Speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues
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I wish you all spoke with tongues..." 1 Corinthians 14:5 excerpt - NKJV
What is speaking in tongues?
- Definitions: Tongues: "ecstatic, usually unintelligible utterance accompanying religious excitation" Ecstasy: "a state of overwhelming emotion; especially: rapturous delight" (both from Webster's Dictionary)
Why speak in tongues?
- We receive edification needed for spiritual warfare (1 Corinthians 14:4). Tongues is like "spiritual battery charging" . Spiritual warfare often weakens faith and hope, and tongues can help rebuild them. Paul spoke more in tongues than many Christians (1 Corinthians 14:18), and it is likely that he used tongues to edify himself during his many tribulations and trials (2 Corinthians 11:22-31).
Points about tongues and interpretation:
- 1 Corinthians 14 is a key reference chapter for tongues. See 1 Corinthians 12-13 for helpful information on all the gifts of the Spirit.
- Tongues may take the form of an unknown (1 Corinthians 14:2 , 2 Corinthians 12:2-6) or known language (Acts 2:8-12)
- As with all Spirit's gifts, tongues and interpretation should be grounded in love (1 Corinthians 13:1,4-7)
- Tongues should be exercised in a peaceful, organized manner, not in confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)
- A person speaking in tongues should pray that he may interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13)
- Tongues in a worship service are best done with interpretation, so that all people present are edified (1 Corinthians 14:26-28). Paul explained that there should be two or at most three people speaking in turn; one person (at least) should interpret; if there is no one to interpret, the speaker should keep silent, speaking to himself and God (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
- People should not ascribe tongues or other works of the Spirit to the work of Satan (Matthew 12:22-32), nor should they forbid speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39).
The Apostle Paul’s comments on tongues: Paul wrote the majority of Bible's guidance on tongues. Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:18 that he spoke in tongues more than any of the Corinthians. He also witnessed a form of tongues ("inexpressible words" NKJV) during a miraculous revelation in heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-6). His comments provide expert guidance on the subject:
- Paul desired that all the Corinthian Christians would have spoken in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5).
- People who spoke in tongues should pray for interpretation of the tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14)
- Paul found it best to engage his mind when he prayed or sang with the spirit in case interpretation might be given (1 Corinthians 14:15).
- For group gatherings, he preferred to speak in plain language so that all present could be edified (1 Corinthians 14:19).
Examples of tongues in the early church: The accounts of speaking in tongues in the New Testament coincide with special moves of the Holy Spirit, when the believers received a "filling" of the Holy Spirit:
What if I don’t want to pray in tongues? It is not mandatory that every Christian speak in tongues, and his/her salvation certainly does not depend on it. God will not force His gifts on anyone, as He is gentle and patient. If you don’t feel comfortable praying in tongues, then don't! You can still pray effectively with confidence that God will hear and intercede in your prayers.