Speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues
"
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)
Speaking in tongues is a unique way of communicating with God, and edifying oneself
and/or others (1
Corinthians 14:4-5). It is most often used in prayer and worship.
Tongues and interpretation are gifts of the Holy Spirit (1
Corinthians 12:28, 1
Corinthians 12:4-11).
Tongues speak to God through "mysteries" of the spirit (1
Corinthians 14:2). Similarly, praying in tongues is praying with the spirit and singing in tongues is
singing in the spirit. The natural man will not understand these manifestations
unless interpretation is given (1
Corinthians 14:2,14).
Tongues can be a sign that a person follows Jesus Christ, but it is not a requirement (Mark
16:17)
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).
The effectiveness of our intercessory prayer is increased: When we don't know how
to pray, tongues directly engages the intercession of the Holy Spirit (Romans
8:26).
Our communication and worship of God is carried to a deeper spiritual level (1
Corinthians 14:2)
It is an opportunity to yield ourselves to God in humility. Speaking in tongues
surrenders our human desire for control and understanding to God.
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:
Acts
2:1-13 – Jews at Pentecost are filled with the Spirit
and speak in tongues
Acts
10:45-47 -- Gentiles receive the Spirit at Cornelius’ house and speak in tongues
Acts
19:5-7 – Ephesian Christians filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues
Discover the gift of tongues
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.
Home Prayer in the Spirit
