The subject of tongues is not spoken much of. I’ve heard and read very little on the topic, so, after reading some passages of scripture in Corinthians, I decided to take on the task of a t least briefly going over the subject in a way I see will greatly benefit my readers. My knowledge of this subject is scarce, so I’ve turned to James Boice, a well-known commentator, for some thoughts and a starting point. In his commentary, Foundations of the Christian Faith, Boice starts of by saying, “None of the gifts [spiritual gifts] mentioned anywhere in the New Testament has been so controversial as the gift of tongues and the accompanying gift, interpretation.” Some people believe the gift of tongues means to be able to speak to other people of other languages by the prompting of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-12).
But after an examination of Corinthians, that does seem to be the case. Rather, in Corinth, interpreters were needed because the listeners were not hearing in their own languages.
Others believe that the gifts are the ability to speak in “heavenly
tongues”. Still others believe speaking in tongues is just a “self-induced, psychological phenomenon or the work of demons.”
Here’s what Paul says about tongues in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14.
1. The gift of tongues can be counterfeited
2. There are many other gifts of the Holy Spirit and the gift is tongues is just one of them. In fact, Paul minimized the gift later because it was a temptation for pride at the church of Corinth.
3. The gifts of the Spirit are for the edification and unity of the church
4. If the gifts were listed in importance the gift of tongues would be relatively low
5. The gift of tongues in “fraught” (look it up in the
dictionary) with dangers, so it must be exercised carefully.
a. Disorder
i. The gift must not cause disorder in the church
ii. Speak one at a time
iii. Only two or three must speak in tongues
iv. Don’t permit them to speak if someone can’t interpret
v. Paul wanted the Holy Spirit heard
b. Content less Christianity
i. He didn’t want and emotional “high” to be everything
ii. Emotion must not be the basis for faith
iii. Experience must not be trusted over revelation
c. Don’t forbid tongues
i. Desire prophecy
ii. Don’t forbid speaking in tongues
iii. If tongues isn’t your gift, do not desire it
I hope this article has helped you better understand a little about tongues. Please comment and tell me what you think or if you have further questions that I can try to answer. Also, I reccomend “Foundations of the Christian
Faith” by James Montgomery Boice.
In Christ,
Tim