SPIRIT [that had been promised; John 14:16; Acts 1:8] by which the Apostles and Disciples [from Galiliee] were now [by divine grace and miracle, having never before through learning to speak these foreign languages of other nations as listed; Acts 2:9-11] boldly preaching JESUS CHRIST [HIM crucified, dead, buried, raised and ascended, HE being the "Everlasting Gospel" itself], in these devout Jews native born langauges/tongues:

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. [Acts 2:6]

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? [Acts 2:7]

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? [Acts 2:8]

Not only were these HOLY SPIRIT filled men and women [Apostles/Disciples] preaching JESUS CHRIST boldly in those languages of other nations, they were also clearly and resolutely declaring the wonderful works of GOD,

"...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." [Acts 2:11;p],

So much so, that in that very selfsame day, 3000 Jews/people "received" and "believed" on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and were "baptized" because of it! [Acts 2:41]

However, not all believed, for at first the Apostles and Disciples were mocked by some:

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. [Acts 2:13]

But Peter makes it known that none of them were "drunken" as was supposed by those who mocked [no one may be "drunken" on the HOLY SPIRIT [though some preachers today have claimed to be, they even claiming to be the 'bartender' of the 'spirit']; for THE HOLY SPIRIT is Pure and Holy]:

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. [Acts 2:15]

To be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is not to be in "confusion" or "drunken" [Ephesians 5:18], but rather with soberness [1 Thessalonians 5:6,8; 1 Timothy 3:2,11; Titus 1:8, 2:2-6; 1 Peter 1:13, 4:7, 5:8] for "...GOD is not [the author] of confusion..." [1 Corinthians 14:33;p].

Those who are in "confusion" are transgressors [Jeremiah 3:25; Daniel 9:7-8; James 3:16], drinkers of alcohol [fermented and mixed 'wine' and strong drink; Proverbs 20:1; etc, for Christians are not to drink any alcoholic content, more on this in another Article] and those deceiving and deceived [Jeremiah 51:7].

Peter quotes the prophecies of Joel [Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32] concerning the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT and the miraculous gifts being witnessed.

Joel and Peter both specifically say that the people would "prophesy", quoting also Psalms and King David [Psalms 16:8-11 [Acts 2:25-28], Psalms 110:1 [Acts 2:34-35] and other verses were directly explaining those texts or were appeals made].

Sober Truth: There is no mention/demonstration, in any part of Acts Chapter 2 [or Joel], of the events and phenomena that surround the widely spread confusion and modern definition of the "gift...of tongues"; where people fall over each other, roll in the aisles, 'hoot and hollar', cry, weep and wail, laugh uncontrollably, blurt out in incoherent utterances, repeat repetitious vanities or nonsensical sounds, whether in supposed 'praise, prayer or song', etc. Rather there was a deep Bible study, sincere prayer, unity in Truth and fellowship and following what JESUS commanded be done [Acts 1:4,13-26].

We should seriously and soberly ask ourselves, "Would JESUS CHRIST, baptized [Mark 1:9] and filled without measure [John 3:34] of the HOLY SPIRIT, really approve of those things that are touted today as 'proof of the HOLY SPIRIT'?"

Proof of the HOLY SPIRIT is not in them, but rather HE is in the changed and contrite heart, in them who obey GOD in HIS Commandments [Exodus 20:6; John 14:15,21, 15:14; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 5:9; 1 John 5:2-3; 2 John 1:6, etc].

Can any show even one instance in scripture where JESUS CHRIST, our HOLY, LOVING and PERFECT example, said, taught, allowed or did any of those things mentioned?

That which is being passed off as the genuine and True "gift...of tongues" is actually a false and lying tongue from Satan, who loves to deceive, [a false witness, a false fire [Revelation 13:13]], a Babylonian confusion [Genesis 11:7], part of the curse of rebellion, and is similar to the many pagan rites [Baal worship, the Oracles of Delphi, Vodun, etc] which eventually led to demon possession, and of them who peep and mutter [Isaiah 8:19], and even crying aloud and cutting themselves [1 Kings 18:28].

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

The Background:

Peter was passing throughout "Lydda" and "Joppa" preaching the Gospel to the Jews, healing the sick, raising the dead [Acts 9:32-43], but had not yet truly begun to preach to the Gentiles [Acts 11:19].

GOD then sets up a providencial meeting between Peter and Cornelius [A Gentile Roman-Italian Soldier]...

Acts Chapter 10

"...a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurian of the band called the Italian [band]," [Acts 10:1;p]

"[A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." [Acts 10:2]

GOD gives Cornelius a vision and sends him an Angel wherein he is told to send men to Joppa to bring Simon Peter [Acts 10:3-6] and so Cornelius obeys and tells his two servants and a soldier what has happened and sends those 3 men to Joppa [Acts 10:7-8].

The very next day while the 3 men of Cornelius were travelling towards Peter; Peter, himself, having gone upon the rooftop to pray, and he became very hungry and he would have eaten, but while those of the household prepared food for him, he has a vision from GOD [Acts 10:10, 11:5].

The vision, which was signifcantly given 3 times [Acts 10:16, 11:10] consisted of a large square sheet being let down from Heaven, wherein were all manner ...

"...of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air." [Acts 10:12;p, 11:6;p]

...and "...there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat." [Acts 10:13;p, 11:7;p],

...but also significantly Peter says, "...Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean." [Acts 10:14;p, 11:8;p].

The voice in the vision then says, "...What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common." [Acts 10:15;p, 11:9;p].

Peter comes out of the vision somewhat perplexed and...

"doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean..." [Acts 10:17;p]

...and while thinking on the 3 times, 3 men show up at the front door of the house of Simon the Tanner [Acts 10:17-18].

Peter, still thinking on the vision, was told that 3 men were seeking him, and then the HOLY SPIRIT says unto him,

"Behold, three men seek thee." [Acts 10:19;p, 11:11;p]

...and "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them." [Acts 10:20, 11:12].

[SIde Note [Food/Diet]: There are many who use this vision to declare that GOD hath cleansed the unclean animals and that they may now be eaten for food by Christians.

This is a serious misapplication of this text for GOD has clearly said in Deuteronomy 14:3 [and whole chapter] and in Leviticus 20 that they were not to ever be eaten.

The text in Acts 10 and 11 clearly states, as does Peter's own admission, that he continued to follow the Commandments of GOD and he never ate anything common or unclean, as delineated by the WORD, and this being years after the ascension of JESUS CHRIST.

Peter was even very hungry and still refused, even though the voice in the vision told him to eat! The HOLY SPIRIT clearly indicates that the 3 times represented the 3 men that were sent to him from Cornelius, for GOD had sent them.

GOD was opening up the way to the Gentiles for Peter, for the Jews had thought the Gentiles were unclean, even by association [Acts 10:28, 11:2-3], even by touch! [hence the washing of pots and pans, etc. especially when coming from the market places; Mark 7:4,8]

The scriptures clearly reveal what the vision stood for, "...God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." [Acts 10:28;p] and even Peter exclaims, "...Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." [Acts 10:34] and "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." [Acts 10:35] and the very bottom line of the whole matter, as even witnessed by believers of the circumcision, "...Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." [Acts 11:18];

...the vision had nothing to do with food. More on the Food/Diet in another Post yet to come, the Unclean/Clean divisions stand firm in the WORD of GOD for it is older even than Moses [Genesis 7:2], and the whole matter of sin in this world came about because Adam disobeyed and ate something he was not supposed to eat [Genesis 2:17], do not be deceived on this issue, for GOD is not mocked [Galatians 6:7].]


Continuing onward in Acts Chapter 10, Peter lodges the visitors and then sets out with them the next day [Acts 10:21-23].

Peter and Cornelius finally get together at Cornelius' house where a whole gathering of people [near friends and kinsman of Cornelius] were gathered to hear the WORD of GOD from Peter [Acts 10:27].

Peter goes in unto them [Acts 10:28-29].

Cornelius relates his side of the story [Acts 10:30-33].

Peter sees that GOD has opened the way for the Gentiles to also be saved [Acts 10:28,34-35, 11:18].

Peter talks about the "word" that they were to "preach unto the people" as "commanded" [Acts 10:42] and just as Peter was finishing up the sermon, the HOLY SPIRIT is also poured out on the believing Gentiles present, and they too also receive the "gift...of tongues" and preach in their languages and clearly and understandably "magnify GOD":

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [Acts 10:44]

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [Acts 10:45]

"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. ..." [Acts 10:46;p]

These converted Gentiles were then Baptized in water:

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? [Acts 10:47]

[it was necessary for those able, who have chosen to follow CHRIST JESUS to be Baptised by Immersion in water [John 3:5]]

Was this "gift...of tongues", that was given to the Gentiles by the HOLY SPIRIT, some new manifestation?

Was it something different than what had already happened and been given in Acts Chapter 2 to the Apostles and Disciples, being Jews?

No, for continuing a little futher into the Book of Acts [see also Romans 3:22,30, 4:9-10, 10:12; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 5:6, 6:15; Colossians 3:11, etc] we see it plainly said that:

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. [Acts 11:15]

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? [Acts 11:17]

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [Acts 15:9]

Again, we have seen no demonstration of any of the particular peculiar practices associated with the modernly defined and exhibited 'gift of tongues'.

We see preaching the "Everlasting Gospel", people of various nations gathered together [Peter, a Jew from Galiliee and Cornelius an Italian-Roman-Gentile and further relatives and friends], hearing the word and understanding, and people filled with the HOLY SPIRIT going forth to preach even more to other nations and langauges/tongues about JESUS CHRIST "so great salvation".

JESUS loves us so very much, and wants to know the Truth, for it shall set us free [John 8:32] and since HE makes us free, we are free indeed [John 8:36], shall we not obey the Truth? [Galatians 3:1]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

The Background:

Paul, a Roman freeborn citizen [Acts 22:28], once Saul born of Tarsus, in Cilicia, raised at the feet of Gamaliel [Acts 5:34, 9:11], born a Jew, circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel [Philippians 3:5], an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin [Romans 11:1] and raised and living as a Pharisee [Acts 26:5], who witnessed the stoning of the martyr Stephen and consenting to it [Acts 8:1, 22:20], and having had persecuted the Saints greatly [Acts 11:19] and asking for lettes to the synagogues to seek out and destroy those of the "way" [Acts 9:2], this "sect" [Acts 24:5, 28:22] of "Nazarenes" and also called "Christians" [Acts 11:26], as now converted after the Road to Damascus experience and after several years in Arabia [Acts 9:3-27, 22:6-11, 26:12-20; Galatians 1:11-24] went about preaching JESUS CHRIST and won many [Acts 9:22, 15:12; Galatians 2:8].

Paul was then passing through Athens, Corinth, Cenchrea, Ephesus, Caesarea, Antioch, Galatia and Phrygia "strengthening the disciples" [Acts 18:1-23].

We are then introduced to another fellow believer, a Jew, which had the Baptism of John, so named Apollos, who was mighty in the scriptures, eloquent, fervent in the spirit and instructed in the way of the LORD:

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [Acts 18:24]

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [Acts 18:25]

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. [Acts 18:26]

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: [Acts 18:27]

For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. [Acts 18:28]

...and this is where we pick up the events in:

Acts Chapter 19

Many of the people that Apollos had preached to ["watered" and/or "planted"; 1 Corinthians 3:6], Paul had found at Ephesus:

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, [Acts 19:1]

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [Acts 19:2]

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [Acts 19:3]

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [Acts 19:4]

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [Acts 19:5]

And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. [Acts 19:6]

And all the men were about twelve. [Acts 19:7]

Again we see the same "gift" being granted to these believers, for Luke [the author of the Book of Acts, see Acts 1:1 and compare to Luke 1:1-3] does not mention any real difference between this time and the HOLY SPIRIT coming upon them from the previous two [Acts 2 and 10], nor does Paul, nor also does the inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT record anything different for us to take notice of.

Paul, a very learned man, who spake more languages than most Apostles/Disicples [1 Corinthians 14:18], instantly recognized that these men were filled by the HOLY SPIRIT and were preaching and prophesying in those languages.

These men being Ephesians [Acts 19:1], we can also know that Paul wrote to Disciples in Ephesus about certain "gifts" [though interestingly the "gift...of tongues" is not specifically listed in the Letter to the Ephesians at all] and that those "gifts" were:

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [Ephesians 4:8]

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [Ephesians 4:11]

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [Ephesians 4:12]

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [Ephesians 4:13]

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [Ephesians 4:14]

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: [Ephesians 4:15]

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. [Ephesians 4:16]

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [Ephesians 4:29]

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [Epheisans 4:30]

The "gift...of tongues" was given for "edifying", for building up the Church, the Body of CHRIST, the believers, and for "perfecting the saints", and "the work of the ministry".

We are to speak "the Truth in Love", having "no corrupt communications proceed out of" our "mouth" so that it is to "minister grace unto the hearers", that "we be no more children, tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine"...

A question we might ask is, "Was the gift of tongues given everytime for new believers?"

The answer is, "No.", see Acts Chapter 4 [especially vs 31], etc. for it reveals that though the HOLY SPIRIT was present, and yet, no "gift...of tongues" was needed and so was not given, for it is the HOLY SPIRIT who decides which persons receive which "gift" and for how long, for not every person receives the same "gits", nor the same durations [1 Corinthians 12:11], for the LORD giveth and HE taketh away [Job 1:21, 9:12].

Another question might be, "Was the gift of tongues given everytime there was a laying on of hands?"

Again, the answer is, "No.", see Acts Chapter 8, etc.

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Next we shall consider the primary texts and Epistles of the Apostle Paul who wrote on the subject of the "gifts" [this article dealing especially with the "gift...of tongues"].

Paul wrote on this subject ["gift...of tongues" specifically] in only a single Epistle, his First Letter to the Corinthians [1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14].

Today, throughout the many faiths [especially in the Christian denominations], there has been very much commentary, written works, demonstrations and the like on the "gift...of tongues" and each one of them speaking in contradiciton to the other, and in general, an overall confusion has been displayed and promoted about what really the Biblical "gift...of tongues" is supposed to be.

Some have looked in the Book of Acts to promote their interpretations, but as was seen in the light of the plain WORD those theories fall apart, and so these not wanting to give up what they have known, what they cherish, not wanting to admit wrong and repent, look elsewhere to justify themselves and so they harden their own hearts.

Generically, some have said it is the divinely inspired ecstatic utterances as given by 'holy spirit', some say it is a 'heavenly prayer language' [or musical psalm/song] that only GOD [or angel] understands, some have said that it is prophetic language that may only be interepreted by another filled with the same 'holy spirit', and some still further say it is the emotional outbursts [as brought on by this 'holy spirit'] of weeping, laughing, and falling down in joyful/sorrowful 'fits' of ecstacy, in a release of what they say they cannot any longer contain.

Some also say it is not any one of them, but a "mixture" of all of those things.

Is any of this the evidence of the True gift of the HOLY SPIRIT and is any of this confusion, bedlam and noise necessary?

Is the True "gift...of tongues" even a requirement to be a Christian, or must all Christians have this "gift" to be truly Christian?

Does the "gift...of tongues" still truly exist today as it was in the time of the Apostles?

Is what is touted by most of the world today on this subject the same thing or is it something seriously deceptive and truly dangerous? What does the scripture say? Before jumping to 1 Corinthians 14, as many would do, let us go back a bit and gather some texts:

1 Corinthians 12

It is very apparent what the intention of Paul, in the the First Letter to the Corinthians and Chapter 12, was conveying about the "spiritual" gifts, which included, among many others, the "gift...of tongues", for at the outset he states:

Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. [1 Corinthians 12:1]

Right there, we ought to know and be able to understand instantly that there is no need to partake of all of the confusion, misapplication or even deception on this subject, for Paul has said clearly that he is about to make known, in no uncertain terms, what the "gifts" [including the "gift...of tongues"] are for, how they are to be used and for whom they are for, so that we are not "ignorant" of them.

Paul reminds these now Christian believers of what they once were [Gentile idolaters, working in the ways of paganism] saying,

"...ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led." [1 Corinthians 12:2;p]

...and he also directly tells them that he wants them to "understand" certain things,

"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." [1 Corinthians 12:3].

Paul then goes on to show three main tiers:

[1.] That there are diversities [or differing, many] "gifts", but "the same" HOLY SPIRIT which giveth them:

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the sameSpirit. [1 Corinthians 12:4]

[2.] That there are differences of "administrations", but "the same" LORD JESUS:

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [1 Corinthians 12:5]

[3.] That there are diversities of "operations", but "the same" GOD THE FATHER:

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [1 Corinthians 12:6]

[Side Note: This is classic GODHEAD [Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9] Theology coming from Paul, [vs. 4] HOLY SPIRIT, [vs. 5] LORD [JESUS], [vs. 6] GOD [THE FATHER], each Person of the GODHEAD in UNITY [Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7, 15:2,8; Isaiah 6:3,8, 54:5, 61:1; Psalms 45:6-7, 149:2; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3, 3:11-13, 10:30; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:8-9; 1 John 5:7; etc] but also each choosing to have different functions/roles [compare also Ephesians 4:4,5,6], for instance see the Baptism of JESUS [Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-33], for the FATHER speaks from Heaven, the SON in the water on Earth looking upward and the HOLY SPIRIT descending between them.]

[1.] "χάρισμα" "charisma" Language Greek [From "charizomai" meaning "Def 1. to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify a.) to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent b.) to grant forgiveness, to pardon c.) to give graciously, give freely, bestow; 1. to forgive; 2. graciously to restore one to another; 3. to preserve for one a person in peril"]; Translated into English as "gift"; Def 1. A favour with which one receives without any merit of his own; 2. the gift of divine grace; 3. the gift of faith, knowledge, holiness, virtue; 4. the economy of divine grace, by which the pardon of sin and eternal salvation is appointed to sinners in consideration of the merits of Christ laid hold of by faith; 5. grace or gifts denoting extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating on their souls by the Holy Spirit [Strong's Concordance; See also Gesenius's Lexicon and Thayer's Lexicon]


[2.] "διακονία" "diakonia" Language Greek [From "diakonos" meaning "one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister"]; Translated into English as "ministry, minstration. ministering"; Def 1. Service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others; 2. of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men a.) of the office of Moses b.) of the office of the apostles and its administration c.) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.; 3. the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities; 4. the office of the deacon in the church; 5. the service of those who prepare and present food [Strong's Concordance; See also Gesenius's Lexicon and Thayer's Lexicon]


[3.] "ἐνέργημα" "energēma" Language Greek [From "energeō" meaning "Def 1. to be operative, be at work, put forth power a.) to work for one, aid one; 2. to effect; 3. to display one's activity, show one's self operative"]; Translated into English as "operation, working"; Def 1. Thing wrought; 2. effect operation [Strong's Concordance; See also Gesenius's Lexicon and Thayer's Lexicon]


However, Paul goes on to say that the "manifestation" of the HOLY SPIRIT in these "gifts" is not for the individual, but is given to the individual for the benefit of the whole Body of Christians, being the Church,

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." [1 Corinthians 12:7].

So, the "gift...of tongues" [or any "gift" for that matter] is not meant to be selfishly used, for self demonstration/boasting, to please oneself, to satisfy our own needs/desires, to promote self, for rather it is for the use and edification of the whole.

Think of what would happen to even such a physical body as our own, should each of the individual members suddenly began to merely please itself! It would no longer function correctly, begin to break down as each individual part sought its own pursuits of self.

The modern demonstrations of what many have called the 'gift of tongues' today is just that, self-promotion, based upon individual 'feeling', 'emotion' and 'selfishness'.

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Paul then goes on to say specifically, that there are various "gifts" given to individuals [please notice the words "to one" and "to another"- 8 times] by "the same" HOLY SPIRIT and stating unequivocally that not everyone receives the same "gifts":

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [1 Corinthians 12:8]

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [1 Corinthians 12:9]

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [1 Corinthians 12:10]

[1.] "the word of Wisdom"

[2.] "the word of Knowledge"

[3.] "Faith"

[4.] "gifts of Healing"

[5.] "the working of Miracles"

[6.] "Prophecy"

[7.] "Discerning of spirits"

[8.] "kinds of Tongues"

[9.] "Interpretation of tongues"

Clearly, there are diverse "gifts" that are given as the HOLY SPIRIT, HIMSELF, divides and gives [not as we decide to have or possess/demonstrate]:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. [1 Corinthians 12:11]

Anyone teaching that every Christian believer must exhibit/demonstrate the "gift...of tongues" to be identified as a believer, or a mature HOLY SPIRIT filled Christian, is then [willingly/ignorantly] teaching against what Paul [under direction of the HOLY SPIRIT; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 3:16] has said.

If ignorantly, then share with them, in the love of CHRIST JESUS, these texts and pray with them that they receive the true "gifts".

If willingly, then in patience and long-suffering, exhorting by the word, share also these texts and others in the love of CHRIST JESUS, praying that they may receive repentance and have "eyes to see", "ears to hear" and a renewed heart to obey.

Paul reiterates the "many" and "one" [unity] concept by example [using the human body and comparing it to the Body of Believers]:

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. [1 Corinthians 12:12]

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [1 Corinthians 12:13]

For the body is not one member, but many. [1 Corinthians 12:14]

Paul lists examples, asking, "If all were this or that part, where then the other parts, where then the True Whole?":

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [1 Corinthians 12:15]

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [1 Corinthians 12:16]

Is the whole body then a "tongue"? No...

If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? [1 Corinthians 12:17]

Paul clearly showing that it is the HOLY SPIRIT [GOD], that sets the "members" and gives the "gifts" as "it hath pleased HIM":

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. [1 Corinthians 12:18]

And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? [1 Corinthians 12:19]

But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. [1 Corinthians 12:20]

Paul reveals that every member is needed in the whole, for whole and individual to function properly [if 'evolutionary thinking' people would understand, they would not see 'vestigial', but rather a much needed member, 'appendix', 'tonsils', 'coccyx', etc], for each part cannot say it has no need of another and there is no isolated member from the rest:

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [1 Corinthians 12:21]

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: [1 Corinthians 12:22]

And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness. [1 Corinthians 12:23]

For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked: [1 Corinthians 12:24]

Paul's main point on the various "members" in the "body", is that there be no selfishness, no schism, but rather "the same care for another" [not unity in error, but unity in Truth, GOD setting the "members" and "gift" being given to individuals for the edification of all and not for self]:

That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another. [1 Corinthians 12:25]

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [1 Corinthians 12:26]

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [1 Corinthians 12:27]

Should there be any doubt or confusion? Paul then very clearly sums up by a series of rhetorical questions, and in no uncetain terms, that there are many different "members" and "gifts":

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:28]

[1.] "Apostles"

[2.] "Prophets"

[3.] "Teachers"

[4.] "Miracles"

[5.] "gifts of Healings"

[6.] "Helps"

[7.] "Governments"

[8.] "Diversities of tongues"

Where on both lists so far, that Paul has given, is the "gift" of "tongues" listed?

It is listed nearly last in the first and last in the second.

[Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles? [1 Corinthians 12:29]

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? [1 Corinthians 12:30]

The obvious rhetorical answer is, "No."

It is now plainly obvious [to any but the unrepentant and hardened of heart, let it be none of us], that not all believers have to speak in "tongues" [various worldly languages, ie. Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, Latin, etc].

It is not a requirement for a Christian, who is filled by the HOLY SPIRIT to have to do so for they may exhibit other "gift" instead.

Paul says that we may all desire "earnestly" the "best gifts", but he is going to reveal to us something far better, "a more excellent way", than even these [for in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul speaks of the Agape Love of GOD, "charity"]:

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. [1 Corinthians 12:31]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

1 Corinthians 13

Paul, having first begun in First Corinthians Chapter 12 now goes into what he has been leading up to, namely the LOVE of GOD that is to be in us, and how it is greater than everything else, for it is eternal, while other things like the "gift" to speak in "diversities of tongues"/languages, etc. are temporary, being given only for as long as they are needed [1 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 4:1-13], for originally the whole world was of one language before the Tower of Babel [Genesis 11:1,6].

He starts off by proposing a 'what if' or 'even if' scenario. He says, "Though I speak...", "Though I have...", "Though I have...", "Though I bestow...", "Though I give...", for he is saying, 'Even if I [this or that scenario]...'

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. [1 Corinthians 13:1]

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [1 Corinthians 13:2]

And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [1 Corinthians 13:3]

Does Paul, himself, here say that he has spoken in any kind of angelic languages? No.

It reveals that Paul said, "Though I speak...and have not charity..." that he was then as "sounding brass" [ie. a harsh clanging noise], or a "tinkling cymbal" and even "nothing" and also that it profited him "nothing". He was saying, "Even if such a thing was given him and he had not charity/love then it was worthless to him."

We can know that Paul never spoke such languages, for though he was caught up into Paradise/Heaven, he said he, "...heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." [2 Corinthians 12:4;p].

We can also know by the remaining examples that he uses.

Did Paul understand "all mysteries", "all knowledge", have "all faith", bestow "all" of his "goods to feed [the poor]", give his "body to be burned"?

No, in each instance, for he did not understand all mysteries or all knowledge, did not have all faith, did not bestow all of his goods to feed the poor, nor give his body to be burned [according to traditionally accepted history, he was beheaded in Rome].

Paul, himself states that it is "charity" [Love] that will not fail, but those things like various "tongues" will "cease" when that "which is perfect is come":

Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. [1 Corinthians 13:8]

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [1 Corinthians 13:9]

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [1 Corinthians 13:10]

It is also extremely important to consider Paul's words on this "charity" [love] and how it would apply to the "gifts", especially to the "gift...of tongues":

Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [1 Corinthians 13:4]

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [1 Corinthians 13:5]

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [1 Corinthians 13:6]

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [1 Corinthians 13:7]

Does the modern widely promulgated 'tongues' movement "vaunteth" or promote/boast itself, and is it "puffed up" or "seek" its "own" glory?

Does it cause behaviour which is "unseemly"?

Does it rejoice in "iniquity" rather than "the truth"?

Yes, it does, on all counts.

In many instances it [charismatic movement] promotes praying or speaking in "vain repetitions" [even if the utterances are non-sensical noises] which JESUS asked us not to do [Matthew 6:7], or it promotes a pharisaical attitude like as the "hypocrites" who "love to pray standing in the" gathering and "in the streets, that they may be seen of men" [Matthew 6:5;p] or it promotes "profane [and] vain babblings" [1 Timothy 6:20] which is incoherent noises without wisdom and without understanding, instead let us use "great plainness of speech" [2 Corinthians 3:12].

In many other instances it also promotes people uncontrollably falling over each other [a "slain in the spirit", which is related] or onto the ground in [what has been coined] 'holy weeping/laughter' in Church, which is very riotous and unbecoming, for that place is a "house of prayer" [Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46] having all things to be done "decently and in order" [1 Corinthians 14:40]and to "walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying." [Romans 13:13;p].

Can anyone honestly picture our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, the HOLY ONE of ISRAEL, the I AM, partaking in any of it?

Scripture says,

"Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God." [Leviticus 20:7; see also 1 Peter 1:16]

... and we are a "holy nation" a "royal priesthood" to "shew forth the praises of HIM who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" [1 Peter 2:9;p].

Do the scriptures reveal that HE would do, did or taught/commanded to do such things as the bedlam and raucous things mentioned?

No, they do not, for when JESUS went to the gathering/synagogue or Temple or in preaching or alone, or in a crowd, or in general, HE...

... "stood up for to read" [Luke 4:16],

... or "prayed" [Luke 5:16, 22:41],

... or "taught" [Matthew 5:2],

... quoting the Scriptures - "it is written" [Matthew 4:6,7,10],

...and even sang "a hymn" [Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26], etc.

Though Paul is speaking of "charity", nevertheless, let us all then "put away childish things" and cease from the speech of a babbling "child" and confusion of Babylon:

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [1 Corinthians 10:11]

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. [1 Corinthians 10:12]

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity. [1 Corinthians 10:13]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

1 Corinthians 14

Paul, now having set up the foundation of his message in First Corinthians 12 and 13, continues by saying that we may indeed desire the "spiritual [gifts]", "charity"/Love being the root, but he would that we would even moreso "prophesy" [preach by or speaking under the inspiration of, the HOLY SPIRIT] "after charity".

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. [1 Corinthians 14:1]

And why so? For the "[gifts]" may impress for a moment, may grab and arrest the attention of many, but it is by the preaching of the "Everlasting Gospel" by the power and grace of the HOLY SPIRIT that reaches the heart

["The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple." [Psalms 19:7]

...and "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." [Romans 1:16]

...and "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [Romans 10:10]

... and "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." [2 Timothy 3:15]].

[Before continuing further into 1 Corinthians 14, there is a word that must be addressed that is commonly built upon and that word is [unknown].

This word is not present in the Greek texts, which is why it has been placed in brackets or italicized in Bibles.

It was placed there originally by translators as a help to better convey the meaning of the passages, but in the many days since, it has been misused and has been latched onto to support an unbiblical doctrine.

Let us beware and not build any doctrines upon a word that is not even present in the texts in the first place.]

As has been shown by the scriptures so far, it is plain that the "gift...of tongues" is the GOD given "gift" of being able to speak in languages of the world without having had to first go through many years of learning them.

It was given to share the "Everlasting Gospel" with the many nations who all spoke many different languages/tongues.

The Church was daily gaining new believers and many of them were Gentiles from varied nations which all spoke in different langauges and dialects.

However, though the Church was growing, there appeared a serious problem in the Corinthian Church. So those who are gathering evidence from these texts on "tongues" should be very careful, for Paul is seriously reprimanding this church for its great misuse. It is a "what not to do" example by the Church at Corinth, followed by Paul's "don't do that" and "how it should be done".

Too many people were speaking out loud at once in the congregation/synagogue/church, even in various languages [sometimes without any interpretation for the Members of the Body to go with it], and it was causing massive amounts of confusion among the various members.

More still, the wives and women were also in the gathering, but separated from the husbands and men on the other side of the room, and many were calling out to their husbands on the other side, and asking questions about the various topics that were being spoken of, or things that were being said.

Paul reprimands this unruly [1 Thessalonians 5:14] and raucous behaviour that was being manifested in the Corinthian Church, along with their manners towards GOD and towards one another in the assembly and so he gives some very specific instructions in the use of the "gift...of tongues", in "prophesying" and in manners.

So, Paul is continuing from where he 'left off' in 1 Corinthians 13 [for remember there was originally no Sentence, Paragraph or Chapter Breaks in the Greek manuscripts; there was not even punctuation. This was all added later, and while a great many times is a tremendous help, there are certain instances in which such things can be a roadblock to some in the thought flow being conveyed in the WORD.] reveals to those who have the "gift...of tongues", that unless there is someone present [or even themselves] to "interpret" for those who cannot understand, that though they be speaking the "mysteries" of GOD and HIS Kingdom and the "wonderful works of GOD" [Acts 2:11][we being "stewards" thereof; 1 Corinthians 4:1] in and by HIS HOLY SPIRIT, are really only then speaking "into the air", for "no man" then present in the assembly "understandeth [him]" of what is being said, for it is being spoken in a language of another nation of the world that none there present know.

Though the "gift...of tongues" is a great and marvelous "gift", Paul would rather we "Prophesy" so that all the hearers may be "edified" [1 Corinthians 14:7; "built up", as Peter says; 1 Peter 2:5], exhorted [Hebrews 3:13] and comforted [1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11], and so Paul contrasts the two together:

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. [1 Corinthians 14:2]

Though GOD understands the language of the world being used, knows what is being said by the person and will also approve of the message [as long as it is according to HIS WORD, for there can also be false and lying manifestations by the power of Satan which GOD does not approve] by the one who has been given the "gift...of tongues", if none of the present human hearers are familiar with the language spoken, how can they then say "Amen" [1 Corinthians 14:16] at the message, since there were none present who understood what was said.

The person speaking the message in that language may indeed be edified by it, but those present who are unable to understand what is spoken will not be so edified.

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort. [1 Corinthians 14:3]

He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. [1 Corinthians 14:4]

Though Paul [...quoting dictums, gives his great and famous "but" responses...] would desire that we "all spake with tongues" [languages of the nations of the world; Revelation 7:9, 10:11, 11:9, 13:7, 17:15, wherein the exact same word is used, "glōssa"], for the spreading of the "Everlasting Gospel" to the whole world, he desires even moreso that we "prophesied" and shows how one who "prophesieth" with "easy to be understood" words then is working out a greater benefit and "grace" upon the hearers [Ephesians 4:29], than many who are able [by the grace and miracle of the HOLY SPIRIT] to speak in languages of the world unto hearers but are without having any interpretation present to go with what is being said:

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. [1 Corinthians 14:5]

A 'for instance' example is given us. If Paul were to come preaching to them in various languages of the world ["many kinds of voices in the world" [1 Corinthians 14:10]; whether it be Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Aramaic, etc."By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. [Genesis 10:5]"] and no one present spoke or understood any of those languages how then would he be of any benefit to the hearers?

He would not, though he speak truth by the HOLY SPIRIT in those languages or by his knowledge, it would be of little use to the hearers.

How would any of the hearers be edified, exhorted or comforted?

They would not be much of any of those things.

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? [1 Corinthians 14:6]


To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

So while it is a miracle from GOD and a wonderful "gift" to be able to speak in a language of the world that one has never previously known through study, to share the "Everlasting Gospel", it too, like all things, must have its proper place and order, otherwise the "gift" can be misued.

Paul shares a practical example of how the "gift...of tongues" should be used by demonstrating the basic use of musical instruments, and how they are similar.

All musical instruments make sounds, but those sounds really only become music or purposeful when the instrument is rightly played/utilized, otherwise it is a cacauphony of noise that is without order, without construct and form - in essence, chaotic, wild.

Take for example the Trumpet or Bugle.

If a person were to merely blow into the mouth-piece end, not much other than a 'wild noise' [signifying nothing] would come from the bell end, and same also should that person randomly press down the key valves:

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? [1 Corinthians 14:7]

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? [1 Corinthians 14:8]

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. [1 Corinthians 14:9]

Paul then, after giving the example of the musical instrument, switches to the use of the "gift...of tongues", the "many voices in the world", which all have "signification" [a distinct and certain sound, construct and form; plainly a language]:

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification. [1 Corinthians 14:10]

So, if Paul [who spoke more langauges than any present in this text; 1 Corinthians 14:18] does not "know the meaning of the voice" [did not understand the langauge of the speaker], then those person and Paul would be to each other a "barbarian" [meaning at a loss to understand each other in their respective spoken langauges].

For instance, if we should only speak and understand English, and another person came to us speaking and understanding only Mandarin Chinese, we could then not understand each other in our verbal speech [though we could partially communicate through gestures, 'body language', actions and symbols].

Even if the person, which only spake and understood Mandarin Chinese, was suddenly given the "gift...of tongues" and then immediately spoke in perfect Russian [though he had never before learned it], we would still not be able to understandably communicate verbally to each other for we would still not understand each other, for we who are listening to him only speak and understand English.

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me. [1 Corinthians 14:11]

It is the same for us, so we should earnestly seek to excel at building up the whole Church, not merely parading and strutting "gifts":

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. [1 Corinthians 14:12]

For those who do "speaketh in an" "tongue", but may not be in an area with hearers of that particular tongue/language, then they should also pray that they may be able to "interpret" for the listeners as well, so that all may be edified, just as the Bible gives examples of:

["The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;" [Deuteronomy 28:49; speaking of the Romans];

"...the writing of the letter [was] written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue." [Ezra 4:7;p];

"...whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." [Daniel 1:4];

"...Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us." [Matthew 1:23;p];

"...Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise." [Mark 5:41;p];

"...Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull." [Mark 15:22;p];

"...Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" [Mark 15:34;p];

"...Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,)..." [John 1:38;p];

"...Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ." [John 1:41;p];

"...shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." [John 1:42;p];

"...called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha." [John 19:13;p];

"...insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood." [Acts 1:19;p];

"...Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,)..." [Acts 4:36];

"...a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda." [John 5:2;p];

"...he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,..." [Acts 21:40;p];

"...they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,..." [Acts 22:2;p];

"...I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks." [Acts 26:14;p];

"And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon." [Revelation 9:11];

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," [Revelation 14:6];

"...into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon." [Revelation 16:16;p]].


Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. [1 Corinthians 14:13]

In the next few texts, Paul goes from talking/writing about speaking to praying, and some have used this as a place of division between the two things [as though there is a separate and distinct gift of tongues to speak, and entirely another gift of tongues to pray and/or sing, rather than just the "gift...of tongues" in speaking/praying/singing/etc.], but is this division something that Paul actually intended or is it rather a dangerous thing to do, by lifting out a text or two and applying it how we will apart from the original intent?

Let us consider the whole context in which the verse is surrounded and immersed in [not forgetting what has already been learned from before, and yet looking forward to that which is further written] and also remembering what has already been said about the word [unknown].

Prayer/praise is speaking to GOD in the same language we may speak to others with and singing [such as an hymn or psalm] is putting to music those same language. For instance, if [rejoicing in the spirit] it was prayed,

"...I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." [Luke 10:21;p, being used for a prayer/praise example]

... but it was said/prayed by the "gift" of the HOLY SPIRIT in Greek [Tr.],

"...exomologoumai soi pater kurie tou ouranou kai thV ghV oti apekruyaV tauta apo sofwn kai sunetwn kai apekaluyaV auta nhpioiV nai o pathr oti outwV egeneto eudokia emprosqen sou",

...which had never before been spoken by the speaker, it is still clearly understood as a language [having form, construct, syntax, recognizable sylables, etc], even though no one else in the room may speak or even understand the Greek that was said.

This is why Paul is giving instruction to the Church on such matters, for the Corinthian Church was in a haphazard way [1 Corinthians 14:26].

So even after receiving the "gift...of tongues", should the prayer/praise/hymn/psalm be spoken in a "tongue"/language that we do not normally speak without such a grace from the HOLY SPIRIT, [such as] in Ancient Sumerian, etc, it is always spoken in a known identifiable language of the nations of this world.

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. [1 Corinthians 14:14]

So, if Paul prays in a "tongue"/language of the world, he may indeed be praying in the spirit, blessing and thanking GOD with words of adoration and love, but if no one in the room understands the "tongue"/langauge besides himself, then his understanding is "unfruitful" [that is to say, his understanding not being understood by those around him, who are present, and so is unfruitful, see 1 Corinthians 14:16; though he himself understands ["my understanding"], it is unfruitful for those around him].

Being overly cautious, let us ask, "Why "unfruitful"?"

Though Paul, or another, may have said/prayed/sang "ten thousand words" [1 Corinthians 14:19] in a language by the "gift...of tongues", though he may be edified and uplifted, yet no one else present was able to understand the language used in the speech/prayer/hymn/song [though it may indeed be melodious, beautiful and scriptural], what good had it then done for the Church body?

So Paul would rather we all speak/pray/sing to be understood, rather than parading about a "gift".

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. [1 Corinthians 14:15]

We should speak, sing and pray with the understanding so that others may also partake and understand with us, so that all may be edified and GOD praised and glorified.

If we speak in 'words' that are unknown even to us, how then shall we know if we have blessed or cursed GOD, how shall we or anyone know if the prayer was answered, or song/praise acceptable to the LORD?

The devil can manifest a counterfeit power in opposition to the true gift of GOD.

What if, besides merely repetitive noise/'words' or 'babbling', we were actually able to speak in a language that is of a certain nationality [is this how we determine, good and bad, merely a manifestation of suprenatural ability?], but we ourselves, unknowing what we said, spoke cursings and lies, though we thought it from GOD, and perhaps even felt good, moved or emotional about it?

Is the 'feeling' how we are to tell the True from the False?

The devil may possess people [and can even influence an Apostles' speech who may be ungaurded or not seeking the will of GOD at the moment; Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33], and it is no surprise that he also knows all the languages of the world.

This has happened in some instances, where a false manifestation of the "gift" was presented before an assembly and the person speaking was actually cursing GOD.

What if I suddenly were able to say [by a spirit], "مجھے کوئی اندازہ نہیں کیا میں نے صرف اردو زبان میں کہا ہے."

What have I said?

Who can tell unless it is interpreted?, for all anyone knows, including myself, I just blasphemed GOD [just an example, there is no actual blasphemy present, run it through Google Translate if you would like to test the Spirit]...

This is why we are to test the spirits, and the prophets are subject to the prophets and that we are to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good.

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? [1 Corinthians 14:18]

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. [1 Corinthians 14:17]

So, did Paul diverge at this point and then go on in any detail about a second manifestation of the "gift...of tongues" in a 'heavenly prayer language' or 'psalm language' that only [angels or] GOD knows?

"No.", for as we have seen, Paul interjects the thought of prayer and of singing within a line or two while continuing to write about speaking.

Just as CHRIST JESUS [the SON], the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT speak what they do know and testify clearly that they have seen [John 3:11], we are to clearly present what we do know and have seen, being witnesses [Isaiah 43:10,12, 44:8; Luke 24:48; John 15:27; Acts 1:22, 2:32, 4:33, 5:32, 10:39,41, 13:31, 22:15, 26:16; Revelation 20:4].

Paul was more knowledgeable in "tongues"/languages than those in the Corinthian Church, for Paul was a very educated man, not only by men, but also of the LORD.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: [1 Corinthians 14:18]

And though Paul knew many languages [probably Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic, etc.] and was able to present the Gospel clearly in any of them, he readily and resolutely says that he would rather speak 5 words to the people so that they could easily understand the Gospel - CHRIST JESUS, than present whole orations, even in "ten thousand words" [even all sincerely and beautifully true], that none of them could grasp or understand, for they being unlearned of them.

What good would it have done for the Church body if the Apostle Paul preached at great length, with fervent enthusiasm and in the most serious mind and depth in the language of Gaul if none present spoke it or understood it?

Paul, himself may think it a powerful and profound message with deep theological implications, but no one else present would have been edified by it.

People may even be impressed by the manner in which it was carried out, awed by the authority of the voice, moved by the tears of the speaker, but that impression would soon wear off, since none of the actual message was able to be retained by the hearers.

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue. [1 Corinthians 14:19]

Though we are called to receive the Kingdom "as a little child" [Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17], we should not be in "understanding" as children, but to be as men [adults].

We are not to strut our "gifts" in seeing who may be the "greatest" [Matthew 18:1; Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46, 22:24], for that is not the purpose of the "gifts", for we are to be humble servants, believing with Faith, to edify all [Matthew 18:4, 23:11; Mark 9:35-37; Luke 22:26].

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. [1 Corinthians 14:20]

We are to be,

"...wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." [Matthew 10:16;p]

... and "...Except ye be converted, and become as little children..." [Matthew 18:3;p]

... and "...wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." [Romans 16:19;p]

...for "...have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" [Matthew 21:16;p; see also Psalms 8:2],

... using "...great plainness of speech." [2 Corinthians 3:12;p].

Paul then quotes from Isaiah 28:11-12, on "tongues":

In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. [1 Corinthians 14:21]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Paul explains that "tongues" are indeed for a "sign", but that this "sign" is not for them that already believe [for these already know of the miracles of GOD, believe, and are interested in hearing the Truth preached].

It is rather that the "sign" is for those who do not "believe", whereas "prophesying" is for those who "believe" and not for them who do not "believe" because they who do not "believe" are not interested in hearing the Truth, but are rather more interested in seeking after miraculous "signs".

However, as powerful as a "sign" is, it is indeed the Truth as it is in CHRIST JESUS which saves and not the "sign" which so many look for.

CHRIST JESUS spake to the Scribes and Pharisees about seeking after "signs" [Luke 22:67; John 4:48], because if the Truth is not believed, no manner or amount of "signs" will convince though they are present to confirm the Truth spoken [Matthew 21:25; Mark 11:31; Matthew 12:39-40, 16:4; Luke 11:29-20]:

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. [1 Corinthians 14:22]

So if the whole church in the area is gathered together, and everyone there is speaking "with tongues" [even as it was at Penetecost in Acts Chapter 2] and others, who do not believe or are unlearned, come into the assembly and/or witness such a thing, they would more than likely declare that, "...ye are mad..." or mocking say, "...these men are full of new wine..." [Acts 2:13;p].

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? [1 Corinthians 14:23]

However, instead of speaking in the "tongues", and everyone in the gathering "prophesy", speaking of sin/transgression and the sentence of GOD to be meted out for such and then speak of HIS Mercy and Grace, and HIS salvation in CHRIST JESUS and others come in, their conscience will be pricked,

"For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." [Hebrews 4:12]

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: [1 Corinthians 14:24]

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. [1 Corinthians 14:25]

Yet, in the Corinthian Church, there was no specific order or "course", and everyone was getting up in the assembly and trying to speak, whether it was in Psalm, Doctrine, by Tongue, through Revelation, or trying to give Interpretation.

It was causing issues and confusion as the church members were jockying for position to speak and so Paul now here gives correction in a logical manner, revealing that everything is to be done unto "edifying".

If there is any present speaking in a "tongue" that there must be someone to "interpret" it, otherwise the person with the "tongue" was to "keep silence" in the Church/congregation and keep it to themselves until there was such a time as there was a person who could interpret.

Only a few were to be speaking at any one time, while the others were to "hold" their "peace", and that which was spoken in the congregation was to be "judged" and was always "subject to the prophets".

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. [1 Corinthians 14:26]

If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret. [1 Corinthians 14:27]

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. [1 Corinthians 14:28]

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. [1 Corinthians 14:29]

If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. [1 Corinthians 14:30]

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. [1 Corinthians 14:31]

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. [1 Corinthians 14:32]

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [1 Corinthians 14:33]
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. [1 Corinthians 14:34]

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. [1 Corinthians 14:35]

Paul asks the Corinthian Church some rhetorical questions, in effect asking them if their Church was where the WORD of GOD originated from, or if it only had come unto them, and if not, why then are they going about setting up another example [a bad one at that] pertaining to the "gifts", rather than giving the same example as all of the other churches in them.

If any who were present in the Corinthian Church actually were a prophet or spiritual then they should immediately recognize that what he [Paul] was saying was Truth and Light in accordance with the WORD of GOD and accept it and also proclaim it the same as he, for CHRIST JESUS is not divded [1 Corinthians 1:13], and does not change [Malachi 3:6], but is the same yesterday, today and for ever [Hebrews 13:8].

What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? [1 Corinthians 14:36]

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [1 Corinthians 14:37]

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. [1 Corinthians 14:38]

Paul sums up the whole point by saying that the Corinthian Church was not to "forbid" to speak with "tongues", and that they were to desire prophesying unto edification of the whole rather than strutting about "gifts" and that everything was to be done "decently" and "in order", not in a chaotic free-for-all rucus.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. [1 Corinthians 14:39]

Let all things be done decently and in order. [1 Corinthians 14:40]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

We may look at many more texts in scripture which reveal that our speech, our tongue should be clear, concise, without evil speaking and spoken with all grace, truth, understanding and wisdom:

The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue. [2 Samuel 23:2]

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; [Proverbs 1:2]

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. [Proverbs 2:6]

In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding. [Proverbs 10:13]

A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit. [Proverbs 15:4]

Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. [Proverbs 18:21]

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. [Ecclesiastes 5:2]

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew mush love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness. [Ezekiel 33:31]

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; [Isaiah 11:2]

[So when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit, do they speak clearly with 'wisdom and understanding' and of 'counsel' or do they instead produce 'noises' and/or repeatedly 'babble'? What did Jesus do?]

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. [Isaiah 50:4]

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid. [Zephaniah 3:13]

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. [Matthew 15:11]

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [Colossians 3:16]

That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Romans 15:6]

[See also Romans 12:16; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 1:27, 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8]

We are to avoid and shun "profane [and] vain babblings" and we we warned that they would increase unto more "ungodliness":

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane [and] vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: [1 Timothy 6:20]

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace [be] with thee. Amen. [1 Timothy 6:21]

But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. [2 Timothy 2:16]

Let us not bring any such thing into the presence of GOD, nor into HIS house. Let us keep from such "noise", "confusion" and rude and uncouth behaviour, and rather instead come into the presence of our HOLY GOD with all due Reverence and Awesome Fear and Joy and Love.

Let us sing and praise our GOD with hymns and psalms, with true thanksgiving and praise, worshipping HIM in Spirit and in Truth [John 4:23-24].

To be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is not to be "drunken" (wherein is excess), but is rather peace and joy in all sobriety:

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. [Romans 15:13]

And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. [Exodus 28:3]

[We are all called "kings and priests" [Revelation 1:6, 5:10] of the Most High God, a "royal priesthood" [1 Peter 2:5,9]; and so let us not bring a "strange fire" a false fire (in our case a false 'spirit') before the LORD as had the two sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu [Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4, 26:61] and let us not bring a 'drunken spirit' before HIM [Leviticus 10:9-10], but rather putting a difference between the HOLY and the unholy (profane), between Clean and Unclean - spirits.]

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.[Ephesians 5:4]

["...let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints..." [Ephesians 5:3;p]]

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [Ephesians 5:6]

Be not ye therefore partakers with them. [Ephesians 5:7]

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [Ephesians 5:8]

(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth; ) [Ephesians 5:9]

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [Ephesians 5:10]

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [Ephesians 5:18]

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; [Ephesians 5:19]

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [Ephesians 5:19]

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; [Ephesians 5:20]

To be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is to be filled with "wisdom", "understanding" and "knowledge":

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, [Exodus 31:3]

And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; [Exodus 35:31]

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. [Luke 2:40]

To Be Continued...

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

The primary function of the "gifts" of the HOLY SPIRIT is for witnessing, edification and comforting one another [Isaiah 43:10; Joel 2:28; Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8, 2:17, 10:39, 13:31].

Shall we know Christians by their "gifts" or rather by their "fruits" [Matthew 7:16,20]?

Shall the HOLY SPIRIT speak of HIMSELF [shall HE boast HIMSELF], or rather what HE hears [John 16:13]?

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [Matthew 7:16]

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [Matthew 7:20]

What are those “fruits” that CHRIST JESUS spake of?

Are they not:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [Galatians 5:22]

(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in allgoodness and righteousness and truth [Ephesians 5:9]

[also consider what the scripture calls good, righteousness and truth: Proverbs 4:2; Romans 7:12,16; 1 Timothy 1:8; Psalms 119:142,151,172]

For those merely wanting the "sign", and not the Character of CHRIST JESUS:

CHRIST JESUS warned us to be wary, and not to seek after signs, yes?:

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: [Matthew 12:39]

[See also Matthew 16:4]

CHRIST JESUS told us that the signs would “follow” us, and not “lead” us, right?

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [Mark 16:17]

"בָּבֶל" "Babel/Babylon" Language Hebrew [From "balal" meaning "to mix, mingle, confuse, confound"]; Translated into English as "Babel/Babylon"; Def 1. Confusion (by mixing) [Strong's Concordance]; Def 1. Confusion of speech, stammering, and as to the casting away of the second letter; also the ancient site or Capital City of Babylonia [Gesenius's Lexicon]

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? [Psalms 120:3]

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [Matthew 12:36)


There are many more texts we can look at as well, but we should ask the HOLY SPIRIT to help us understand these basics, so that we are not led into confusion of our "tongue", but rather be led into the Truth and so Glorify GOD...

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [Romans 8:26],

The whole of 1 Peter 4,

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge; [1 Corinthians 1:5],

Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: [1 Corinthians 1:6],

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: [1 Corinthians 1:7],

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 1:8],

The whole of Ephesians 4,

The whole of Romans 12,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. [Ephesians 6:20],

... etc.

I do hope that this study has been a help to those who are seeking to know or have been confused upon this subject, or are looking for a further indepth study. May GOD bless you all richly in all utterance of His Infinite and Redeeming Love...

 

[Joe67]

On the day of Pentecost the attention of the devout men from many different countries, assembled in Jerusalem, was attracted through those disciples speaking in their own language from many parts of the world, but it was the spirit of prophesy speaking through Peter that brought conviction to some of the men and cut them to the quick, so that they cried out asking for help. Some scoffed.

Peter later wrote that prophesy is a more sure word than being an eyewitness of the majesty of the coming of our Lord Jesus. We are eyewitnesses through the flames of fire, for through them our attention is gathered to our Creator for worship, as on the mount of transfiguration. When the Voice spoke the 3 disciples fell on their face.

Prophesy is the unleavened bread on the table of shewbread that brings about our spiritual death when the Lord speaks to us.

Tongues is the flames of fire on the candlestick and they give the light of Creation and comfort us in opening up heaven to our view.

Tongues does not bring the conviction for sin that prophesy brings. But unknown tongues do edify the spirit of the one speaking. Others become edified when the meaning of the unknown tongue becomes known to the hearer's understanding.

The unbeliever and the unlearned will fall on their face and worship God and declare that God is with his church when they hear the church all prophesying. Then the world will know that the Father has sent his Son. Then the Body of Christ will crush Satan's head under its feet. Moses said that he would that all God's people prophesied.

Joe