April 1998 Issue

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

By Dick Ward

Did you know the spiritual gift of SPEAKING IN TONGUES was the ability to communicate in foreign languages and not the ecstatic utterances practiced by many today? Although many people might claim to be "speaking in tongues", an understanding of the Word of God will prove otherwise. It is so sad to see folks deceive themselves and others into thinking their emotional experience is comparable to the Bible miracle of tongue-speaking.

TONGUE SPEAKING - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

To help remove confusion and misunderstandings about tongue speaking, a scriptural definition must be sought. We must lay aside the ideas and thinking of men and look at the Bible facts: "And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4). They (the apostles - see Acts 1:26; 2:14) spoke with OTHER TONGUES but what does this mean? First, we understand Jews had gathered "out of every nation" (Acts 2:5). These Jews were amazed because they heard the apostles "speaking in tongues". "...every man heard them speak in HIS OWN LANGUAGE." (:6) "...and how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein WE WERE BORN?" (:8). In collecting the facts, we are able to draw several valid and scriptural conclusions from Acts 2:1-14:

(1) The apostles spoke in tongues.

(2) The apostles' speech was understood.

(3) The speaking in tongues (this miracle) was the God-given power to speak in foreign languages without having taken time to study and learn these tongues.

WHY THE CONFUSION?

Part of the problem can be traced to the misunderstanding over the word, UNKNOWN as is found in I Corinthians 14. Looking carefully, we notice the word, unknown, is italicized. Did you know when a word is italicized it has been ADDED by the Translators? No big argument should be made over the meaning of "unknown" when the word is not even in the original text.

Next, we see how emotionalism can overtake religious people to the point of claiming something that is not true. For example, did you know several religions provide identical evidence while claiming to be tongue-speakers? The Moslems claim miracles; tongue speaking is one of these miracles. Yet, the Islam religion believe the Koran supersedes the Bible and Mohammed replaces Christ as God's prophet. Add to the Islamic faith others such as the Hudson Bay Eskimos, the North Boreno pagans, and even the "demoniacs" in China and east Africa and you see claiming tongue speaking and really speaking in tongues must be two different matters. No sir! People today are not speaking in tongues just because the "claim" such.

TONGUE SPEAKING RULES

Did you know, with very few exceptions, those people claiming to speak in tongues ignore God-given rules regulating tongue speaking? After falsely claiming to speak in God given tongues, we see a lack of respect for Bible rules showing God's commands in using this spiritual gift. On the one hand, a claim of Holy Spirit guidance (giving them the tongue) and on the other hand, a complete rebellion to Holy Spirit instruction about using tongues.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RULES?

No doubt about it, many people today are claiming to speak in tongues. Although it is plainly pointed out in the scriptures tongue speaking has ceased, still, it is puzzling to see people who claim to speak in tongues willing to run, roughshod, over the plain and pointed scriptural regulations for those having this gift. Let us look to the Word of God and examine regulations given to tongue-speakers of the first century.

1. Interpretation is necessary if the church is to be edified (I Corinthians 14:5).

2. Let all things be done unto edifying (I Corinthians 14:26).

3. Without understanding, it is but speaking into the air (I Corinthians 14:9).

4. People need to pray for interpretation of the tongue (I Corinthians 14:13).

5. One cannot say, "Amen", to that which he does not understand (I Corinthians 14:16).

6. Five words UNDERSTOOD are to be desired above 10,000 words not understood (I Corinthians 14:19).

7. Cannot have more than THREE to speak in tongues in any ONE service (I Corinthians 14:27).

8. If there is NO ONE TO INTERPRET, let the tongue speaker KEEP SILENT (I Corinthians 14:28).

9. NO WOMEN are to speak in tongues in the public gatherings (I Corinthians 14:23, 34).

10. Two or more tongue speakers MUST NOT be speaking at the SAME TIME (I Corinthians 14:27 - "by course" or "each in turn").

OBJECTION CONSIDERED

Some people claiming to speak in tongues argue they cannot control the Spirit when He moves them to speak in tongues, therefore, their reason (?) for violating these Bible rules. I am persuaded our text (I Corinthians 14) shows/demands "control". Rules 7& 8 demand control. Yes, the spirits of the prophets and others with "gifts" are "subject" to them (see :32). Therefore, not only are there no tongue-speakers today but there are few if any who follow scriptural rules while making false claims.

[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Dick Ward for the article! This article was published in a newspaper column titled, "Did You Know?" in the Carrier Newspaper in Madison, Florida. He may be reached at: Dick Ward, 18 Eldorado East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, (205) 556-2407.]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com