THE TONGUES ISSUE

THE TONGUES ISSUE

Having already seen the teaching of the end of tongues as a modern day gift we will now consider several other issues raised in the modern charismatic movement on this topic.  To address these it will be better to take them as they issue from the texts often cited.  Primarily, that will be I Corinthians chapters 13-14.

Much is often made of Paul’s reference to angelic language in verse one.  However, it is never wise to pull one verse aside from the text causing it to stand alone if the text obviously intends it as a part of the whole.  Here, Paul is creating a continuous thought by the use of hyperboles.  Can we say that Paul understood all mysteries and all knowledge, and that he had all faith?  Did he ever remove a mountain?  Did he give all he had to charity and was his body burned?  No, to each of these the answer is known to be, no.  Paul is making grand statements for the sake of solidifying another point of his argument.  Likewise, he did not speak all languages either human or angelic.  Nor, does his statement even suggest the existence of angelic language.  He simply means to say that, even if these things were true in a person’s life, the greatest gift one can have is a true and abiding love.

1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

In chapter 14 the most glaring point to be made is in the general sense.  Paul is laying down guide lines for controlling the gift of tongues.  In most of today’s charismatic churches it appears that tongues comes on an individual and that person is unable to control its occurrence or content.  Yet, in this chapter Paul clearly indicates the control of the gift which would then suggest that much of what occurs today is fraudulent.  Also the word “unknown” in this context is a previously unlearned language.  It is not as we saw earlier and angelic language or somehow a heavenly language.  Later we will see its proper use with Israel.

In verses 1-4 we are told that prophesying should be sought as a gift over tongues since it builds up the church rather than the individual.  Prophesy can mean either fore-telling the future or forth-telling (preaching) the word.  Prophecy has something to say to everyone whereas the gift of tongues might build up the speaker but leaves the rest of the congregation in ignorance of the message.  Remember, at the beginning of this letter Paul reveals that he is addressing their abuse of spiritual gifts, so now he is defining that abuse and attempting to show the proper function of gifts in the church.

1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1Co 14:2 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.

1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

This gift had apparently become the focal point of many in the church.  Paul is not suggesting that it was wrong to utilize the gift of tongues, on the contrary he says it wouldn’t be a bad thing if they all spoke in tongues.  Although, he then goes on to say that it would even be better if they prophesied or at least had an interpreter available when they did speak in tongues.  The issue for Paul was understanding and edification.  With several examples he makes the case that it is useless to do something that nobody can understand.  This part of the argument culminates in verse 11 when he says that the speaker and the hearer will feel like “barbarians” for neither will understand the other, so what would be the good of such a gift?

1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh, with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1Co 14:6  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

1Co 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

Starting in verse 12 Paul begins to expound his point.  Make sure, he tells his hearers, that whatever you do it is done with the idea of causing those around you to understand.  In verse 13 he says there should always be an interpretation, again for understanding.  Verse 14-15 says that tongues are not an appropriate language for prayer.  If it is used in prayer, since it is a gift of a language the speaker does not speak, the speaker himself does not understand.  So Paul says more emphatically, “I will pray with my spirit and understanding, and I will sing with both.”  Suggesting that he will not use tongues for either since his understanding would be void.  Paul never says he prayed in tongues.  The word “if” in verse 14 introduces a hypothetical situation; if this is the case then that is the result.  To say that Paul admits praying in tongues is a gross mistranslation of the text.  So, as with his previous argument, he continues the idea of the importance of the congregation understanding all that is happening in the worship service.

1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1Co 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

1Co 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

A most intriguing statement is found in verses 18-19.  Paul says he speaks in tongues more than any of them do, yet not in church.  In the charismatic circles today tongues is almost exclusively used in church. So, where was Paul speaking in tongues?  Remember, in Acts chapter 2 when the gift was first given those gathered (Jews from each tribe) heard the gospel in their own language from those who should not have been able to speak those languages.  The original gift, as prophesied, was to reach the Jew for Christ.  Paul apparently used the gift of tongues on his mission trips, but admits to not using it in the church.  In church he would rather “speak five words with my understanding…than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”

1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

1Co 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

In verses 20-22 the apostle confirms the original intent of the gift.  He prefaces his next statement with a plea for maturity in understanding, and a request to stop being childish; a likely reference to their ardent search for the gift of tongues.  Paul reminds them that this gift was a sign gift to the unbelieving Jew (Isa. 35:3-6).  And he says that prophesying is for the believer, not the unbeliever.  Why this distinction?  If we are to meet as believers in worship which gift would we expect to utilize?  The answer would undoubtedly be prophecy.  And, if we are seeking to witness to the unbelieving Jew which gift would be most effective?  Assuredly, it would be tongues.  So, Paul is telling these Christians they are abusing this gift if they are not using it to win lost Jews.

1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1Co 14:21  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1Co 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Be careful that you don’t cause visitors to believe you are nuts.  If everyone is babbling in tongues what will the lost visitor think? Also notice especially verse 21 and 22.  Paul’s statement would indicate that this gift is for reaching the Jews for Christ.  If this gift is used for any other purpose it is a purpose not taught in the Bible.  Acts chapter 2 shows the Jews visiting the area and hearing the gospel in their own tongue; this is in fulfillment of its original purpose.  There are only a couple other references to its occurrence and in those its use cannot be definitively stated.  But Paul does make its purpose known in verse 22.  So we can fairly ask if it is used today to reach the Jews for Christ.  When tongues are used in the local assembly today how many lost Jews are present and who is interpreting the Hebrew language to these Israelites?

A prophecy (the word spoken forth, in this case not likely a future revelation) is more likely to bring a lost visitor to repentance.  And so, Paul asks, “why aren’t you doing it this way?”  Why have you chosen the more exciting gift over the more evangelistic gift?

1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

1Co 14:25  And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Paul’s conclusion to the matter is simply, order.  If tongues come on an individual suddenly and he cannot control it, how then can Paul suggest what he suggests here?  First, he says there should never be more than two or three and that in order and with interpretation.  So, if you are number four or there is no interpreter, be silent.  Those who believe they have a message from God are to be orderly as well.  If our congregation is hearing from God you can be sure it is orderly and not confusing.  As to the interpretation, remember that this is a previously unlearned language not an angelic or heavenly language.  The interpretation then should be Hebrew or one of the languages used by the Israelites since the goal of the gift was to reach them for Christ. 

1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Verse 28 is the last reference to tongues that I can find in the Bible.  If it was intended to carry on then why is it never found again in any of the New Testament?  Remember, as we have already stated several times, that it was intended to bring the gospel to the Jews.  This gives special importance to Paul’s statement in Acts 28 that declares the gospel is given to the gentiles because of the ultimate refusal of Israel to listen.  Ephesians and Romans both tell us that Israel has been blinded by God because of their unbelief.  If its intent was to reach Israel and they wouldn’t listen, and if God has now sent the gospel to us instead, then the purpose of tongues has already been fulfilled and it will be removed.  It was removed because of the hardness of their hearts and as a result of the Bible being compiled.  The Bible is the means by which God speaks to the world today, even to the Jews.  Having the Bible at the disposal of virtually every Jew who would wish to read it negates the need of this gift.  They can hear the gospel in their own language today simply by picking up the Word of God and reading it.  Tongues are not for today.

Act 28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,

Act 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

Act 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Act 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

In summary, the gifts of healing, and miracles as well as tongues were signs to the Jews of the coming of the Messiah.  Whereas the gifts of prophecy and knowledge (special revelation) were gifts given until the scripture would be compiled.  Both of these have been done away.  The Jews rejected the Messiah, so the gifts given for the purpose of alerting them and converting them have been removed.  The scriptures have been compiled and so the gifts given in order to teach these truths in the interim have been removed.  When the purpose for the gift has been accomplished the gift itself is no longer needed.  Witnessing this truth, especially in the case of tongues, are two very telling events.  The first is the waning of the gift of tongues in the New Testament.  If tongues were not being removed then why were they never even mentioned again after I Corinthians?   The second is Paul’s statement in the Book of Acts.  This gift was undoubtedly intended to bring the gospel to Israel but Paul declares that God has removed salvation from them and is now presenting it to the Gentile world. 

Why do churches still practice what they call tongues?  I do not know.  I can say with much certainty that it is not the gift spoken of in the Bible.  I will not be so crass as to attribute every such use of this false gift as being somehow Satanic.  However, it is likely that Satan does encourage such practice since it furthers his ultimate cause; diverting our attention from Jesus Christ.