THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

PROCLAMATION

“… 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.  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church, and to God.”  1 Corinthians 14:26-28 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter Paul addresses them with regard to how they should conduct themselves during the worship services regarding speaking in tongues and prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:1-3)  Both of these gifts should be done so that the church may be edified. (1 Corinthians 14:4-5)  Paul states that speaking in tongues is not helpful if no one understands it and if there is no one present to interpret it. (1 Corinthians 14:6-18)  He says that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, in their own language, while prophecy is for believers. (1 Corinthians 14:20-22)  Speaking in tongues should be done by one person at a time and someone must be present to interpret it.  He ends the chapter by saying that everything during the worship service must be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)

 

APPLICATION

Speaking in tongues has been taken out of context in many worship services.  Some speakers utter short, non-word sounds, or unintelligent phrases, which they consider “speaking in tongues” during their worship services.  These utterances have also been spoken from some pulpits.  Some churches require “speaking in tongues” as a condition of membership.  Speaking in tongues first occurred on the day of Pentecost.  It occurred so that everyone in the crowd heard the disciples speaking in their own language. (Acts 2:1-11)  Speaking in tongues is a gift from The Holy Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) which is to be used to help non-believers hear The Word of God in their own language.  The speaker has not studied or learned this foreign language but speaks it by the power of God.  The gift of tongues is for the benefit of the hearer who speaks and understands that foreign language.  When speaking in tongues occurs, there should always be a person present to interpret what is being said. (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)  Let us not claim to have this gift in order to impress men.