SPEAKING IN TONGUES MIRACULOUS / SUPERNATURAL! RECEIVE THE POWER FROM ON HIGH!

-Introduction- That Which is Perfect and Tongues General James Green I WOULD LIKE to present a thorough Bible study on the controversial subject of “speaking in other tongues” (Gk=Greek, glossolalia). The Bible tells us in 1 Thess. 5:21 to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” By God’s grace, I will endeavor to do this. I will prove that tongues have NOT passed away. I’ve been wanting to give an in-depth study on this subject for years. I did several tapes on “How the Gifts Ceased” years ago, but I have a greater knowledge now than I did 14 years ago. In a recent Christian (Lutheran) publication (Feb. 2005), there was an article written trying to tell the readers that “tongues have passed away.” Such questions listed here followed the lengthy article: 1) Is this a supernatural phenomenon? 2) Is it an altered state of consciousness, a form of hypnosis or hysteria, or a process of learned behavior? 3) Is modern day glossolalia identical with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? 4) Is it true that modern glossolalia is a spiritual and not a rational language? 5) Is glossolalia the “language of the angels?” 6) Is glossolalia a manifestation that one has received the Holy Spirit and a fulfillment of the Latter Rain promised in Joel 2:28,29? 7) Is glossolalia as practiced by Christians different from glossolalia practiced by non-Christians? 8) Is Christian usage of glossolalia from God or, as others hold, from Satan and connected with the demonic? 9) What are the results of the investigations done by linguists of various specialties concerning the similarities between Christian glossolalia and pagan glossolalia? 10) Where does “speaking in tongues” originate from? 11) Do all Christians need to “speak in tongues”? 12) Who endorses “speaking in tongues”? 13) Does “speaking in tongues” lead to a closer walk with Christ? 14) Is “speaking in tongues” the future means to unite all Christians into one single Church? All the above are good questions, and they can be answered. But, I want to concentrate on 1 Cor. 13:8-10 especially: “...whether there be tongues, they shall cease...” As there are dozens of books on the “tongues” and “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” subject, I suppose I will be addressing people who know of this phenomenon. Personally, I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1971—along with my wife—and we were saved together. We’ve had the wonderful gift of tongues all this time, and we use our gift DAILY. But, also we do not belong to either a Pentecostal or a Charismatic Church. Our first five years of our Christian life in Christ, we did belong to a Pentecostal Organization. While studying for the ministry, we witnessed many miracles, and saw and experienced many manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, through the years, we’ve seen such foolishness enter into both the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches—whereby the Holy Spirit is mocked, abused, disobeyed, used etc...all in the name of “God.” But, this should not discourage us from seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit—with evidence of speaking in other tongues—nor should we get discouraged at the way the Word (the Bible) of God is mocked, abused, disobeyed, used etc. by non-Spirit-filled believers. To say the least, speaking in tongues has been manifested in nearly every Christian denomination up to this study (2005). Some estimate that between 140 to 380 million Christians engage in glossolalia worldwide. This ought to be alarming to the “unbelieving” believers that TONGUES HAS NOT CEASED AS THEY CLAIM...nor has the Bible ceased to be the final authority regarding the believer’s path to righteousness. The numbers grow daily too. God wants His people to speak in His heavenly language; He wants His people to experience the miraculous. Sure there are abuses, even counterfeits, but isn’t there the same thing out there: fake prophets, false teachers, fake shepherds etc.?—using the Bible to direct lambs and sheep into Hell!??? Tongues: Miraculous - Supernatural General James Green I would like to write some short articles on the miraculous and supernatural aspects of Christianity. Now, I realize that too many professing “Christians” believe, for most part, that the miraculous/ supernatural has passed away, or so their pastor has told them. But let me state here that the miraculous/supernatural is still in the earth today FOR THE CHRISTIANS! Pentecostal BY THE TERM “PENTECOSTAL,” I mean the experience of Acts 2:1. By the term “Pentecostals,” I mean the believers that were filled with the Holy Ghost 2:4. By the terms miraculous/supernatural, I mean the gift of tongues (2:4), signs/miracles/wonders (which Jesus performed before this Pentecost outpouring as stated in 2:22), and by the power of the Holy Ghost, “many wonders and signs were done by the apostles” (2:43). The whole book of Acts is a miraculous/supernatural advent. Mark 16:17 and 18 spoke this: “And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name (Jesus Christ) shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” ALL THIS is for those who BELIEVE. Perform Miracles DON’T YOU EVER BELIEVE FOR A MOMENT THAT THE MIRACULOUS/SUPERNATURAL HAS PASSED AWAY—WE WHO FOLLOW CHRIST, THE MIRACULOUS/SUPERNATURAL SHALL FOLLOW US! In fact, the miraculous/supernatural announces the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matt. 10:1; Mk. 3:14,15; Lk.9:2;10:17and Jn.14:12). I have already taught lessons along these lines. Charismatic BY THE TERM “CHARISMATIC”, I mean (from the word “charismata,” or gifts of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:4), those who speak in tongues and operate in the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8-10); to others, it means anyone who believes in such gifs; still others define it to include anybody involved in prayer meetings or church “renewal”—a nebulous concept in itself. Anti-Pentecostal/Anti-Charismatic BY THIS, I MEAN those (and there are LOTS of them out there!) who oppose Pentecostalism/Charismaticism—not so much the Biblical account, but today’s [supposedly “Charismatic/Pentecostal”] people. It is hard to deny the Pentecostal/Charismatic doctrine since it is written [in the Bible], but most believe that “All the miraculous/supernatural has passed away. Now we have just the Bible and man’s good works.” Lesson #1–“Tongues” AS ALREADY STATED, many believe that the miraculous/supernatural is no longer in operation today—I mean the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues, they say, simply means speaking eloquently in one’s own language, or a learned language. Tongues has been discarded like that of healing, casting out devils, and prophecy etc.. “Who needs to speak babble if one can speak in their own language, or a learned language?” the anti-Pentecostal/anti-Charismatic crowd discourage. “Who needs to lay hands on the sick and diseased when we have the medical profession out there?” they warn. “Who needs to hear prophecy when we have the completed Bible to read?” they admonish. These ARE non-Spirit-filled believers (DULL AND DUMB CHURCHITES in a better word). True, one can believe a morning or evening homily given in eloquence and call it “tongues,” but spare me: this is NOT like Acts 2:4 describes, and where is the cloven tongues of fire? There is a difference between eloquence in English and that of a supernatural/miraculous language. “This English word "glossolalia" is derived from the noun glossa [G1100] and lalia ([G2981], the substitute of laleo [G2980]). In Greek, glossolalia as a compound word does not occur in the NT” (“The Complete Word Study Dictionary,” 1992). Allegation THE FALSE ALLEGATION that tongues have passed away, deprives the believers of seeking them. It denies the miraculous/supernatural nature of the gift of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12 and 14). Friends, the miraculous/supernatural gifts are “manifestations” of the Holy Spirit, i.e., Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12:7). Please study your Bible—gifts are NOT manifestations of human skill with the Spirit’s help! Tongues are not learned languages. Some poor unbelieving-believers think of tongues as mere expressive oration in one’s learned language—“inspirational, imaginative, exuberant”! Take Note of This: “IF ANY MAN speak in an unknown tongue...let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him (or her) keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God” (1 Cor. 14:27, 28). Why, dear unbelievers, is the eloquent speaker required to KEEP SILENT unless his/her oratory is translated into another language? Why be eloquent to themselves and to God alone? Of course, we’re dealing with prophecy in these verses, not one’s private “tongues” prayer language. There is also the gift of interpretation of tongues. These are “unknown tongues” which “speaketh not unto men (as in prophecy), but unto God (our personal communication in tongues); for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit, he speaketh mysteries” (14:2). Verse 4 tells us that “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the Church” (14:27). Hence there is still an order established by God among believers who speak in “tongues”. Confused Yet? YOU SEE, when we receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost (i.e. Pentecostal experience), we receive the gift of personal tongues—for our personal prayer to edification—but some have the gift of prophecy, whereby tongues and/or interpretation of tongues edifies the assembly of believers. You see, prophecy edifies the Ekklesia more than un-interpreted tongues (vv. 1-4); prophecy and tongues with interpretation are equally important to the Church (v. 5); speaking in tongues in public services without interpretation is of no benefit to others (vv. 2-12). Of course, some can give forth prophecy in one’s language, just as well if the Spirit moves upon the prophet/prophetess. What I am saying (and what the Bible says as well), is that those who speak or pray in tongues in the Ekklesia should seek to edify the members by praying for, or working in, the gift of interpretation (v. 13). In Paul’s personal life, speaking in tongues to God was an important means of worship and spiritual growth (vv. 14-19). Prophecy is more useful than un-interpreted tongues because prophecy brings conviction of sin and the knowledge of God’s presence (vv. 20-25). So, speaking in tongues and prophesying must be regulated so that order may be maintained and that the believers (or sinners at times) may receive what the Spirit is saying (vv. 26-40). Speaking in an unknown tongue in our private worship needs not to be interpreted, for God understands His own language, and the languages of ALL men. I personally pray and speak in tongues—glossolalia—and I also pray and preach in English. My Understanding PAUL IN 14:19 says, “Yet in the Church (Ekklesia is the Greek word) I had rather speak five words with my understanding...than 10,000 words in an unknown tongue.” So, if speaking in tongues means “[speaking in] eloquence,” why does the apostle compare speaking in tongues, to speaking with his own (learned) understanding? We read in 1 Cor. 14:2, as already mentioned: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh NOT unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him.” Now, if tongues were merely learned oratory, why would no one understand the speaker? Listen, by it’s very definition, oratory is understandable. Let me repeat again this too: “For if I (Paul) pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth but my understanding is unfruitful” (v.14). What Paul is writing to the Corinthians is: if praying in tongues is merely oratory prayer in his native language, why would the speaker’s mind be unfruitful? You anti-tongues people please explain this to me! Verse 5 says, “...greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he (or she) interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” Pray, tell me why an eloquent sermon needs to be interpreted? As one Bible scholar pointed out, “This doctrine implies that church-goers are only edified if the sermon is translated into a foreign language!” “...If I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you?” (v. 6). Good question, brother Paul. So, if Paul, Jesus, or anyone delivered a Gospel message in eloquent style, it WOULD profit you. Dr. D. L. Barnett and J. P. McGregor, Th.B., Th.M. in their scholarly book “Speaking in Other Tongues” (out of print) makes this statement: “These verses (above) make sense only if tongues are languages foreign to the speaker and his audience. Eloquent speech would not cause everyone to be ‘amazed’ and ‘entirely at a loss’ (Acts 2:7,12, lit. Greek). Eloquence would not cause foreigners from many nations to hear the languages in which they were born (v. 8). And certainly eloquence would not give occasion (even for a crowd of biased, close-minded, and insincere mockers) to claim that those speaking in tongues were drunk! (Acts 2:13).” Pentecost Miracle SO, MY DEAR anti-Pentecostal/anti-Charismatic Churchites, the miracle at Pentecost was that the disciples “...began to speak with other tongues...” as Acts 2:4 tells us! The word “other” has to mean “OTHER THAN THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE.” You see, tongues were a SIGN (Mark 16:17; 1 Cor. 14:22), so they had to be miraculous/supernatural in character. So it is today—the sign of God’s Holy Ghost baptism, which I do have! has always been something special, miraculous, and supernatural. Learning, say Spanish, is not unique or supernatural. This fact evidences the anti-tongues people to be unscholarly, bias, and bigoted to say the least. Forbid Not Tongues! THIS WAS PAUL’S advice in finishing up Chapter 14 (v. 39). He writes, “...covet to prophesy, and FORBID NOT to speak with tongues.” He adds in the following verse: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (v. 40). This double injunction concludes his discussion of prophecy and tongues. These anti-tongues churches today that claim to follow the LORD’s Word, yet forbid tongues/prophecy are not only fakes, but “Spirit haters.” The Holy Ghost baptism is still available—Get it! Tongues: Miraculous - Supernatural General James Green I would like to write some short articles on the miraculous and supernatural aspects of Christianity. Now, I realize that too many professing “Christians” believe, for most part, that the miraculous/ supernatural has passed away, or so their pastor has told them. But let me state here that the miraculous/supernatural is still in the earth today FOR THE CHRISTIANS! Pentecostal BY THE TERM “PENTECOSTAL,” I mean the experience of Acts 2:1. By the term “Pentecostals,” I mean the believers that were filled with the Holy Ghost 2:4. By the terms miraculous/supernatural, I mean the gift of tongues (2:4), signs/miracles/wonders (which Jesus performed before this Pentecost outpouring as stated in 2:22), and by the power of the Holy Ghost, “many wonders and signs were done by the apostles” (2:43). The whole book of Acts is a miraculous/supernatural advent. Mark 16:17 and 18 spoke this: “And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name (Jesus Christ) shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” ALL THIS is for those who BELIEVE. Perform Miracles DON’T YOU EVER BELIEVE FOR A MOMENT THAT THE MIRACULOUS/SUPERNATURAL HAS PASSED AWAY—WE WHO FOLLOW CHRIST, THE MIRACULOUS/SUPERNATURAL SHALL FOLLOW US! In fact, the miraculous/supernatural announces the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matt. 10:1; Mk. 3:14,15; Lk.9:2;10:17and Jn.14:12). I have already taught lessons along these lines. Charismatic BY THE TERM “CHARISMATIC”, I mean (from the word “charismata,” or gifts of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:4), those who speak in tongues and operate in the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8-10); to others, it means anyone who believes in such gifs; still others define it to include anybody involved in prayer meetings or church “renewal”—a nebulous concept in itself. Anti-Pentecostal/Anti-Charismatic BY THIS, I MEAN those (and there are LOTS of them out there!) who oppose Pentecostalism/Charismaticism—not so much the Biblical account, but today’s [supposedly “Charismatic/Pentecostal”] people. It is hard to deny the Pentecostal/Charismatic doctrine since it is written [in the Bible], but most believe that “All the miraculous/supernatural has passed away. Now we have just the Bible and man’s good works.” Lesson #1–“Tongues” AS ALREADY STATED, many believe that the miraculous/supernatural is no longer in operation today—I mean the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues, they say, simply means speaking eloquently in one’s own language, or a learned language. Tongues has been discarded like that of healing, casting out devils, and prophecy etc.. “Who needs to speak babble if one can speak in their own language, or a learned language?” the anti-Pentecostal/anti-Charismatic crowd discourage. “Who needs to lay hands on the sick and diseased when we have the medical profession out there?” they warn. “Who needs to hear prophecy when we have the completed Bible to read?” they admonish. These ARE non-Spirit-filled believers (DULL AND DUMB CHURCHITES in a better word). True, one can believe a morning or evening homily given in eloquence and call it “tongues,” but spare me: this is NOT like Acts 2:4 describes, and where is the cloven tongues of fire? There is a difference between eloquence in English and that of a supernatural/miraculous language. “This English word "glossolalia" is derived from the noun glossa [G1100] and lalia ([G2981], the substitute of laleo [G2980]). In Greek, glossolalia as a compound word does not occur in the NT” (“The Complete Word Study Dictionary,” 1992). Allegation THE FALSE ALLEGATION that tongues have passed away, deprives the believers of seeking them. It denies the miraculous/supernatural nature of the gift of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12 and 14). Friends, the miraculous/supernatural gifts are “manifestations” of the Holy Spirit, i.e., Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12:7). Please study your Bible—gifts are NOT manifestations of human skill with the Spirit’s help! Tongues are not learned languages. Some poor unbelieving-believers think of tongues as mere expressive oration in one’s learned language—“inspirational, imaginative, exuberant”! Take Note of This: “IF ANY MAN speak in an unknown tongue...let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him (or her) keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God” (1 Cor. 14:27, 28). Why, dear unbelievers, is the eloquent speaker required to KEEP SILENT unless his/her oratory is translated into another language? Why be eloquent to themselves and to God alone? Of course, we’re dealing with prophecy in these verses, not one’s private “tongues” prayer language. There is also the gift of interpretation of tongues. These are “unknown tongues” which “speaketh not unto men (as in prophecy), but unto God (our personal communication in tongues); for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit, he speaketh mysteries” (14:2). Verse 4 tells us that “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the Church” (14:27). Hence there is still an order established by God among believers who speak in “tongues”. Confused Yet? YOU SEE, when we receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost (i.e. Pentecostal experience), we receive the gift of personal tongues—for our personal prayer to edification—but some have the gift of prophecy, whereby tongues and/or interpretation of tongues edifies the assembly of believers. You see, prophecy edifies the Ekklesia more than un-interpreted tongues (vv. 1-4); prophecy and tongues with interpretation are equally important to the Church (v. 5); speaking in tongues in public services without interpretation is of no benefit to others (vv. 2-12). Of course, some can give forth prophecy in one’s language, just as well if the Spirit moves upon the prophet/prophetess. What I am saying (and what the Bible says as well), is that those who speak or pray in tongues in the Ekklesia should seek to edify the members by praying for, or working in, the gift of interpretation (v. 13). In Paul’s personal life, speaking in tongues to God was an important means of worship and spiritual growth (vv. 14-19). Prophecy is more useful than un-interpreted tongues because prophecy brings conviction of sin and the knowledge of God’s presence (vv. 20-25). So, speaking in tongues and prophesying must be regulated so that order may be maintained and that the believers (or sinners at times) may receive what the Spirit is saying (vv. 26-40). Speaking in an unknown tongue in our private worship needs not to be interpreted, for God understands His own language, and the languages of ALL men. I personally pray and speak in tongues—glossolalia—and I also pray and preach in English. My Understanding PAUL IN 14:19 says, “Yet in the Church (Ekklesia is the Greek word) I had rather speak five words with my understanding...than 10,000 words in an unknown tongue.” So, if speaking in tongues means “[speaking in] eloquence,” why does the apostle compare speaking in tongues, to speaking with his own (learned) understanding? We read in 1 Cor. 14:2, as already mentioned: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh NOT unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him.” Now, if tongues were merely learned oratory, why would no one understand the speaker? Listen, by it’s very definition, oratory is understandable. Let me repeat again this too: “For if I (Paul) pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth but my understanding is unfruitful” (v.14). What Paul is writing to the Corinthians is: if praying in tongues is merely oratory prayer in his native language, why would the speaker’s mind be unfruitful? You anti-tongues people please explain this to me! Verse 5 says, “...greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he (or she) interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” Pray, tell me why an eloquent sermon needs to be interpreted? As one Bible scholar pointed out, “This doctrine implies that church-goers are only edified if the sermon is translated into a foreign language!” “...If I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you?” (v. 6). Good question, brother Paul. So, if Paul, Jesus, or anyone delivered a Gospel message in eloquent style, it WOULD profit you. Dr. D. L. Barnett and J. P. McGregor, Th.B., Th.M. in their scholarly book “Speaking in Other Tongues” (out of print) makes this statement: “These verses (above) make sense only if tongues are languages foreign to the speaker and his audience. Eloquent speech would not cause everyone to be ‘amazed’ and ‘entirely at a loss’ (Acts 2:7,12, lit. Greek). Eloquence would not cause foreigners from many nations to hear the languages in which they were born (v. 8). And certainly eloquence would not give occasion (even for a crowd of biased, close-minded, and insincere mockers) to claim that those speaking in tongues were drunk! (Acts 2:13).” Pentecost Miracle SO, MY DEAR anti-Pentecostal/anti-Charismatic Churchites, the miracle at Pentecost was that the disciples “...began to speak with other tongues...” as Acts 2:4 tells us! The word “other” has to mean “OTHER THAN THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE.” You see, tongues were a SIGN (Mark 16:17; 1 Cor. 14:22), so they had to be miraculous/supernatural in character. So it is today—the sign of God’s Holy Ghost baptism, which I do have! has always been something special, miraculous, and supernatural. Learning, say Spanish, is not unique or supernatural. This fact evidences the anti-tongues people to be unscholarly, bias, and bigoted to say the least. Forbid Not Tongues! THIS WAS PAUL’S advice in finishing up Chapter 14 (v. 39). He writes, “...covet to prophesy, and FORBID NOT to speak with tongues.” He adds in the following verse: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (v. 40). This double injunction concludes his discussion of prophecy and tongues. These anti-tongues churches today that claim to follow the LORD’s Word, yet forbid tongues/prophecy are not only fakes, but “Spirit haters.” The Holy Ghost baptism is still available—Get it! What Is “That Perfect”? General James Green W E’VE ALL HEARD this old theory about the completed N.T. being the “perfect” (The Canon of Scripture). How do the anti-Pentecostals come up with such a theory? Well, they say that the Greek word “perfect” means “brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing necessary to completeness, perfect” (see J. H. Thayer’s Gk-Eng. Lexicon of the N.T.). Going by this reasoning, all tongues spoken today are either psychologically or demonically induced. According to THEIR reasoning, tongues passed away when the N. T was canonized. Oh how silly! The Commentary on the Whole Bible by the famous Matthew Henry (1662-1714), states on page 1820: “Charity never faileth! It is a permanent and perpetual grace, lasting for eternity. ‘Prophecy must fail.’ ‘Tongues will cease.’ There will be but one language in Heaven. There is no confusion of tongues in the religion of perfect tranquility. And ‘knowledge will vanish away.’ Not that holy and happy souls shall be unknowing: it is a very poor happiness that can consist with utter ignorance. The apostle is here setting the grace of Charity (love) in opposition to supernatural gifts. And it is more valuable, because it is more durable; it shall enter into heaven, where the other gifts will have no place.” Henry states (v. 10), “How much better it will be with the Church hereafter. When the end is once attained, the means will of course be abolished. Then the Church will be in a state of perfection, complete both in knowledge and holiness.” No mention of tongues ceasing till the Church age is over. The famous Adam Clarke, L.L.D., F.S.A., in his commentary on 1 Cor. 13:8-10 states, “Prophecies shall fail...tongues shall cease, the miraculous gift of different languages, that also shall cease, as being unnecessary, knowledge shall vanish away...all human arts and sciences, as being utterly useless in the eternal world, though so highly extolled and useful here.” He states (v. 10), “The state of eternal blessedness: then that which is in part—that which is imperfect—shall be done away; the imperfect as well as the probationary state shall cease forever.” No mention of ceasing till all go to Heaven. Experiential vs. Traditional DID YOU KNOW that the majority of 18th and 19th century Bible commentators, who never spoke in tongues, refute the “Completed N.T. theory”? Why not do some of your own studying and see for yourself. R. P. Martin and P. H. Davids, in their 1,289 page “Dictionary of the Later N. T. and its Developments” (1997), state on page 1178, 1179 that “there are no references to ‘glossolalia’ in the apostolic fathers, although there are 12 references to the tongue in terms of speech ethics and one to the peoples of the languages of the world gathered in judgement. Thus, it appears that by the second century, this phenomenon was subsumed under the term ‘prophecy’ (i.e., the lack of differentiation in Acts carried to its logical conclusion).” In R. P. Martin and G. F. Hawthorne’s “Dictionary of Paul and his Letters” (1993), they state on page 940, “Those within the classical Pentecostal movement, as well as the charismatic renewal, speak in tongues, but only very rarely has there been sufficient documentary evidence to substantiate xenophobic claims. Social-scientific study, while not necessarily denying the legitimacy or benefit of certain modern glossolalia claims, tends to view them in terms of psychological and or sociological influences.” Of course, these Bible scholars do not promote tongues, as can be seen by their writings. They do not go as far as saying that tongues are “of the devil!” either. Barnett and McGregor state, “...shall we conclude that the neuter to teleion ‘the perfect’ (Gk) is ‘the perfect thing’ (the NT) or ‘the perfect one’ (Jesus Christ)? Strong’s Concordance states that “teleios” means “complete”, “of full age” (#G5046); “teleiotes” means “completeness,” “perfection (ness)” (#G5047); “teleioo” means “complete”, “accomplished”, “finished”, “fulfill”, (make) “perfect” (#G5048); “teleiotes” means “completes”, i.e. “consummates,” “finishes,” (#G5051); “telesphoreo” means “to be a bearer to completion” (maturity). (#G5052).” There we have several Greek words describing “perfect” or “perfection.” But back to the neuter to “teleion”—the neuter must imply a “thing,” and is not a thing something other than a person? Why would we only think in terms of a Completed Bible? Could the “perfect” be speaking of Jesus Christ? Look at these texts: “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made ‘perfect,’ He became the author of eternal salvation...” (Heb. 5:8,9). Would not the second coming of Jesus render prophecy and knowledge (and presumably tongues) obsolete? After all, He will be the “perfected” man in His coming. Does not Luke1:35 say: “that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Holy “thing?” Yes, that Holy “thing” was Christ, and this “perfect thing” which will come again is He—WHAT ELSE could elevate fallen, sinful man to the position of seeing God face to face? Tell me?? If we take 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world...”, we see that the neuter “whatsoever” is not a thing but a believer. Consider also Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” — the neuter, “that is the lost souls who will believe the Gospel.” Please consider Habakkuk 2:3 and Hebrews 10:37. The “it” in Habakkuk Becomes “He” that shall come in Hebrews. Friends, GOD IS NOT SPEAKING ABOUT A SET OF SCROLLS AS “that which is perfect,” neither is the apostle Paul. They both know WHO they had in mind: Jesus Christ the Lord! When Jesus was “perfected” (for He never sinned!) as a man, He had to finish His course, meeting the Father’s requirement that was set before Him. He learned obedience by discipline (the art of learning). This and only this was God’s purpose and plan of all the ages...the perfecting of all things. This is the consummation of earthly tongues, knowledge, and prophecy. Once in heaven, we need none of these things; we’ll see Jesus, and He will see us. BUT UNTIL THAT TIME, WE NEED THESE TEMPORAL GIFTS TO CONTINUE TO HELP US IN FRUITFULNESS. These gifts will even continue during the millennium. Two Theories General James Green S INCE AT LEAST some non-Pentecostals see the untenable theory of the “completed N.T.,” they must come up with another theory; since they refuse to accept the SIMPLE FACT THAT TONGUES HAVE NOT CEASED, they come up with the Greek verb being in the passive voice, i.e., “prophecies, they shall fail,” and “knowledge, it shall vanish away.” But they have a problem with “tongues, they shall cease,” the verb is in the middle voice. They reason that prophecy (preaching?) and knowledge will be done away (passive voice) by God in the future, when the perfect comes, but tongues would cease of themselves (middle voice) at the end of the 1st century. What are all these Millions (Big “M”) within the Church doing speaking in tongues? Did you know that the “voice” in Greek (or any language) has nothing to do with time? How silly! All the verbs in 1 Cor. 13:8 are, as Greek scholars point out, in the same tense (future), indicating that knowledge, prophecies, and tongues will all cease at a FUTURE DATE. They point out that nothing in the context indicates that the future time for tongues is different than the future time for knowledge and prophecies. Have tongues ceased? MANY BELIEVE SO. Did tongues cease after the death of the apostles? They reason that the probable reason why tongues are not mentioned in verse 9 is that tongues, although transitory, are not “in part” as prophecy and knowledge are. What some of these anti-Pentecostals are saying is that “tongues ceased after the first century church and knowledge and prophecies will (and did) cease after the ‘perfect’ has come—meaning the canon of the Bible.” Although the Bible does not strictly say when tongues will cease to operate, we can certainly say THEY WILL NOT CEASE...“these signs shall follow them that believe”...until the end of all earthly things. Another Theory: Tongues ceased when Herod’s Temple was destroyed. THESE ANTI-PENTECOSTAL scholars scrape bottom trying to come up with something, anything, to prove their theories. Some saw through the “N.T. completion” theory and the modified doctrine, now some point to 1 Cor. 1:22, “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.” They claim that God gave the Jews the sign of tongues to get them to believe the Gospel, so they use 1 Cor. 14:21 as their proof text, “...with men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people...” (taken from Isa. 28:11). They claim that once the Lord cut off His people, there was no more need to appeal to the Jews through this temporary sign of tongues, so it ceased. The date? A.D. 70, of course! The destruction of Herod’s Temple. Isa. 28:11 was a sign but not the only purpose of speaking in tongues, for verse 2 reads, “To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing...” Rest and Refreshing. The apostle Peter, in Acts10:45 and 46, says that tongues were a sign that the Gentiles, not the Jews, had received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. We might ask why Paul wanted the Corinthians (who were mostly Greeks), to speak in tongues? (1 Cor. 14:5). Was it to be a sign to the Jewish sinners? No! Tongues were (and are) a sign to ALL unbelievers. Paul wrote to the Gentile Corinthians (after Pentecost!) declaring that “tongues are for a sign...to them that believe not” (1 Cor. 14:22). UNBELIEVERS HAVE NOT CEASED! TONGUES WILL CEASE WHEN THE REDEEMED CHURCH SEES GOD AND JESUS FACE TO FACE, not when the great Jewish Temple was torn down. TRUE SPEAKING IN TONGUES Gen. James Green “Full Life Study Bible,” N.T., NIV, page 232 states: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). Speaking in tongues, or glossolalia (from Gk glossais lalo), was considered by NT Christians as a God-given sign accompanying the baptism in the Holy Spirit (see Ac 2:4; 10:45-47; 19:6). This Biblical pattern for the Spirit-filled life is still valid for us today. (1) TONGUES AS a manifestation of the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, i.e., a Spirit-inspired utterance whereby believers speak in a language (Gk glossa) they have never learned (Ac 2:4; I Co 14:14-15). It may be in existing spoken human languages (Ac 2:6) or in languages unknown on earth (cf. I Co 13:1). It is not "ecstatic speech," as rendered in some translations, for the Bible never uses the term "ecstatic utterance" to refer to speaking in tongues. (2) Tongues as a sign. Speaking in tongues is an inspired utterance whereby the believer's spirit and the Holy Spirit join in verbal praise and/or prophecy. God linked speaking in tongues with the baptism in the Spirit from the very beginning (Ac 2:4), so that the 120 believers at Pentecost, and believers thereafter, would have an experiential confirmation that they have indeed received the baptism in the Holy Spirit (cf. Ac 10:45-46). Thus, this experience could be objectively validated as to place and time of reception. Throughout the history of the church, whenever tongues as a confirming sign has been denied or lost from view, the truth and experience of Pentecost has been distorted or ignored entirely. (3) Tongues as a gift. Speaking in tongues is also described as a gift of the Holy Spirit to the believer (I Co 12:4-10). This gift has two main purposes: (a) Speaking in tongues accompanied by interpretation is used in public worship to communicate the content of the utterance to the congregation, so that all may enter into Spirit-directed worship, praise, or prophecy (1 Co 14:5-6,13-17). (b) Speaking in tongues is used by the believer to speak to God in his or her personal devotions and thus to build up one's spiritual life (I Co 14:4). It means speaking at the level of the spirit (14:2,14) for the purpose of praying (14:2,14-15,28), giving thanks(14:16-17), or singing (14:15; see I Co 14, notes; see article on SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR BELIEVERS, pg. 350; will be discussed in next section). SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR BELIEVERS "NOW TO EACH ONE the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7, NIV). Pages 350, 351 in “Full Life Study Bible” (NIV) present a Biblical outline of the Spiritual Gifts that God has prepared for His people. GENERAL PERSPECTIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts given to believers (I Co 12:7). These manifestations of the Spirit are intended for the building up and sanctification of the church (I Co 12:7; 14:26). These spiritual gifts are not the same as the gifts and ministries mentioned in Ro 12:6-8 and Eph 4:11, whereby a believer receives the power and ability to minister in a more permanent manner in the church. The list in I Co 12:8-10 is not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. (1) The manifestations of the Spirit are given according to the Spirit's will (I Co 12:11) when need arises and according to the believer's eager desire (12:31; 14:1). (2) Some gifts may be manifested through an individual on a regular basis, and a believer may have more than one gift to minister to particular needs. The believer ought to desire "gifts," not just one gift (I Co 12:31; 14:1). (3) It is unscriptural and unwise to assume that because someone exercises a spectacular gift, that person is more spiritual than one who has less spectacular gifts. Furthermore, possessing a gift does not mean that God approves of all a person does or teaches. Spiritual gifts must not be confused with the fruit of the Spirit, which relates more directly to Christian character and sanctification (Gal 5:22-23). (4) The Spirit's manifestation through gifts may be counterfeited by Satan or false workers disguising themselves as servants of Christ (Mt 7:21-23; 24:11, 24; 2 Co 11:13-15; 2 Th 2:8-10). The believer must not believe every spiritual manifestation, but ought to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I Jn 4:1; cf. I Th 5:20-21). INDIVIDUAL GIFTS IN I CO 12:8-10, Paul lists a variety of gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to believers. Though he does not define their characteristics here, we can glean from other passages of Scripture what they might be. (1) Message of wisdom. This is a wise utterance spoken through the operation of the Holy Spirit. It applies the revelation of God's Word or the Holy Spirit's wisdom to a specific situation or problem (Ac 6:10; 15:13-22). It is not, however, the same as having the wisdom of God for daily living. This is obtained by diligent study and meditation on God's ways and Word, and by prayer (Jas 1:5-6). (2) Message of knowledge. This is an utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit that reveals knowledge about people, circumstances, or Biblical truth. It is often connected closely with prophecy (Ac 5:1-10; 10:47-48; 15:7-11; I Co 14:24-25). (3) Faith. This is not saving faith, but a special supernatural faith imparted by the Holy Spirit that enables the Christian to believe God for the extraordinary and miraculous. It is a faith that moves mountains (I Co 13:2) and is often found in combination with other manifestations such as healings and miracles (Mk 11:22-24; Lk 17:6). It also may refer to a special gift by which one inspires faith in members of the congregation. (4) Gifts of healing. These gifts are given to the church to restore physical health by supernatural means (Mt 4:23-25; 10:1; Ac 3:6-8; 4:30). The plural ("gifts") indicates healing of various illnesses and suggests that every act of healing is a special gift of God. Although gifts of healing are not given to every member of the body in a special way (cf. I Co 12:11, 30), all members may pray for the sick. When faith is present, the sick will be healed. Healing may also come as a result of obedience to the instructions of Jas 5:14-16. (5) Miraculous powers. These are deeds of supernatural power that alter the normal course of nature. They include divine acts in which God's kingdom is manifested against Satan and evil spirits. (6) Prophecy. We must distinguish between prophecy as a temporary manifestation of the Spirit (I Co 12:10) and prophecy as a ministry gift of the church (Eph 4:11). As a ministry gift, prophecy is given only to some believers, who must then function as prophets within the church. As a spiritual manifestation, prophecy is potentially available to every Spirit-filled Christian (Ac 2:17-18). Concerning prophecy as a spiritual manifestation: (a) Prophecy is a special gift that enables a believer to bring a word or revelation directly from God under the impulse of the Holy Spirit (I Co 14:24-25, 29-31). It is not the delivery of a previously prepared sermon, (b) In both the OT and the NT, prophecy is not primarily foretelling the future, but proclaiming God's will and exhorting and encouraging God's people to righteousness, faithfulness, and endurance (14:3). (c) The message may expose the condition of a person's heart (14:25) or offer strengthening, encouragement, comfort, warning, and judgment (14:3, 25-26, 31)... (7) Distinguishing between spirits. This gift is a special Spirit-given ability to properly discern and judge prophecies and to distinguish whether or not an utterance is from the Holy Spirit (see I Co 14:29; I Jn 4:1). Toward the end of the age when false teachers (see Mt 24:5) and distortion of Biblical Christianity will greatly increase (see I Ti 4:1), this gift will be [and is!] extremely important for the church. (8) Speaking in different kinds of tongues. Concerning "tongues" (Gk glossa, meaning language) as a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit, the following must be pointed out: (a) Tongues may be an existing spoken language (Ac 2:4-6) or a language unknown on earth, e.g., "tongues...of angels" (I Co 13:1; see ch. 14; see article on SPEAKING IN TONGUES, p. 232). Such speech has not been learned and is often unintelligible both to the speaker (14:14) and to the hearers (14:16). (b) Speaking in tongues involves the human spirit and the Spirit of God intermingling so that the believer communicates directly to God (i.e., in prayer, praise, blessing, or thanksgiving), giving expression or utterance at the level of one's spirit rather than the mind (I Co 14:2,14) and praying for oneself or others under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit apart from the activity of the mind (cf. I Co 14:2, 4, 15, 28; Jude 20)... (9) Interpretation of tongues. This is the Spirit-given ability to understand and communicate the meaning of an utterance spoken in tongues. When interpreted for the congregation, tongues function either as a directive to worship and prayer or as prophecy. The body of believers can then participate in this Spirit-inspired revelation. Interpreted tongues can thus be a means of edification as the whole congregation responds to the utterance (cf. 14:6, 13). The gift may be given to the one who speaks in tongues or to someone else. Those who speak in tongues should pray also for the gift of interpretation (I Co 14:13). Proper Hermeneutics General James Green N O MAJOR BIBLE doctrine is confined to a single passage. Hermeneutics operate in a certain way. Biblical Hermeneutics by Terry S. Milton (page 186) testifies to these rules of operation of Bible interpretation: “The obscure or doubtful passages are to be explained by what is plain and simple. A subject may be only incidentally noticed in one place, but be treated with extensive fullness in another.” Bernard Ramm’s “Protestant Biblical Interpretation” (3rd Revised edition, page 138) states, “The context of any verse is the entire Scripture. This is what is meant by ‘Scripture interprets Scripture’...” Joseph Angus and Samuel G. Green, in their “The Bible Hand-Book” (revised ed., p.195), states “The...most comprehensive rule of Biblical interpretation is: Compare Scripture with Scripture.” Many, many more scholars could be quoted, such as the “Oxford Companion To The Bible,” by B. M. Metzger and M. P. Coogon, who give almost two full pages on hermeneutics. They cite many scholars, both liberal and conservative. Barnett and McGregor state that only clear-cut and unambiguous verses can prove a doctrine, so 1 Cor. 13:10 as a proof text, is what they call enigmatic since it does not tell what “that which is perfect” is. Of course, the anti-tongues people respond by telling us “If this verse is enigmatic, how are you (we) so sure what it means?” Answer: By showing Scriptures (by their context) like the ones we’ve thus far presented. Since 1 Cor. 13:10 is ambiguous, it must be interpreted in harmony with other Scriptures that are not. Like for instance, the following verses: Acts 2:39; 1 Cor. 14:39; 1 Cor. 14:5, and Mark 16:17. These Scriptures cannot contradict 1 Cor. 13:10 In “Principles of Biblical Interpretation,” page 166, we find this, “A doctrine that is clearly supported by the analogy of faith (parallel passages) cannot be contradicted by a contrary and obscure passage” (L. Berkhof) Please remember that both Bible scholars, and teachers, and preachers are people subject to prejudice and bias. I have dozens of books written by such men and women who present opposite sides of all kinds of issues. One pastor stated that “Pride dies hard. Friends, upbringing, education, and denomination, place an almost intolerable strain on one’s objectivity.” Most religious historians will tell us that tongues, prophecy, and Divinely imported revelation occurred rarely in the 1700 years preceding the turn of the 1900's. What was the reason? Whatever the reason, this gave the anti-tongues people their logical proof that they had already passed away. But these gifts did not nor will they ever pass away until... One writer stated that “glossolalia is a fairly recent phenomenon in the Christian world.” He tells us about the first wave around 1900. In fact, many books have been written about this. Evans Roberts of Wales became a famous revivalist in the first part of that century; speaking in tongues, baptism in the Holy Ghost etc. was falling everywhere, and continued all around the world. The 2nd wave, according to studies came around 1960—neo-Pentecostalism or the Charismatic renewal movement; “Speaking in tongues” then entered most traditional churches of Christianity. The 3rd wave is considered the recent Celebration Church movement. I would like to add that another great outpouring occurred around 1946 too. Those who have or are studying these movements, indicate that glossolalia is not a uniquely Christian practice. These poor souls who do not understand that tongues is a Divine language (although God has and does use a native language when He so desires for whatever reason), not a learned language. Some of the skeptics and critics tell us that a large number of native non-Christian, living religions around the world speak in glossolalia. How stupid! You do not have this Divine gift unless you ARE A CHRISTIAN!!! They cite Eskimos (Inuit), Lapps (Saami); they speak of dozens of various religious cults and occultists who speak in tongues. These tongues are not from God! Logical Fallacies and Biases General James Green S INCE PENTECOST IS HERE and thousands of once dis-believers of tongues have been baptized in the Holy Ghost, and speak in tongues, the problem of tongues has compounded itself for the anti-tongues people. It ought to. No, love did not replace tongues as some argue. Why? Because the “love chapter” is sandwiched between two chapters on the spiritual gifts! Should this bother them? Yes, for the original (or based on the original) Greek manuscripts had no chapter divisions. They presented ONE harmony of truth in ONE flow of teaching. Since Paul stated in 1 Cor. 12:31 to, “...covet earnestly the best gifts; and yet I show unto you a more excellent way,” but critics claim he is talking about “love.” They tell us to “seek love and gifts.” Spare me! This is NOT rightly dividing the Word of truth—as 2 Tim. 2:15 instructs us. What does 1 Cor. 12:31 say again? It tells us to COVET THE GIFTS IN THE SAME VERSE! Chapter 13 is a continuation of Paul’s discussion of the question of spiritual gifts. Here he emphasizes that to possess spiritual gifts without “love” is worth nothing (vv. 1-3). The “more excellent way” (12:31) IS the exercise of spiritual gifts in “love” (vv. 4-8)!! As the only context in which spiritual gifts can fulfil the will of the Lord, “love” must be the governing principle of all spiritual manifestations—the whole WAY of the Christian walk. Let us remember that THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (E.G., “LOVE”) AND THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT (E.G., “TONGUES”). Paul knew the difference! He knew both have their place. Fruit cannot replace gifts. It is in the gifts that provide edification that helps mature the fruit (1 Cor. 14:3, 4, 26). Because “love” is spoken of as “the more excellent way,” gifts are not to cease, for they were given, as the New American Standard Bible says, “for the common good.” The KJV says, “...the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Cor. 12:7). Paul therefore exhorts the Corinthians to “follow after charity (“love”), and desire the things of the Holy Spirit”—because they sincerely want to help, comfort, and bless. True vs. False Tongues General James Green F RIENDS, we would be in trouble—real bad trouble—if all we had about tongues came from these anti-Pentecostals and anti-Charismatics. But, even some from their camp have been baptized in the Holy Ghost and received the gift of tongues...Praise The Lord! Tongues is not “babble” or “prattle” or other such names given it. Glossolalia in Contemporary Linguistic Study—the highly respected (by tongues’ critics) 1972 study of John P. Kildahl (the Psychology of Speaking in Tongues)—concludes that “...from a linguistic point of view, religiously inspired glossolalia utterances have the same general characteristics as those that are not religiously inspired.” Thank you Dr. Kildahl for YOUR comment! Others echo him in declaring that tongues is a “human phenomenon, not limited to Christianity nor even to religious behaviour.” (“Dict. of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements” by Spittler p. 340). There is no doubt that there are false tongues. I’m sure the witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28:7) spoke in demonic tongues. Isaiah 8:19 speaks about those who had familiar spirits (demons!), and about wizards that “peep” and “mutter.” “Experts in the field of linguistics have diligently studied the phenomenon of glossolalia over a period of many years. One of the early investigations was made in the early 1960's by Eugene A. Nida. He provided a detailed list of reasons why glossolalia cannot be human language.” Another early study, done by W. A. Wolfram in the year 1966, concluded that “glossolalia lacks the basic elements of human language as a system of coherent communication” (Erick Franke, Speaking in Tongues, “Christian News,” Feb. 2005, pg. 25). Franke relates to his readers how Professor W. J. Samarin of the Univ. Of Toronto’s Dept. of Linguistics published, after a decade of careful research, rejected the view that glossolalia is xenoglossia, i.e. some foreign language that could be understood by another person who knows that language. Conclusion? Glossolalia is a “psuedo-language.” He defined glossolalia as “unintelligible, babbling speech that exhibits superficial phonological similarity to language, without having consistent systematic structure” and “not systematically derived from or related to known language.” (W. J. Samarin, “Variation and Variables in Religious Glossolalia,” Language in Society, ed. Dell Haymes, Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1972, pgs. 121-130). More about this ‘unknown’ language in a later study. Try This One! General James Green 1 Cor. 14:2 states, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men (hear this Mr. Prof. W. J. Samarin?), but unto God; for no man understandeth him (see this tongues is really no problem!); howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.” Not only this, but verse 4 tells us that “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.” Should we listen to these stupid and ignorant men who know NOTHING about this subject? NO! Tongues has not ceased!!! One “know it all,” writing about 13:11, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things,” says that Paul was referring to himself speaking in tongues (which was infantile prattle). The epistle of 1 Cor. was written around 40 years before the completion of the N.T. (the time when tongues ceased!). If the necessity for tongues ended at the completion of the N.T., then glossolalia was at least necessary before the completed N.T. Did the apostle stop using tongues while they were still necessary? In fact, was there ever a necessity for childish “prattle?” Let us do our own experiment here. If we substitute “childish prattle” for tongues, here is what we get: (related by Pastor Barnett, D.D.) 1 Cor. 14:2—“For he that speaketh in childish prattle speaketh not unto men, but unto God...in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries” (WOW!). V.4—“He that speaketh in childish prattle edifieth himself” (i.e., build up himself)? V.5—“I would that ye all spake in childish prattle”? V. 13—“Wherefore let him that speaketh in childish prattle pray that he may interpret” ? V.18—“I thank my God, I speak in childish prattle more than ye all”? V.27—“If any man speak in childish prattle, let it be by two...”? V.39—“Forbid not to speak in childish prattle”? 12:28—“And God hath set some in the Church, first apostles...prophets...teachers...miracles..., diversities of childish prattle”? 12:8, 10—“For to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdom....to another childish prattle”? Mark 16:17—“And these signs shall follow them that believe; in My Name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with (in) childish prattle”? The person who made this “childish prattle” statement is a professor of theology, the president of a theological college! Is it any wonder that students that go through some of these colleges can’t even tie their shoes...or even carry on an intellectual conversation? No wonder tongues is taught to be “devil language!” Tongues at Corinth General James Green T HE CORINTHIAN CONTEXT provides a case study of glossolalia in the early church. Beginning in 1 Cor. 12:1: “Now concerning gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant;” Paul starts out dealing with “ta pneumatika”—literally to “the spirituals” (i.e., “spiritual persons”) or “spiritual things.” In chapters 12-14, he deals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to the body of Christ. These gifts were an indispensable part of the infant Church’s ministry. The Lord intends that these gifts CONTINUE in operation until Jesus’ return (see 1 Cor. 1:7). PURPOSES OF THE GIFTS 1) TO MANIFEST THE LOVE, POWER, AND GRACE AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE (SEE VV. 4-7; 14:25; ROM. 15:18, 19; EPH. 4:8). 2) TO HELP MAKE THE GOSPEL PREACHING EFFECTIVE BY GIVING SUPERNATURAL CONFIRMATION TO THE MESSAGE, AND POWER TO THE MESSENGERS (SEE MK. 16:15-20; ACTS 14:8-18; 16:16-18; 19:11-20; 28:1-10). 3) TO MEET HUMAN NEEDS AND TO STRENGTHEN AND BUILD UP SPIRITUALLY BOTH THE EKKLESIA (VV. 7, 14-30; 14:3, 12, 26), AND THE INDIVIDUAL, SAVED BELIEVERS (14:4), I.E., TO PERFECT CHRISTIANS IN “CHARITY OUT OF A PURE HEART AND OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE AND OF FAITH UNFEIGNED” (1 TIM. 1:5; 1 COR. 13). 4) TO WAGE EFFECTIVE SPIRITUAL WARFARE (SEE IS. 61:1; ACTS 8:5-7; 26:18; EPH. 6:11-12). SCRIPTURES THAT DEAL WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE FOUND IN ROMANS 12:3-8; 1 COR. 1:7; 12-14; EPH. 4:4-6; 1 PET. 4:10, 11. Pneumatika vs Charismata THE APOSTLE Paul quickly redirects the focus away from pneumatika toward the charismata. This shift takes the emphasis off the one who manifests such “spiritual thing” (pneumatika), with its implication that the individual is ‘spiritual’ simply because he or she manifested these phenomena. Instead, it sets the emphasis on the giver of these pneumatika, since they are in fact charismata—“manifestations of grace” (1 Cor. 12:4) (G. F. Hawthorne and R. P. Martin, and D. G. Reid, “Dict. Of Paul and His Letters,” pg. 940). KINGDOM OF GOD "BUT IF I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Mt 12:28). “THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOM. The kingdom of God (or heaven) carries the idea of God coming into the world to assert his power, glory, and rights against Satan's dominion and the present course of this world. It is more than salvation, or the church; it is God expressing himself powerfully in all his works. (1) The kingdom is primarily an assertion of divine power in action. God is beginning his spiritual rule on earth, in hearts and among his people (Jn 14:23; 20:22). He comes into the world with power (Isa 64:l; Mk 9:l; I Co 4:20). God does not intend at this time to redeem and reform the world through social or political activism, or through violent action (Mt 26:52; see Jn 18:36, note). The world throughout this age will remain an enemy of God and his people (Jn 15:19; Ro 12:1-2; Jas 4:4; I Jn 2:15-17; 4:4)... (2) Because God asserts himself with power, the world enters into a crisis. God's expression of power fills the devil's empire with alarm (Mt 4:3ff; 12:29; Mk 1:24), and everyone is confronted with the decision whether or not to submit to God's rule (Mt 3:1-2; 4:17; Mk 1:14-15). The necessary and fundamental condition of entry into God's kingdom is, "REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS" (Mk 1:15). (3) This breaking into the world with divine power involves: (a) spiritual power over Satan's rule and dominion (Mt 12:28; Jn 18:36)—the coming of the kingdom is the beginning of the destruction of Satan's rule (Jn 12:31; 16:11) and of humanity's deliverance from the demonic (Mk 1:34, 39; 3:14-15; Ac 26:18) and from sin (Ro 6); (b) power to work miracles and to heal the sick (Mt 4:23; 9:35; Ac 4:30; 8:7); (c) the preaching of the gospel, convicting in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment (Mt 11:5; Jn 16:8-11 Ac 4:33); (d) the salvation and sanctification of those who repent and believe the gospel (see Jn 3:3; 17:17; Ac 2:38-40; 2 Co 6:14-18); and (e) the baptism in the Holy Spirit for power to witness for Christ (see Ac 1:8, notes; 2:4, notes). (4) An essential evidence that one is experiencing God's kingdom is a life of "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Ro 14:17). (5) This kingdom has both a present and a future aspect. It is a present reality in the world today (Mk 1:15; Lk 18:16-17; Col 1:13; Heb 12:28), yet God's rule and power are not completely realized. The work and influence of Satan and evil people will continue until the end of the age (I Ti 4:1; 2 Ti 3:1-5; Rev 19:19-20:10). The future manifestation of God's glory, power, and kingdom will occur when Jesus returns to judge the world (Mt 24:30; Lk 21:27; Rev 19:11-20; 20:1-6). The ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom comes when Christ finally triumphs over all evil and opposition and hands over the kingdom to God the Father (I Co 15:24-28; Rev 20:7-21:8; see also Mk 1:15)” (taken from page 28 out of “Full Life Study Bible,” NIV version). 1 Corinthians 12:1-7 THE TERM that the Bible uses for spiritual gifts, specifies their nature: a) “Spiritual gifts” (Greek pneumatika, derived from pneuma, “Spirit”) refers to supernatural manifestations which come as gifts from the Holy Spirit operating through believers, for the common good (vv. 1, 7; 14:1). b) “Gifts” or “grace gifts” (Gk. charismata, derived from charis, “grace”) indicates that spiritual gifts involve both an inward motivation and the power to perform their (i.e., actualized enablement), received from the Holy Ghost. Such gifts strengthen the body of Christ spiritually...so why would God cause these gifts to cease? “Administrations” or “ministries” (Gk. diakoniai, from diakonia, “service”) emphasize that there are different ways to serve, and that certain gifts involve being given the ability and power to help and assist others (vv 4, 5, 27-31; Eph. 4:7, 11-13) So, the apostle Paul indicates that the ministry aspect of the gifts reflects the “servant” ministry of the Lord. Therefore, the operation of the gifts are defined in terms of Christ’s presence and operation in our midst (see 1 Cor. 1:4; 12:3). “Operations” or “effects” (Gk. energemata, from energes, “active, energetic”) signifies that spiritual gifts are direct “OPERATIONS” of the power of God, and produce certain results (vv. 6, 10). So, WHY would God cause His “active power” to cease? The “Manifestations of the Spirit” (Gk. phanerosis, from phaneros, “manifest”) emphasizes that spiritual gifts are direct “manifestations” of the working and presence of the Holy Ghost in the midst of God’s people (see vv. 7-11).