Speaking in Tongues 1Cor 14:1-33

Speaking in Tongues 1Cor 14:1-33

Introduction

As we know from Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers and those present in the upper room, the bible describes tongues of “fire that came and rested upon” those in the meeting, the next thing we know is “they all began to speak in tongues as the Spirit enabled them”. From this scripture we can see that tongues are often the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Yet scripture, and in particular 1Cor14 gives us context to which “the gift of speaking in tongues” in public places should be used, indicating that if it is not for the building up of the body or as a sign to unbelievers one should remain silent or prophecy.

There is in fact not a lot of  teaching in God’s word about the subject making interpretation a little difficult.

Speaking in Tongues as Evidence

The first observation we can make about tongues is that it is a sign or evidence that God’s Spirit is present. We see this both in Acts 2:4 and even when we look at examples in the Old Testament with Saul when he was anointed King, scriptures says that he “began to prophecy”. However, the sign of speaking in tongues appears to be a new sign for New Testament believers.

What is evident, is when God’s Spirit is present throughout scripture it brings change and transformation which was evident of those present in the upper room. Not only did they begin to speak in tongues but they also showed other signs indicating change in them, this is most evident in Peter who only a few days earlier had denied Christ was now boldly speaking the word of God.  We can therefore say that tongues are evidence that God’s Spirit is doing something in us. We often in theological terms say it is initial evidence but not the only evidence. See also Mark 16:17

Speaking in Tongues as a Gift of the Spirit

In 1Cor 12 Paul describes one of the gifts of the Spirit as “speaking in unknown tongues” and if we interpret this correctly from the Greek it is apparent that this is a particular gift that the Spirit gives when required to bring about a specific function.

It is this that we see flowed out from the upper room into the streets of Jerusalem in Acts 2:5-10 when it was said that “each heard his native language”. Many revivals around the world have also testified to this, none more obvious than the Azusa Street and Pentecostal revivals in the early 1900’s when people were known to suddenly be able to speak languages they have never learnt and from countries they had never travelled.

As a result of Acts 2 outpouring and from what we have heard from Pentecostal Revivals, speaking unknown languages was a sign for unbelievers that God was at work or present in the believers which is evident in what Paul says in 1Cor14. We can therefore conclude that the Holy Spirit enables us to speak these languages for unbelievers to believe.

 Speaking in Tongues to build yourself up

Speaking in tongues according to Paul has special value to believers as 1Cor14:4 would indicate. Speaking in tongues is for the edification of the believer. The word “edify” means literally to “build” according to Strong’s dictionary of biblical words. Paul is therefore saying that speaking in tongues on a personal level enables the individual to build themselves up, speaking I believe both of the Spirit and Psyche.

Romans 12:6 would also indicate that each of us is gifted with different gifts from the Spirit. This would speak of over and above that the Spirit would enable any one person at a particular time. Yet, scripture goes on to say that we should use or manifest this gift indicating its importance to ourselves. When I was younger we had a saying that went like this “use it or lose it” indicating that we should exercise our gifts regularly. See also Jude 1:20;

Speaking in Tongues for the Benefit of other or in Public

Whilst all of the above can be said for the individual, it is also important to look at scripture relating to speaking in tongues for the edification of others or the body of Christ. It is here that 1Cor 14:1-33 begins to shine.

Paul is clear in his speech that tongues in public have no real benefit unless it is accompanied by an interpretation. See 1Cor14:27-29. In fact these scriptures seem to indicate that this was a real problem in the Corinthian church, otherwise Paul would not have dedicate a whole chapter to the subject.

This does not mean speaking in tongues are forbidden otherwise they could not be interpreted, but the balance is that they are for the building up of others when said in public. Again, Paul does not say they are forbidden but looks at the motive behind them. As a person who speaks in tongues, even in public, I am looking for an interpretation, but there are times when I speak in tongues to myself and don’t expect an interpretation. Scripture does not indicate this is forbidden but looks at the end result and benefit to those who hear.

Love is the Defining Motive

Let me conclude by simply quoting 1Cor13:1. Love is the motive to all that we do…