Speaking in Tongues

[WhisperWisdom]

I have a few friends who state that speaking in tongues means that the Holy Spirit is guiding you. Sorta the concept of the Holy Spirit guiding you in the moment kinda thing...where you start talking, but no one understands you.

Well, I've always understood speaking in tongues to be speaking different languages so that you could be more effective in preaching the Word of God.

Can anyone help with this?

[Adopted Son]

My understanding was "speaking in Tongues" was using the eternal language, normally not understandable by anyone EXCEPT one gifted with the "discernment of tongues" It was either the Holy Spirit Himself speaking through the gifted, or one of God's messengers. Usually, the message is prophetic and therefore God usually provides a interperter each time the gift is used. Can anyone confirm this?

[Anddra]

Acts 2:1-13

And when the day of Pentecost was now accomplishing, they were all together in one place. And there came suddenly a sound out of heaven as of a violent impetuous blowing, and filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues, as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with [the] Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave to them to speak forth. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, pious men, from every nation of those under heaven. But the rumour of this having spread, the multitude came together and were confounded, because each one heard them speaking in his own dialect. And all were amazed and wondered, saying, Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galilaeans? and how do we hear [them] each in our own dialect in which we have been born, Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and those who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judaea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, both Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya which adjoin Cyrene, and the Romans sojourning [here], both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the great things of God? And they were all amazed and in perplexity, saying one to another, What would this mean? But others mocking said, They are full of new wine.

[WhisperWisdom]

Hmm....sounds like there are conflicting opinions on this one. According to the verse provided by Anddrai, it would appear to me that once the Holy Spirit overcomes you, you will then start speaking different languages, in which you are proclaiming the Gospel to those who understand those languages.....that's roughly what I had always thought.

To my knowledge, those speaking in tongues in churches usually had no one there who understood them....is this still valid or a show?

[light4mypath]

According to the verse provided by Anddrai, it would appear to me that once the Holy Spirit overcomes you, you will then start speaking different languages, in which you are proclaiming the Gospel to those who understand those languages.....that's roughly what I had always thought.

This is how I interpret it as well.

[bghtnpd4]

[QUOTE=WhisperWisdom;71885]Hmm....sounds like there are conflicting opinions on this one. According to the verse provided by Anddrai, it would appear to me that once the Holy Spirit overcomes you, you will then start speaking different languages, in which you are proclaiming the Gospel to those who understand those languages.....that's roughly what I had always thought.

To my knowledge, those speaking in tongues in churches usually had no one there who understood them....is this still valid or a show?[/QUOTE]

Based on my reading of the scriptures...it's a show and not at all scriptural. I believe tongues to be exactly what the scriptures say it is and nothing more. I've never seen an actual case of it used appropriately and I believe people take the scriptures completely out of context to make them say what they want them to say to have an "experience" or "feeling" and that's not at all what it was designed for. Again, to me, the scriptures are very plain regarding the purpose...it's people who have distorted and twisted the gift. Just MHO.

[Carl]

6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.
Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies
1 Sam 10:6-9 (KJV)

[waiting4Him]

6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.
Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies
1 Sam 10:6-9 (KJV)

HalleluYah and Praise The Lord!!!
The funny thing is that I am new here,30 mins,and I was speaking in tongues PRAISING THE LORD...and the FIRST post I read is about speaking in tongues...LOL...well,I speak in tongues more than 35 years now,and I thank God for the gift....is A GIFT,just like YASHUA is A GIFT,I mean our Creator and Lord and Saviour is A GIFT to us,and what a GIFT!!!!WONDERFUL GOD!!!!
HE IS ABBASOLUTELY MARVELLOUS,MIGHTY,PRECIOUS,THE ONLY TRUE LIVING GOD,Father,Son and Holy Ghost....HE is Grace ,Love,Light,Grace,I mean 66 books of The Bible tell us from cover to cover inside out that THE LORD,HE IS GOD and HE is WONDERFUL....please forgive the capitals....but I feel that I want to shout for joy considering HIM...the thing is that "speaking in tongues"(glossolalia) has been often abused ( as also other gifts of The Spirit) by groups and denominations and from some men,ok?but that doesn't change The Word of God,does it?
Jesus Christ ( Y'shua Messiah) IS the same,yesterday,today and for ever( Heb:13,8)and so He still baptizes believers with The Holy Ghost....He SAVES us ,and FILLS us with HIS HOLY SPIRIT and one thing you can do when you are filled is speaking in tongues...Mark 16,Acts,1Corinthians tell us and instruct us if we really want to learn and not depend on denominational teaching,for it or against it...we can be Bereans and check the Scriptures for ourselves,in prayer and humility and we can see for ourselves....
Does "speaking in tongues" as well the other Gifts make a believer "Holier than thou???" NO!!!
Only The Lord is HOLY,HOLY HOLY,we are wretched sinners SAVED BY GRACE thru FAITH .....it is THE GIFT of GOD,not by works so that we should boast,we must boast in our GREAT GOD and HIS infinite amazing Grace....WOW...
I pray in english ok,in italian ( I am italian LOL) and sometimes when I start ADORING The Lord in AWE because He is AWESOME ,well I reach a point where my words are so limited so limited ( just like the rest of me...) and I start speaking in tongues to worship Him and Praise Him...and sometimes while I do that certain Scriptures come to my mind and revelations and so forth,but in myself I still have to contend with the flesh,the world and the devil,and I still sin and I still need to confess my sins to Him to have the fellowship restored and I still need to study The word and learn from Him,because without HIM I am nothing and I can do nothing ( good I mean)...so,does the gift make of you a spiritual giant ?a super duper saint? No....Paul,Peter and the others were mere men like us and needed Y'shua daily just as we do..as I do..so...what I am saying is that Love is from God and the Fruit of The Spirit is LOVE and kindness etc...( 9 manifestations of His Love just like there are 9 gifts of The Spirit and 9 is the number of The Spirit)so lets follow The Lord and thank Him for His amazing grace.
Shalom to everybody
Maranatha!!!:)

[Carl]

waiting4Him,
Thank you for that kind reply. You have underlined a truth. It isn't that I do or don't have a certain gift, it is that God uses me to express His love for his children through me in a certain way. I shouldn't feel favored because God chooses to use me in a certain way. Even though if we look at
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:27-30 (KJV)
it does say favored. We are favored when God chooses to gift the world through something we have.

[waiting4Him]

waiting4Him,
Thank you for that kind reply. You have underlined a truth. It isn't that I do or don't have a certain gift, it is that God uses me to express His love for his children through me in a certain way. I shouldn't feel favored because God chooses to use me in a certain way. Even though if we look at
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:27-30 (KJV)
it does say favored. We are favored when God chooses to gift the world through something we have.

Yeah,Carl,God bless YOU!!!
HE IS GRACE all the way,Amen
Ciao:)

[readytogo]

Some of us were talking about this subject in the chat room last night. And I felt that it was necessary this morning to search the scriptures that dealt with this subject. I have come to believe I Corinthians 12 which explains that we are all members of the same body (if we hold to certain core beliefs, etc.). As members of the same body we do not all function in the same manner, just as the eye and the foot have different function, but are part of the same body. And as individuals, we do not all have the same spiritual gifts. I try not to condemn someone who possesses a spiritual gift or doesn't have one that I do!

That being said, I want to post some verses from 1 Corinthians 14, a chapter which speaks extensively about the spiritual gifts. I hesitated though because of the repeated use of the word "prophecy" which is often misunderstood. So first I'm including the following explanation for "prophecy" (which should never be confused with the "office of prophet" that I was taught and believe:

People sometimes think that "prophecy" means to predict (foretell) what will happen in the future. Actually, the simple gift of prophecy is essentially forthtelling; it is a ministry to make people better and more useful Christians now. Prophecy in the New Testament church carries no prediction with it whatsoever, for "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). Notice that there is no mention of the word prediction here.

I Corinthians 14:1-19

1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Paul goes on to say very specifically that there are "rules" to speaking in tongues in churches or assemblies, including only having 2 (or 3 at the most) who speak in tongues, one at a time, and only if there is someone there to interpret, and only if it serves to build the church and edify God. He also says that the gift is not a sign for believers, but for unbelievers. It is "used" to bring unbelievers to a saving knowledge of our Lord. This means that, unless it brings unbelievers to Him, it is not serving it's purpose. He never says that it is done to "prove" one's salvation or "higher" position in the church!

I could probably continue cutting and pasting the whole chapter here and writing a book of commentary on it, but I pray that you would read it on your own asking God for wisdom to understand it. Again, I am not saying that no one has the "gift of tongues", only that someone be discerning in regards to its usage. Is it being used scripturally? If not...

[light4mypath]

:iagree

[WhisperWisdom]

Wow! Very interesting! Thanks guys! :)

[ChristianIssues]

I have a video called, Speaking In Tongues Part A, which is helpful in understanding the gifts of tongues, prophecy and knowledge and why they ceased. It is on my YouTube channel under my user name of christianissues.

God bless,
Mick

[Chris]

There are many different "gifts" of the Holy spirit. I think there are 7-9 off the top of my head. Not everyone gets the same gifts. Some might speak in tongues, some might not. Speaking in tongues does not make one a better Christian than another. Here's a 3 parts series that explains this:

Spiritual Gifts: Part 1. To Each One, Just as He Determines | GraceThruFaith

Spiritual Gifts: Part 2. Some Personal Experiences | GraceThruFaith

Spiritual Gifts: Part 3. God’s Gifts And His Call Are Irrevocable | GraceThruFaith

[WazOz]

Not meaning to tread on any toes or cause an issue, I speak in tongues as does my wife, in Church there is no shouting out in meetings, no foolish antics, all decent and in order as the Scripture says, when I first spoke in tongue about 6 1/2 yrs ago, it was the best experience as for me it was wow God does bless and is real, had too many Priests, Ministers saying you are forgiven etc, yet I never felt it, long story, felt empty, when I soke in tongues that all changed, did as was Scriptural, Repented, Baptised etc and have not looked back, I know many are opposed to it, don't know why as it is scriptural, not saying everyone has to, it was right for us, and we enjoy our prayer sessions togerther, esp when times are really bad, it helps. Just one of Gods many blessings, as long as we are all there on the day we get called, then Hallelujah.

[mattfivefour]

As a pentecostal (not Pentecostal) myself I am always pleased to see a balanced discussion of the topic of tongues. Those of you here who know me well know that I do not preach the experience, nor do I preach the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Those who yield to Him and are willing to accept whatever He has for them will come to the truth on their own. None of us was called to preach anything but Christ.

Nonetheless, if somebody asks me about it—or if I am led of the Spirit to do so— I will tell them. I like what waiting and Waz each said about tongues. That is exactly my experience, too. In private prayer and praise, when words run out tongues take over. (This is not to be confused with the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues which—along with the other gifts—are meant for the edification of the Church.)

But none of these things has anything to do with salvation, nor with the gospel we are told to proclaim. Nor is it something we are to focus on. We are to seek the Giver, not the gifts. He will then do what He chooses to do in each of our lives. And if we live seeking to never put a stumbling block in another person's path, always seeking others' welfare above our own, ever wanting to please our Lord and continually allowing His love which He has shed abroad in our hearts to be shed abroad FROM our hearts, then nothing else truly matters. As the Word tells us, tongues, faith, knowledge shall all pass away one day when we are in glory ... but love will NEVER pass away. Our perfect existence in glory will indeed be an existence of pure love for God is love.

[jesuschangesall]

Not meaning to tread on any toes or cause an issue, I speak in tongues as does my wife, in Church there is no shouting out in meetings, no foolish antics, all decent and in order as the Scripture says, when I first spoke in tongue about 6 1/2 yrs ago, it was the best experience as for me it was wow God does bless and is real, had too many Priests, Ministers saying you are forgiven etc, yet I never felt it, long story, felt empty, when I soke in tongues that all changed, did as was Scriptural, Repented, Baptised etc and have not looked back, I know many are opposed to it, don't know why as it is scriptural, not saying everyone has to, it was right for us, and we enjoy our prayer sessions togerther, esp when times are really bad, it helps. Just one of Gods many blessings, as long as we are all there on the day we get called, then Hallelujah.

Praise The Lord! I speak in tongues since 2 days after I believed ,February 1972!
Got saved,2 days later Baptism with THE HOLY SPIRIT ,20 days later Water baptism....
It does NOT make me more "spiritual" than any dear bro or sis that does not speak....IT IS A GIFT,just like JESUS is THE GIFT..we do not deserve ANYTHING,but since HE SAVES US BY GRACE through FAITH,let's boast in HIM,ciao everyone!:):):)

[Meg]

As a pentecostal (not Pentecostal) myself I am always pleased to see a balanced discussion of the topic of tongues. Those of you here who know me well know that I do not preach the experience, nor do I preach the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Those who yield to Him and are willing to accept whatever He has for them will come to the truth on their own. None of us was called to preach anything but Christ.

Nonetheless, if somebody asks me about it—or if I am led of the Spirit to do so— I will tell them. I like what waiting and Waz each said about tongues. That is exactly my experience, too. In private prayer and praise, when words run out tongues take over. (This is not to be confused with the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues which—along with the other gifts—are meant for the edification of the Church.)

But none of these things has anything to do with salvation, nor with the gospel we are told to proclaim. Nor is it something we are to focus on. We are to seek the Giver, not the gifts. He will then do what He chooses to do in each of our lives. And if we live seeking to never put a stumbling block in another person's path, always seeking others' welfare above our own, ever wanting to please our Lord and continually allowing His love which He has shed abroad in our hearts to be shed abroad FROM our hearts, then nothing else truly matters. As the Word tells us, tongues, faith, knowledge shall all pass away one day when we are in glory ... but love will NEVER pass away. Our perfect existence in glory will indeed be an existence of pure love for God is love.

Exactly.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Let us concentrate on the things that matter. If i speak in tongues in the privacy of my prayers, and if this is a comfort to me, please be kind enough to wish me peace. If my brother does not speak in tongues, never has and never will (my first teacher, a deeply Christlike servant of the Lord) please be kind enough to wish him peace.

Let us serve the Lord, each as we are called, so that all may benefit. If 100 people know one thing, we have 100 experts in a narrow field. If 100 people know 100 different things, together serving the Lord Jesus Christ in Spirit and in Truth, we have a broad base of knowledge to address 100 different sorts of challenges and we shall benefit many.

Peace to all in Christ, Amen

[Kist]

I don't speak in Tongues, never have, and I doubt I ever will, and it really doesn't bother me. I'm very glad that the gift is such a joy, and blessing to all my brothers and sisters that have received it. I know that there are people that challenge the Gift saying well but I don't have it, so it must be nonsense, I disagree with them. So what that I don't speak in tongues, I'd rather serve Him without speaking in tongues and be a blessing to people than being able to speak in tongues and be complacent(note: I'm not saying speaking in tongues makes one complacent, I'm just not sure if the gift is the best for everyone), all we need to focus on, as Adrian has already pointed out, is to seek Him, and to seek His will for us, when we do that we have assurance. Not because of some gift, as great as it may be, but because of Him.