Today's Devotion

November 12, 2010

Tongues

The time of waiting was finally over for the apostles. The Day of Pentecost had fully come and the Holy Spirit makes His presence known.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and [one] sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how [is it that] we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, "Cretans and Arabs——we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."” (Acts 2:1-13 NKJV)

There is probably no passage more abused than the one above. Isn’t it interesting that this passage causes people to focus on tongues more than the Holy Spirit of God? Like a two-year-old who is more fascinated with the wrappings of their present than the gift inside, God’s people gravitate to that which shines the most. This passage is about the coming of the Holy Spirit of God, the fulfillment of a promise made by the Father (Acts 1:4). Take some time and think about that great truth.

However, because there is so much confusion about tongues let us give some attention to them. A careful reading of the text will eliminate most of the confusion surrounding tongues. What does the text say?

The Coming of the Holy Spirit was:
1. Audible—there came a sound from heaven
2. Visible—tongues of fire
3. Recognizable—everyone heard them speak in his own language

The first two signs were no doubt part of this initial appearance of God’s Spirit to signify someone new had arrived. This was important and reasonable as God wanted to ensure that everyone knew this was the One for whom they waited.

To that end it is interesting to note that the sound of this mighty rushing wind filled the whole house. It was not a wind, but the sound of a mighty wind. Any gust of wind might be excused as a natural occurrence, but this was only a sound. This was followed by divided tongues of fire that sat on each of them. Another unmistakable event to assure those present understood that God, the Holy Spirit had arrived.

After this, those who were filled with the Spirit began to speak in other tongues. Not an unrecognizable tongue, but the native language of those who were present. We can’t be certain whether one man spoke and each heard in their own language or if one spoke one language then another spoke in another language. The latter is most likely since a great emphasis is placed upon order regarding this gift in latter passages (1 Corinthians 14:27f).

The point is tongues were not gibberish, but spoken languages albeit not native to the speaker. I know someone is wondering about the unknown tongue.

“For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2 AV)

“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [him]; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2 NKJV)

Notice that the KJV includes the word unknown, but it is enclosed in brackets. You may find it in italics in your Bible. It is shown that way because it is not in the original text. The NKJV has not included it. That really doesn’t matter because this is not a difficult thing to deal with when interpreting the passage. However, I am pointing it out because many get caught up on that one word.

Paul is arguing that to speak in a tongue without an interpreter is just self-edifying! No one will understand what you are saying except God. This is transparently obvious when you look at the context.

In the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification (1 Corinthians 14:2b-5).

Notice he speaks mysteries because no one knows what he is saying unless someone interprets his words. Not because he is speaking gibberish, but because there is no one to interpret his words. Without an interpreter, God is the only one who knows what he is saying.

Therefore, prophesy is set over tongues unless there is an interpretation of what is spoken. Notice when interpreted it is at least equal to prophecy because the church may receive edification. Is the church edified by gibberish or by doctrine? Would the Holy Spirit, who moved holy men to pen the Scriptures, contradict Himself? You know better.

The misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians has led to a great deal of confusion. The fact that it is so easy to understand forces one to presume the devil has his hand in it. I don’t say that to be condescending, but to strengthen your resolve not to buy into this emotionally charged movement. If the wrapping paper becomes more fascinating to us than God is, we have moved into a dark place.

Look for the Holy Spirit in your life by looking for holiness and love. These are the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). What a wonderful blessing we have in Him as He bears witness with our spirits that we His children (Romans 8:16). And, let it be understood, “. . . tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers . . .” (1 Corinthians 14:22 NKJV)

For more information on this subject, I would recommend a book called Charismatic Chaos by John MacArthur Jr.