WHAT IS THE MEAT OF THE WORD?
by Keith Hunt
Paul once wrote, "..we have many things to say, and HARD to be
uttered, seeing you are DULL of hearing. For when for the time
you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you AGAIN
which be the FIRST principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have NEED OF MILK, and not STRONG MEAT. For every
one that uses MILK is unskilled in the word of righteousness: for
he is a BABE. But STRONG MEAT belongs to them that are of full
age, even those who by reason of the use have their senses
exercised to DISCERN both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:11-14).
What did he mean by those of full spiritual age wanting to
have more than MILK? What was he meaning by saying that after
having the first principles of the oracles of God people should
be moving on to STRONG MEAT?
Does this mean people should want and should always be fed
large technical doctrinal messages in sermons, and always be
involved in nitty-gritty in-depth technical Bible studies when
they get together in large or small groups to study and discuss
the word of God?
The CONTEXT of these verses and the context of the preceding
chapters to these verses will give us the answer, and that answer
is not what most may first of all think about when they read
those verses outside of their context.
The Basic Oracles of God
We are not left to guess what might be meant by the "first
principles of the oracles of God" or as put in chapter 6:1, "the
principles of the doctrines of Christ." We are given the list of
those first principles which once having we are to move forward
from, not casting off, or leaving behind to forget, but to go
from that basic foundation and to then continue to build a STRONG
house from that foundation. A house that is called "strong meat"
in this case. Not some shack made from stubble or hay, but a
spiritual house for us made from strong bricks or stones that can
weather the storms that life as a Christian and life within the
Christian community we call "the Church of God" can endure and
remain standing when the winds that would come to destroy, do
blow.
Yes, we are told that we must go on to perfection, to get
passed the "babe" stage of spiritual growth, to move on to "full
age" even to where we can be teachers, to be able to teach others
who are yet babes in Christ, how to attain full age and
perfection.
Look at the list of the foundational doctrines of Christ.
Think about them, meditate on them somewhat. Ask yourself this
question: How do these foundational doctrines, the basic milk of
the word, the basic oracles of God, how do they effect my daily
walk in life with others in the world and in the "church"? I
mean, from a clinical technical point, as we look at the basic
"theological" view of those doctrines.
Take the doctrine of "repentance." Yes, we can come to study
it all, find every Scripture on the subject in the Bible. And we
can apply it to ourselves in a personal way. We can come to
understand all the technicalities of sin, righteousness, grace
and forgiveness, and be inwardly changed and as we say
"converted" to God and Christ. It is still a personal thing going
on within us. The same with faith towards God. We learn all about
it in a technical way, and we apply it in a personal way, and it
remains personal.
Take "baptisms." Water baptism for example. Some of us hear
the announcement that so and so has been baptized, and we are
happy and we go and shake their hand or give them a hug, and it's
over as such. Sure there is technical knowledge that goes into
the mind as we study about that technical knowledge side of the
doctrine of baptism, but when it is performed it is a literal act
done with someone and that literal act comes to an end. The same
with the doctrine of the laying on of hands. There is study in
the mind of the Scriptures concerning it, but the bottom line is
the laying on of hands is a physical act done with physical hands
on the body of a physical person, for a specific reason, and then
that literal doing of it is all over and finished with.
The doctrines of the resurrection of the dead and eternal
judgment, the truths and plan of God as to His purpose in
creating human life on this planet. Yes, it is all there in the
word of God for us to technically study, search out, come to
understand, be thrilled at it all, and put into our little brain
box of "technical knowledge of truths of God" but... all those
basic foundational doctrines are still rather "personal" and
"physical" sometimes maybe "personally physical" for us
personally, if you understand what I'm saying.
They are important truths, they are indeed the FIRST oracles
of the principles of God, they are important for us to understand
and have in the technical compartment of our brains, but walking
as Christians in this world and within the Church of God MUST GO
FAR BEYOND those technical and physical first principles of the
doctrines of Christ. Christianity is living in a mature and
correct enduring WAY OF LIFE as we interact with people every day
in and out of the Church, as we face the battles, the problems,
the conflicts, the trials, the tests, the pressures put on us
mentally, emotionally, spiritually, even physically, at times
from whatever and whoever, in the whenever. Living a Christian
life is ENDURING to the END, it is NOT falling away, it is
staying in the grace of God and not falling from it (Heb.12:15).
Being a Christian is moving forward from starting out as a
BABE, with the basic first principles of the oracles of God, and
then leaving behind those foundational doctrines of Christ, and
going on to FULL MATURE AGE, to perfection in God. As Jesus once
said, "BECOME you therefore PERFECT (or mature, of full age),
even as your Father in heaven is perfect (or mature)" (Mat.5:48).
And this was THE problem of many of the people that Paul was
writing to as he was giving forth teachings and instructions and
even corrections, in his letter we call today the book of
Hebrews. People were FALLING AWAY. See it in chapter 6 and verses
4 to 6. Immediately AFTER talking about that they should be
teachers, yet could not be because they needed to be again taught
themselves, because they needed to be taught the first principles
of God once more, because they were still needing MILK, because
they were UNskilful in the word of RIGHTEOUSNESS (living the
commandments and ways of correct godliness in daily life for
themselves and towards others in and out of the church). Because
they were not close to being of full age, mature, being exercised
in their senses to discern both evil and good. Because they were
far from strong spiritual meat character in the Lord. AFTER
talking about ALL that problem with many of them, he immediately
talks about what that problem eventually LEADS TO! MANY were
FALLING AWAY from the grace of God. With some it was because of a
root of BITTERNESS had sprung up in their hearts and minds, as he
later mentions (see again Heb.12:15). No matter what it was, many
were falling away. Many had made no progress in their Christian
spiritual lives. They had never moved passed the foundational
first principles of the oracles of God and Christ. Some even
needed to be TAUGHT AGAIN those first principles. They were
indeed WEAK BABES in Christ, feeding on milk, and when the trials
and tests, the pressures and stresses of life, the abuses from
others, the sins of others, the lies of others, the corruptions
of others, the falsehoods and deceptions of others, the heresies
of false teachings from others, when all this came upon them from
OUTSIDE and INSIDE the Church of God, they were not mature
enough, not of FULL AGE, not of STRONG CHARACTER MEAT to ENDURE
TO THE END!
Read back into chapter 3 and chapter 4. Get the whole
CONTEXT leading up to these pivotal verses we are studying.
Notice the emphasis on "faithful in all his house" - "if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the
end" - "harden not your hearts" - "take heed brethren, lest there
be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the
living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called
today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the
beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" - "Let us
therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his
rest, any of you should seem to come short of it" - "Let us
labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after
the same example of disobedience" - "let us hold fast our
profession."
Ah, do you now see the whole context leading up to verse 11
of chapter 5? Then look at chapter 6 and starting with verse 9.
Paul ENCOURAGES them after correcting them. He encourages them
concerning their LIVING, working, doing, in a life of labour of
love towards the saints. He encourages them to so keep living and
doing UNTO THE END! That they continue and be followers of them
who through FAITH and PATIENCE (enduring commandment keeping (see
Rev.14:12) will not fall away from the grace of God but will
inherit the promises.
Now that is the STRONG MEAT they need to be with and in and
fed upon. To "be STRONG IN THE LORD, and in the power of His
might" (Eph.6:10). And Paul in that section of Ephesians goes on
to instruct HOW they can be strong in the Lord and fight the good
fight and endure to the end, by putting on the WHOLE ARMOUR of
God. That is HOW we move from being babes in Christ, from being
fed on milk, from leaving the first principles of the oracles of
God and the doctrines of Christ, and become of FULL AGE, become
PERFECT and MATURE, so we can be teachers and not have to be
taught all over again, so we can endure to the end and not fall
away.
This whole section in the book of Hebrews has NOTHING to do
with the CONTENTS of what some sermons or Bible studies consist
of.
The doctrine of baptism is one of the milk foundational
first principles of the oracles of God, yet as I found out in the
early 80s when pastoring near Toronto, Ontario, it can be a very
technical and nifty-gritty doctrine of Christ. I had a man in the
local town who was convinced that baptism could be done very
correctly with just a few drops of water, sprinkled on the head.
He had many "technical" proofs to back up his belief, some from
the Greek language. I had to spend many hours and many days in
deep technical research to answer all his arguments, from the
word of God and from historical writings. Much of all that work
of mine is in my study on the subject of baptism on my Website.
So, even the basic first foundational doctrines of Christ,
can be very all encompassing and can be studied with a lot of
technical in-depth study if you want to take the time to so do.
To think that all sermons and all Bible studies have to be
technically and theologically so in-depth and so mind-bending and
so challenging, that the listener has to be blown away with new
data, new ideas, new theories, scholastic Greek terms and
meanings of words, that to be anything otherwise means the sermon
or Bible study is only MILK as opposed to STRONG MEAT, is so
silly a notion quite frankly, that I'm blown away by such a
thought.
God does not always speak to us in the wind storm, or hail
storm, or with thunder and lightening, but sometimes in a still
small voice. It is still Him speaking, IF we will but tune our
hearts to listen. Sometimes God just wants us to be still and
attentive to even the simple messages and things of life. We can
still learn much from the sunset or sunrise in the quiet of the
day.
FULL AGE AND STRONG MEAT IN THE CHURCH
You want to know what STRONG MEAT is in the Church of God?
It is learning HOW and WHEN to do and act and speak as we should,
personally and collectively, under all types of circumstances and
within all types of situations, so we do the correct and right
Godly thing for the salvation of not only ourselves but for the
other brother and sister within our church community.
You want examples of STRONG MEAT situations and being full
age and moving on to perfection in dealing with them? Oh, you
have many to look at in the word of God. He has not at all left
us in the dark on such an important subject as this. Strong meat
situations and handling them correctly could be the time when the
disciples found a man healing in the name of Christ and he did
not follow them, and they asked Christ if they should tell him to
stop. Jesus gave them the strong meat answer. Then there was the
time two disciples wanted to call fire down from heaven to
destroy people. Jesus gave them the strong meat answer.
You may want to look at the example of strong meat as found
in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. How about the strong meat example and
instructions from Paul contained in Romans 14. Then you will find
other examples in the letters of Paul to the Corinthian church.
There are sure strong meat examples in the book of Galatians
and how to deal with that circumcision teaching and party sect
that was devastating the spiritual lives of many with false
heresy teachings. There's a number of strong meat situations and
how to handle them in the letters Paul wrote to Timothy and
Titus.
Yes, how to be of full age and mature and how to use the
correct perfection of our senses being exercised to discern bath
good and evil, within the Church of God as we deal with ourselves
and our brethren in all kinds of situations that arise, so we and
they can all continue to NOT fall from the grace of Gad, and so
move towards being more like God, more perfect and of full age,
now that is indeed the STRONG MEAT we all need. That is the ALL
IMPORTANT MATTER of the true strong meat character of God we need
to focus on as we leave the principles of the doctrines of Christ
and go on unto perfection, and not get all hung up over thinking
this or that sermon was strong meat in the way "we" think sermons
should be strong meat.
Paul in Hebrews 5 and 6 was not even thinking per se about
the technical contents of sermons. He had much more important
things on his mind, like seeing people falling away from
salvation, which truly was a grief to him, and should be to us
also.
..................
Written July 2000
Technical Studies - The Meat of the Word?Growing in Grace and Knowledge STRONG MEAT OF THE WORD?
PART TWO
by Keith Hunt
It's possible that some have not understood why I wrote the first
part of this topic of STRONG MEAT. It was written in response to
some people I've met, who, to them strong meat is and must be
"the deep technical" side of Bible study. I was trying to show
that in certain situations, especially as the apostle Paul found
himself with certain church groups, what Paul was trying to teach
them, what he was correcting them on, was often not "deep
technical stuff" at all, but the meat of the word for them was to
get into better spiritual shape than they were in.
So within a certain context, a certain spiritual climate, moving
beyond the basic milk of the word, is, for different people,
different things, which in the end result will mature them as
better everyday Christians in this work-a-day world, as well as
serving and loving the brethren more.
As you look at the outline of the foundational milk doctrines of
the Word of God, as listed in Hebrews 6; repentance, faith,
baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, eternal
judgment. Those doctrines are the relatively easy to find and
understand. You can take strong' Concordance and look up all the
passages where say the word "repentance" is found in the entire
Bible, and you should be able to come to see from that study the
truth of "repentance."
So it goes with the rest that Paul lists. Subjects that between
Strong' Concordance and Nave's Topical Bible, in conjunction of
course with reading the Bible from cover to cover, you should
easily find the truth of the matter on those subject.
And I will say it again. You do not have to have a "theological
degree" or a technical knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. God has
written His word in a way that when you get all Scriptures
together on an specific topic you can come to clearly understand
the foundational MILK doctrines of God, from which you then go on
or move on to "perfection" as Paul wrote in Hebrew 6:1.
I have met people who believe that moving on to the meat of the
word, for them at least, is moving on to deep, and large,
"technical" studies of Greek and Hebrew words, searching out the
more technical Bible prophecies that have "ex" days in them,
making prophecy maps and charts, trying to determine that 2012
will be a special year, or 2116 will be special for it adds up to
10 - the 10 commandments will be the rule of the world under the
return of Jesus. For some they have 2020 as the pin-pointed year,
for 20 plus 20 is 40, God number for trials and tests - and the
world is to be tested indeed before Jesus returns. And so it
goes. It seems as each decade starts to come to a close, there is
this rash of NEW meat understanding (well to them it is meat) of
prophecy, with time lines, charts, this prophecy tied to that
prophecy and on it goes once more, as ever before in the last 150
years.
Then there are others who must always be looking at meat in the
Word, as technical studies on this or that subject. For some it
is hidden meanings in this sentence or this symbol, which is just
out of their head, with no letting the Bible interpreting itself.
What many "meat of the word" searchers miss, it that a lot of
meat, doctrinal maturity, moving to perfection, is moving in the
right path that will lead to NOT FALLING into having to be
plainly corrected, as the apostle Paul had to do much of the
time, towards many churches. Some were in such a spiritual mess,
that Paul said they could only be fed on MILK - they had not yet
got out of the dug-out. They were in the dug-out and were
fighting among themselves who should get out first, and they all
seemed to have their particular guy whom they thought was the
best "get out of the dug-out leader."
When you get bogged down over some technical stuff, and it
becomes your very thought all the time, that the tech stuff is
the meat of the word, you have set your mind into a gear that
then gets stuck in that gear, and your mind is not open to other
parts of the maturing Christian life, as it should be.
Anyone who has been on this Website knows full well, that there
are MANY technical studies here. So I'm not against technical
studies - I've been in them - I've done a lot of them, yes,
using Greek and Hebrew and the tenses of it all. Years ago I
loved delving into technical studies, spent hours and hours doing
it. As I'm now older, 65 in this year of 2008, I'm not doing much
in-depth hours or weeks of technical studies. I'm not against it
by any means, I've now seen that the meat of the word is not just
and only, some technical study, like trying to figure if it was
an apple or an orange that Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden
tree.
A technical study on this Website would be the studies on
"death." To research it all like the author of those studies did,
was a lot of deep work, delving into Hebrew and Greek words,
searching for hours and hours in the Scriptures. Another study
that I would classify as "technical" is the study I did on the
"calendar question" - it took MONTHS to bring it all together,
and hours in the Public Library read the Jewish Encyclopedia, and
the book by Maimonides called "Sanctification of the New Moon."
The studies I did on Pentecost, and how to count to Pentecost,
especially when the first day of the Feast of Un-leavened Bread
falls on a Sunday - would be another "technical" study. The
Passover studies (dozens of them) was a lot of time and involved
"technical" study.
My studies on the subject of "divorce and re-marraige" contains a
lot of "technical" stuff.
Once we have the foundational doctrines of God in the bag so to
speak - and they should be the first ones to study for new
converts to Christ. Then with those behind, we move on to more
maturity in the Lord. We move into more KNOWLEDGE!!
Ah, yes, it was Peter who was inspired to say "GROW IN GRACE AND
KNOWLEDGE" - grace is growing in Christian living, and you will
find DOZENS of studies on that phase of growing, on this Website.
Then we start to move INTO KNOWLEDGE - knowledge of many more
things God wants us to know, about Himself, about Jesus, about
their plan of salvation for the world, about truths concerning
the Kingdom of God, about why you are here and what you can
become. The truth of where and how the THOUSAND year reign of
Christ, is a study of growing in grace and knowledge - putting
Scripture with Scripture.
This is all meat of the word as well, and it is true some of that
knowledge does contain "technical" things like putting Scripture
with Scripture, which is probably the very first step in moving
into deep "technical" studies. So there is a certain amount of
"brain work" - mental energy - needed in growing in grace and
knowledge. But it's not the all in all of itself ... growing in
grace and knowledge does not have to be on a PhD level of theology.
It is true, the meat of the word would include (but not to the
exclusion of all the above) some of the more "technical"
doctrines of God.
But prioritize - make sure you are founded firmly on the bedrock
of the basic doctrines and teaching of God FIRST! Then move on to
spiritual growth into fuller knowledge of the teachings that
surround the milk foundation. If you are a recent Christian this
is especially the way to go, it is the right and correct starting
position. Without that firm bedrock foundation you can be easily
tossed here and there.
I praise the Lord, growing up in a Church of England school,
where just reading the Bible for the first half hour every Monday
to Friday, gave me lots of the basics of the foundational milk of
the word. Then just as a kid reading my Bible at night before I
went to sleep, just added to the firm milk foundation. When I
came to Canada at age 18, I was ready for the Lord to move me on
to grow in KNOWLEDGE, AND I DID! After some years the Lord was
then able to lead me into the more "technical" studies.
Growing in grace and knowledge .... one recent study of mine
would be, as I did, re-reading the passages about the "night to
be much observed" mentioned in Exodus 12. You read the context,
you keep the context, you find the other verses on the subject,
you get rid of pre-conceived theology ... and WAM BAM! You grow
in knowledge. You discover the context of the night to be
observed is PASSOVER NIGHT - the beginning of the 14th, and has
nothing to do with the 15th. No Hebrew lexicons needed, no
"technical" this or that from this or that other books. You just
read the Bible and keep the context in view, you just want the
truth, and you are willing to be corrected. At times growing in
grace and knowledge is that simple.
It is a one, two, three, process. If you don't have the first
two down pat, you probably will get blown away, tossed here and
there by the many technical studies.
The first part of this study was to show you that "meat of the
Word" is not automatically meaning "technical meat." There is
meat of the Word that is not getting into deep fancy explanations
of phrases and sentences. While meat of the Word is not condemned
as such, I've done my fair share of those technical studies over
the years. What you need to remember is to PRIORITIZE!
Get the MILK of the word, the foundational doctrines as in
Hebrews 6 - get them FIRST! Then move on to more KNOWLEDGE of our
Lord and Savior.
After all that, then head for the deeper technical studies.
As is often said, don't jump in the deep end of the swimming pool
before you can swim in the shallow end first.
....................
The SPEAKING in TONGUES issue?The Overall Perspective from ScriptureDOES THE BIBLE TEACH SPEAKING IN TONGUES?
by Perry F. Rockwood
1. MARK 16 AND ACTS
THIS Bible study on the subject of tongues is one that will
bring much profit to the individual person as well as help unify
the body of believers. In the light of the special attention
being given these days to the work of the Holy Spirit in the
church and in the world, a clear understanding of the plain
teaching of the Word of God alone will enable us to properly
evaluate existing trends.
The Greek word translated "tongues" is the word "glossa" and
it is found about fifty times in the NewTestament. Sixteen times
it refers to the organ, the human tongue. Once, in Acts 2:3. it
is used of "cloven tongues like as of fire." All other times it
means known languages.
TONGUES WERE GIVEN AS A SIGN IN THE EARLY CHURCH.
Let us hear the words of our Lord as recorded in Mark
16:15-18:
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned. And these SIGNS shall follow them that believer, in
my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with
new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink
my deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall toy
hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
The word "sign" means "a miracle intended as a proof of
something else" (Webster). There are few believers today, if any,
who claim to have all of these five spiritual gifts. Others claim
to have some of them, especially the gift of speaking with
tongues.....
Our Lord promised that "signs shall follow them that
believe" and in the days that followed Pentecost we know that
signs did follow the believers. But we shall see that such signs
are not required today in order to manifest the power and reality
of God's Word among men.
THE PURPOSE OF TONGUES AS A SIGN IN THE EARLY" CHURCH.
In 1 Corinthians 1:22 Paul said: "For the Jews require a
sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom." The primary purpose of
signs was to confirm the Word of God and in particular, the
Gospel message. The infant church did not possess the completed
Scriptures as we do today. They did not have access to the Old
Testament like we do and the New Testament was not yet written.
We have both Testaments and the Author of them, the Holy Spirit
of God. If we do our part - "search the scriptures," "study to
skew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" - and if we seek to
live by the Word and to obey it, we can know assuredly, without
miracles and signs, that the Bible is indeed the Word of God.
This teaching is clearly set forth in John 20:30-31: "And
many other SIGNS truly did Jesus in the presence of his
disciples, which are not written in this book: But THESE ARE
WRITTEN THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE that Jesus Is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."
When we turn to the Acts of the Apostles we find the word
"tongue" used for the first time in 1:19: "And It was known unto
all the dwellers at Jerusalem; Insomuch as that field is called
in their proper tongue, Academia, that is to say, the field of
blood." This word 'tongue' certainly means a definite,
understandable language of Jerusalem.
In Acts 2:1-11 we have the key scripture on "tongues" and
certainly in no wise can we say that tongues means anything but
languages.
Let us notice the persons who were present in the house
where they were sitting. In Acts 1:26 we have the 12 apostles
mentioned and without a doubt they were there. Acts 1:15,16
mentions one hundred and twenty "men and brethren". They might
possibly have been present although it is doubtful if 120 could
be in the house unless they were in different rooms.....
Here in Acts 2 we are told: "every man heard them speak in
his own language" (vs.6). Certainly the "other tongues" must mean
"other languages." Sixteen different nationalities are named as
hearing in their own languages the wonderful works of God. Notice
it definitely states: "How hear we every man in our own tongue,
wherein we were born" (vs.8). This was not an unknown tongue or
even an unknown language for the people could hear the message
from God in their own language so that they could carry the
message home with them in order to share it there with others.
This was no 'spiritual language' or 'heavenly language' but
the language of the peoples who were there to hear the Word of
God.
It is important to notice here at Pentecost that this was
the entrance of the Holy Spirit into God's people in fulfillment
of Christ's promise to send the Comforter. This was a
once-for-all experience. This was like Christ's coming into this
world by being born in a manger through Mary and the Holy Spirit.
We do not pray for another incarnation for Christ came but once
to do His Father's will. We do not pray for another Pentecost for
it was an historical experience that is not to be repeated.
The next important use of the word 'tongues' in Acts is
found in chapter 10:44-47: "While Peter yet spake these words,
the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of
the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came
with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the
gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues
(languages) and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man
forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Here we have Cornelius, his kinsmen, and near friends (vs.
24) gathered together. The purpose of these Gentiles speaking in
other languages was to further convince Peter and the other Jews
that the new birth baptism of the Holy Spirit was for Gentile as
well as Jewish believers. "God is no respecter of persons". The
"tongues" spoken by these Gentile believers were languages
because Peter and the other Jews present "heard them speak... and
magnify God." Peter explains this in Acts 11:15: "And as I began
to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning
(pentecost)."
In Acts 19: 1-20 we have a record of the opposition and
difficulties Paul had to meet at Ephesus. Here our Lord confirmed
Paul's preaching with "special miracles" and signs and wonders
and judgments, using the tongues-sign. Here were about twelve men
(vs.1-7) who spake in other languages so there were no women
speaking in tongues in this instance.
These twelve men knew only of John's preaching and baptism
and were ignorant of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as had
already occured at Pentecost. So God confirmed to them the same
experience as He did to those at Pentecost and as He did at
Conelius' house. There were many languages found in Ephesus so
the speaking in other languages confirmed Paul's preaching.
As far as the Book of Acts is concerned "tongues" refers to
languages understood by those present at the time. There were no
interpreters. But notice that tongues are mentioned only in
reference to the three groups mentioned above. (1) Acts 2, Jewish
believers. (2) Acts 10, Gentile believers. (3) Acts 19, John the
Baptist's disciples. Now altogether at least sixteen groups are
mentioned in Acts but tongues is spoken of only in relation to
three groups. The Book of Acts relates the conversion or spir-
itual experience of fourteen individual persons but not one of
these is said to have spoken with tongues. If tongues were a
necessary part of salvation or an indication of the baptism of
the Holy Spirit then certainly the Word of God would declare
tongues to be a universal necessity in such great spiritual
experiences.
It is so hard today to get people to search the Scriptures
and to follow the Scriptures. So many want to go by the
experiences of others. We cannot build our spiritual lives upon
experiences. We must build upon the one true foundation which is
the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no teaching in the Book of Acts
to indicate that believers today should have an experience of
speaking with tongues.
2. 1 CORINTHIANS 12
PAUL'S First Epistle to the Corinthians was written to
correct certain errors that crept into the church at Corinth.
This local assembly was carnal and immature. As spiritual babes,
they were unable to receive the "meat" of the Word and so were
fed on "milk". Paul clearly condemns their carnal practices and
childish sectarianism. He had not set all disorders in the church
aright, but he dealt with the things of supreme importance. In
Chapter 11:34 he said: "And the rest will I set in order when I
come."
Now chapters 12, 13 and 14 all deal with the tongues
confusion that brought disrepute to the church. I believe God
will bless our study of these three chapters.
Let us read Paul's words to the believers in Corinth as
found in Chapter 12:1: "Now Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren,
I would not have you ignorant (not knowing, unintelligent)".
These believers were Gentiles led away by "dumb idols" (voiceless
gods), and they were seeking to carry over into their Christian
faith some of the hyper-emotional experiences of their Gentile
days.
Verse 3 shows the extremes to which the tongues disorder had
brought them: "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man
speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no
man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" Their
most common expression was "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," while they
rejected His Lordship and authority. The Bible teaches not only
"Jesus" but the "Lord Jesus" or the"Lord Jesus Christ." ... In
verse 4 we have the Holy Spirit. In verse 5 we have the Lord
Jesus Christ. In verse 6 we have God the Father.
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit" (vs.
4). The Holy Spirit manifests Himself in different ways
throughout the church. We do not all have the same gifts,
therefore it is not necessary for all to manifest the same gifts.
We have been chided at times by Christians who believe that if we
do not speak in tongues we do not have the power of the Holy
Spirit upon our lives. Many of these people are well-meaning and
sincere. But in testing a work of the Spirit, sincerity is not
the standard of genuineness. Nor is experience the final judge of
reality. Every experience and every claim must be able to stand
the scrutiny of the Word of God. The Bible teaches the
"diversities" of gifts.
"And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord"
(vs. 5). The administrations refer to the proper use of these
gifts as they are brought in subjection to the Lordship of
Christ.
"And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all" (vs.6). The operations refer to the
power or the equipment for service. So then we have the gifts,
the capacities for service; the administrations, the
opportunities for service; and the operations, the power for
service. All of these must be in subjection to God: to the Holy
Spirit who bestows the gifts, to the Son who arranges the
service, and to the Father who enables those who receive the
gifts to exercise them for His glory.
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to
profit withal" (vs.7). Gifts of the Spirit are not given for show
or to direct the attention of other people to ourselves or to
bolster pride by believing we have something others do not have.
Spiritual gifts are always given for the profit of others.
In verses 7-10 Paul sets forth these various gifts of the Holy
Spirit. (1) The gift of wisdom. This was given especially to help
believers to understand the plain teachings of the Bible. (2) The
gift of knowledge. This had a direct bearing on God's plan and
will and was needed while the New Testament was still unwritten.
(3) Works of faith. This is not saving faith; it is operational
faith in the Christian life, such as was given to George Mueller,
for example. (4) The gift of healing. God is able to heal the
body according to His will. (5) The gift of miracles. Various
signs and wonders through the working of the Holy Spirit. (6) The
gift of prophecy enabling believers to understand God's program
for the ages. (7) The discerning of spirits to enable believers
to distinguish between the workings of the Spirit of God and the
spirits that come from the Devil. (8) The gift of tongues. The
word for "tongues" literally means "the languages spoken by men."
(9) The interpretation of tongues.
Now although the bestowment of tongues was one of the least
of all the gifts, the Corinthian believers made it their first
interest. Not only that, but they tested the spirituality of
other believers by asking, "Do you speak in tongues?" If the
answer was "No", then they considered such believers as inferior
Christians, lacking the Holy Spirit's power upon their lives.
Verse 11 says: "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame
Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." We see here
that "sign-gifts" are always given according to the will of the
Holy Spirit and they were to be exercised humbly in serving God
and in ministering to one's fellowman.
Let us now notice that the speaking with different languages
has nothing to do with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Verse 13:
"For by one Spirit are we ALL baptized into one body, whetherwe
be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been
ALL made to drink into one Spirit." This verse clearly teaches
that ALL believers are baptized by the Spirit. But we will see
that the same Bible in this same chapter, teaches that ALL
believers do not have the gift of tongues. Therefore it is not
necessary for ALL believers to speak with tongues as the initial
evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Forty days after His resurrection, Christ ascended into
Heaven and was glorified. Ten days later, in accordance with His
promise in John 7:38,39, the Holy Spirit CAME and all believers
there present were baptized into one body. We, likewise, are
baptized by the Holy Spirit into that same body the moment we
receive Christ as our own personal Saviour. (and I shall add, are
baptized in water - Keith Hunt). At that time, the Holy Spirit
comes into our lives to indwell us forever. This does not mean
that the Holy Spirit has full possession of us all the time. We
need a daily filling and are commanded in Ephesians 5:18 to: "...
be filled (to keep on being filled) with the Spirit" Oh, how we
need such a filling and blessing and anointing in our day! But
this has nothing to do with speaking other languages. It has
everything to do with holy living and power for service.
Paul makes it clear in verses 29 and 30 that all believers
were not expected to speak with tongues and all were not expected
to interpret. "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all
teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of
healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" Obviously
not.
What is the logical, simple answer to each of these
questions? "Are all apostles?" No, of course all are not
apostles! As a matter of fact there are no apostles today in the
strict Bible sense of the Word. "Are all prophets?" The answer is
surely, No. There are very few, if any, true Bible prophets
today. "Are all teachers?" No, all are not teachers. But I do
believe we need more teaching of the Bible in our nation today.
"Are all workers of miracles?" No. "Do all have the gifts of
healing?" No. "Do all speak with tongues?" The answer is still,
No. "Do all interpret?" Again there is only one answer, No.
Lord Wolseley once said of Stonewall Jackson: "He inspired
his soldiers with an unquestionable belief in him as their
leader; they did not ask him where he was going, they were
content to follow." Fundamental believers maintain the same
attitude towards the Word of God. We want to follow the plain
teaching of the Bible rather than the teachings and commandments
of men.
Paul concludes this 12th chapter of 1 Corinthians with these
words in verse 31: "But covet earnestly the best gifts:" We want
God's best gifts. It is wrong to say we must receive God's least
before we receive His greatest. It is wrong to seek God's least
gift because it is not intended for all believers. The Bible
teaches us to covet earnestly the best gifts.
It is scripturally wrong to give more attention to the Holy
Spirit than to Christ. Jesus said in John 15:26: "He shall
testify of me": and in John 16:14: "He shall glorify me"; and in
John 16:13: "He shall not speak of himself." So the gifts and
blessings of the Holy Spirit will always turn our attention to
the glory and honor and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Perhaps some of you are unbelievers who are looking for a
sign or some special spiritual experience before you are willing
to believe the Bible. There is only one way to be saved and that
is to accept the clear teaching of God's Word. Our blessed Lord
Jesus said: "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that
sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).
Will you come today on the basis of God's Word and receive
Christ as your own personal Saviour?
3. 1 CORINTHIANS 13
THIS chapter, usually referred to as "The Love Chapter" is
really "The Tongues Chapter". It is found between the two
chapters that deal primarily with tongues and has vital teaching
on this subject.
Paul, after making clear that all believers do not speak
with tongues, concluded 1 Corinthians 12 with these words: "Are
all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers
of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with
tongues? do all Interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts:
and yet show I unto you a more excellent way" (vss.30-31).
Now chapter thirteen is a continuation of chapter twelve. It
sets forth the preeminence of love in the believer's life in
relation to the gifts of the Spirit. The real test of all the
gifts of the Holy Spirit is whether or not they promote love
among believers. So Paul tells us clearly: "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." (Read carefully
verses 2-7).
Not only does this chapter teach us that love must be
preeminent in all gifts of the Spirit, but it also teaches that
love and love alone will last forever. Verse 8: "Charity (love)
never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be
knowledge, it shall vanish away." Notice four things here: (1)
Love never faileth. (2) Prophecies shall fail. (3) Tongues shall
cease. (4) Knowledge shall vanish away.
In relation to prophecies and knowledge the same Greek verb
is used and means "shall vanish away " or "shall be done away" or
"to abolish." The same word is used inverse 11: "When I was a
child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as
a child: but when I became a man, I put away (abolished, made
void) childish things." In maturity, that is spiritual maturity,
we no longer need the things that pertain to childhood. As we
have already seen in our last study, the speaking in tongues took
place during the childish life of Corinthian believers and have
no part in the life of spiritually mature believers.
In verse 9 we read: "For we know in part, and we prophesy in
part." This is the prophecy and the knowledge that was given
before the completion of the New Testament scriptures. It has
nothing to do with general knowledge that is attained from
classrooms in schools and colleges. "But when that which is
perfect is come (the completed revelation of the scriptures) then
that which is in part shall be done away." Both prophecy and
knowledge are superseded by that which is perfect - the Holy
Scriptures.
Verse 8 deals with the matter of tongues: "Whether there be
tongues, they shall cease." After the outbreak of the tongues
heresy in the church at Corinth there is no further evidence in
the Bible that tongues were a part of the church gifts. This can
be shown by the following facts.
1. Paul did not refer once to tongues after writing his Epistle
to the Corinthians.
2. Peter, James, John and Jude all wrote their epistles after the
First Epistle to the Corinthians was written and not once do they
refer to tongues. Not even in the last book, the Book of
Revelation, are tongues mentioned.
3. While 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that prophecies, knowledge,
and tongues fail or cease or vanish away, it also tells us that
three other things abide - faith, hope and charity (love) (vs.
13). Some things cease. Some things abide.
But let us notice that even faith and hope will not abide
for ever. They will abide only until the rapture (the
resurrection, the rapture, as most fundamentalists teach it is a
huge error - Keith Hunt) of the church for faith will give way to
sight and hope will give way to realization.
Our Lord said to Thomas: "Because thou hast seen me, thou
hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have
believed." The day is coming when faith will give place to sight
and we shall see our blessed Lord as He is, and we shall be like
Him. Faith will end at the Rapture (resurrection of the saints -
Keith Hunt) of the church but it continues throughout this church
age.
Hope will also end at the Rapture (resurrection at Christ's
visible and glorious return - Keith Hunt) Romans 8:24: "For what
a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" Now we hope for Christ's
return. We long for the blessings that His return will bring. But
when He does return we shall have the fact of His presence and
hope will give way to realization.
But love is the greatest of all for it is eternal. It never
vanishes. "Charity (love) never faileth" (verse 8) for love is as
eternal as God.
4. Paul wrote to the mature Ephesians setting out God's provision
for the church. He listed in Chapler 4:11 the "gifts" for use in
the ministry of the church and tongues are not mentioned: "And he
gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers." Now notice the purpose for which
these gifts were given. Verses 12-15: "For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and
of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ."
Here Paul makes it clear that we are to speak the truth in
love not in tongues.... We have only one authority by which we
can become mature believers and that authority is the Word of
God.
Everything we have and everything God wants us to have is
found in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through the working and
blessing of the Holy Spirit that we are brought into the
overflowing, abundant life and given power for service. He exalts
Christ who is our all in all. By daily submission, consecration
and obedience to the Holy Spirit, we can know the fulness of the
Godhead in our lives. How wonderful! God grant us this blessing!
4. 1 CORINTHIANS 14
THE 14th chapter of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians
deals primarily with a tongues heresy that brought dishonour to
God. This church at Corinth had all the earmarks of carnality,
worldliness, and spiritual immaturity and was the only church
where speaking in tongues was practiced.
The church at Corinth was a church of many problems: (1) It
was characterized by divisions (1:11-13). (2) The believers were
carnal and not spiritual (3.1-11). (3) They were baby Christians
still feeding on the milk rather than on the meat of the Bible
(3:2). (4) Some of them were puffed up and offended with Paul
(4:18). (5) There was fornication among them, a man living in sin
with his stepmother and the church defending him (ch. 5). (6)
Believers went to law one against another (6:1-8). (7) Some ate
meats offered to idols which caused others to stumble (ch.8). (7)
Some came to the Lord's Supper drunk and there were other
scandals connected with the Lord's Supper (11:17-21).
In the light of the terrible spiritual condition of these
believers at Corinth, it is not hard to believe why they were
involved in a tongues heresy.
If we read this chapter carefully it teaches us not how to
speak in tongues but how not to speak in tongues. It encourages
us to seek other gifts rather than the gift of tongues. It also
teaches us that not ALL speak in tongues and therefore tongues
cannot be the sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit for "By one
Spirit are we ALL baptized into one body" (1 Cor.12:13).
Let us notice that the word "unknown" is not found in the
original but has been placed in italics, by the translators. The
word 'tongue' in the Bible means foreign language. At Pentecost
the Spirit-filled disciples were given the gift of speaking in
some sixteen different languages of sixteen different
nationalities who were there present. These foreigners heard the
disciples speak "in our own tongue wherein we were born." The
languages there spoken were not unknown tongues but foreign
languages known and used by people and understood by them when
spoken by the disciples at Pentecost.
If this gift is still for us today, then the important
question comes to mind: Why do missionaries whose lives are
dedicated to God have to spend years learning the language or
languages of the people whom they serve?
In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Paul shows that speaking in a
foreign language in the church was not edifying to the church but
was directed only to God. Those who spoke in another language
were actually selfish, "edifieth himself" (vs.4). The gift
believers should really seek after is the gift of prophecy which
was being neglected in the Corinthian church. They sought
primarily for the less important gift of tongues. In fact, they
were judging one another's spiritual state by asking, "Do you
speak in tongues?" To them, this was the most important thing
while to the Holy Spirit it was of the least importance.
We have heard people say, "Well, you have to seek the least gift
before you receive the greatest gift." But Paul clearly teaches
that ALL do not speak in tongues and therefore all are not to
seek the lesser gift. All believers, however, are to seek after
the gift of prophecy, so that the church as a whole might be
edified.
From verses 6-11 we have the plain teaching that any
speaking we do in the church must be easy to be understood by
all: "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?
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp,
except they give a distinction (difference) in the sounds
(notes), how shall it be known (by tune) what is piped or harped?
For if the trumpet give an uncertain (indistinct) sound, who
shall prepare himself to the battle? 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. There are,
it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them
is without signification (its own meaning). Therefore if I know
not the meaning of the voice (language), I shall be unto him that
speaketh a barbarian (foreigner), and he that speaketh shall be a
barbarian unto me."
Every language has a clear meaning that can be understood;
so all speaking in the church should be clearly set forth by
languages that can be understood. "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye
are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the
edifying (upbuilding) of the church" (vs.12). How selfish you are
to seek the gift of speaking in other languages when such
speaking will not be understood by the church and will not build
up the church.
Then Paul goes on to point out that if someone does speak in
a foreign language in the church there must be an interpreter
(vs.13). The Bible gives a definite order for speaking in foreign
languages and if this order is not followed then it is not
according to the Word of God.
Verse 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." ....
Verse 28: "But if there be no Interpreter, let him keep
silence In the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God."
You know as well as I do that tongues are spoken in some
churches time and again without an interpreter. You also know
that oftentimes several people are speaking at one time. God does
not contradict His Word and therefore any practice that does not
agree with the Bible cannot be of God.
Another evidence that Paul was speaking about ordinary
foreign languages is found in verse 18: "I thank my God, I speak
with tongues more than ye all." Paul had no gift of unknown
tongues. When Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit first in Acts
9:17 there is no mention of speaking with tongues. Paul wrote
fourteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament and there
is never a mention of him speaking with tongues. Paul was an
educated man and could speak in other languages, certainly in the
Koine Greek as well as the Aramaic language. He was preaching
over the entire Roman Empire and spoke more often in a foreign
language than any believer in Corinth. (And Paul had no doubt the
gift of speaking in different langues to preach the gospel to
different nationalities of peoples - Keith Hunt). Paul tells us
further: "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" (verse 19).
Verse 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."
Two different Greek words are used here for those who
believe and those who believe not. For those who believe the word
"pisteuo" is used which means "full of confidence and trust."
Those who believe not have the word "apistos" which means
"without confidence or doubters." This verse tells us then that
tongues are fore sign, not to them who fully trust the Lord but
to them who still doubt.
Thomas was such a doubter. Jesus said to Thomas in John
20:27 "... and be not faithless (apistos, a doubter) but
believing." Thomas was saved but he was not willing, at that
time, to believe God's Word and the testimony of the other
disciples. Jesus said to him in effect that this is not the way
to live. "Be not faithless (be not a doubter)." In John 20:29 we
read: "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me,
thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet
have believed."
This explanation helps us to understand why the tongues
heresy was found in the Corinthian church and in no other. This
was a baby church that believed not the plain teaching of the
Bible. 1 Corinthians 14:20: "Brethren, be not children in
understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in
understanding be men." Don't remain babies all your life. Paul
has the same thought in mind in 1 Cor.13:11: "When 1 was a child,
I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a
child; but when 1 became a man, I put away childish things." One
characteristic of childish believers is that they do not wish to
live by the plain teaching of the Bible. They want, like Thomas,
to see before they believe. We are to believe the Word of God
without any other evidence if we are to mature in the Lord....
Paul does not forbid the speaking with languages in the
church. But it must be according to the guidelines of Scripture.
It must be done decently and in order.
Verse 37: "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or
spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto
you are the commandments of the Lord. "The Lord Jesus Christ is
our all in all and we need to be taken up with Him. When we allow
the Holy Spirit His rightful place in our lives, our hearts will
be satisfied and we will not seek after other experiences. Let
each of us today receive from the Lord by His Spirit what He has
for us. "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have
believed" (John 20:29).
................
No date is given on this study paper. It has been in my files for
a few decades.
Tongues and the Charismatic MovementIn the Light of ScriptureSPEAKING IN TOUNGUES AND THE MODERN CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT?
by (the late) Frank M. Walker
(minister of the Church of God, Seventh Day).
Written in the early 1980s.
Two Opposing Spirits In The World "Try the Spirits Whether They
Are of God"
Yes, there are two opposing spirits in the world; the true
Spirit of truth from God, and the false, seducing spirits from
Satan.
The Bible makes this point very plain. Satan is very
religious and does perform miracles to deceive, "if it were
possible, the very elect" (Matthew 24:24). Jesus and His apostles
repeatedly warned about the many false teachers that Satan would
use in these last days to deceive the people, and we are told
that many would follow those false prophets or teachers. That is
why John warned, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are
gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). This was given to you and
me, my dear Friends, to warn us to try every spirit. Every one of
those false teachers has a spirit, a seducing spirit posing as
the true Spirit of God as they craftily wrest the Scriptures to
teach their false doctrines of devils. (Read I Timothy 4:1-3).
Even in the Old Scriptures God warned Israel of such false
teachers among them, "Thus saith...the God of Israel; Let not
your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you,
deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be
dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my mame: I have
not sent them, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 29:8,9).
Last Days Deceivers With Many Followers
Paul warned, "But evil men and seducers shall was worse and
worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13). Again in
1 Timothy 4:13, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in
hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;..."
Then in 2 Thessalonians 2:3,8-11 Paul adds a most solemn warning
about the "Man of Sin" and his co-workers coming, "After the
working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(great miracles) And with all decelvableness in unrighteousness
in them that perish." Why perish? Why being deceived? "Because
they received "not the love of the truth" (God's Word, the Bible
- John 17:17; Psalm 119:165) "that they might be saved." Because
they had pleasure in unrighteousness, and did not stay with Bible
truth, "...God shall send them strong delusion that they should
believe a lie; That they all might be damned who believed not the
truth, (God's Word) but had pleasure in unrighteousness." Note
that Satanic power is used, with all signs and lying wonders, and
people believe those miracles, following traditions instead of
God's Word, the Bible.
Jesus foretold this very thing in Matthew 24:24. "For there
shall arise false Christs, and false prophets (ministers), and
shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were
possible, they would deceive the very elect." "Behold, I have
told you before" (verse 25). And in verses 11-13 He warned, "And
many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." The
majority will follow those false teachers as Peter also said (2
Peter 2:1-3). These are warnings given in love to safeguard God's
true people, lest they be deceived, too. Satan is going all out
to deceive in these last days.
Note another warning from Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15,
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan
himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no
great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers
of righteousness; whose end shall according to their works."
Miracles Not The Final Proof Of A Spirit Being From God
Many are being deceived by deceitful miracle workers today,
and in love for those dear ones we are giving these studies.
From the above texts it is plain that in these last days many
false teachers, including miracle workers with Satanic powers,
would arise and deceive many. Yes, there are miracles from God
and gifts of the Holy Spirit for the true Church today. But the
fact that a preacher manifests miraculous powers is not final
proof that such power and manifestations are gifts of the Holy
Spirit. Satan performs lying wonders, and counterfeits the gift
of tongues, as many charismatics admit. Then why do many accept
the manifestation of speaking in "tongues" under a power to be
the proof that such a person has "the baptism" of the Holy
Spirit?
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:15-27) Jesus warned,
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by
their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles?" Jesus calls those false teachers that come in His name
(Matthew 24:4,5,11,12) ravening wolves in sheep's clothing. To
follow them means death. Our lives are at stake, friends; that is
why we must try every spirit, whether it is of God, or not. Read
verses 17-20 carefully. Before God will give a person any of His
miraculous gifts, that person must become a "good tree" (new
creature in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17,18) and be filled with His
love (charity, 1 Corinthians 13:1; Romans 5:5) so that he
produces good fruits, or a life of holy, obedient living.
Continuing His warning in verses 21-27, Jesus said, "Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which
is in heaven." This excludes all those false teachers regardless
of all their profession of faith and miracles, etc. Note Jesus'
Words, "Many (most professed Christians) will say to me in that
day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? (preachers)
and in thy name cast out devils? (false miracles) and in thy name
done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you." Jesus had no part in their ministry or miracles
in His name. "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." They had
the miracles, but did not obey all the will of God. Only those
who hear and obey Jesus' commandments love Him and will share in
His Kingdom (verses 24-27; John 14:15,21). And God gives His
Holy Spirit only to "them that obey Him" (Acts 5:32).
Trying The Spirits. How? By What Measure?
With so many warnings, and so many false teachers in the
last days, and with the command to "try the spirits" we must have
a sure way to try them "whether they are of God: Because many
false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
"Believe not every spirit, but try" them is the inspired command.
Our life eternal depends upon our doing just what is commanded.
How are we to try the spirits to see and know the true from
the false? In Isaiah 8:18-20 we have the answer in simple words.
In verse 18 the prophet said, "Behold, I and the children whom
the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel
from the Lord of hosts..." We say, "Amen," we need all the power
and equipment that God has available for our ministries today.
But in verse 19 a warning is given not to seek unto spirits "that
peep, and that mutter," but to seek unto God. Then in verse 20 is
given the true test of a spirit. "To the law and to the
testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light In them." God's Holy Spirit will
operate in full accord with His Word, the Bible, always. The
Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the Word of the Holy
Spirit of God (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:15-17) and God's
Spirit will not move a true prophet or teacher to act or speak
contrary to the Bible, or written Word of the Spirit. With this
thought in mind, we are ready to study more fully the operation
of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts, including "gift of
tongues" in the New Testament ministries.
Power For Witnessing - With the Gifts In Operation In New
Testament Times
Back to 1 Corinthians 14:1 to continue our study of the
place of those gifts of the Spirit in the Church and its
ministries. We found in Part 1 of this study that Paul in chapter
13 revealed "a more excellent way," showing that those gifts of
the Spirit, though important in their place, were not the
number one priority in a Christian's life - that charity, (or
agape, love) from God by His Spirit (Romans 5:5; Ephesians
3:16-20) must fill our hearts and direct us in full obedience;
if we did have those gifts so we could perform miracles, we are
nothing without that love. (Read again 1 Corinthians 12:31;
13:1.13 to refresh your mind on our former study.)(The former
study is not uploaded as it is basic truth Christianity, and many
other studies on this Website expound all that basic truth -
Keith Hunt).
Now let us read 1 Corinthians 14:1. "Follow after charity,"
(love from God, given by His Spirit, or Comforter, dwelling in
God's children, Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:16-20). The first
priority is to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18),
walking in the Spirit, so that we do "not fulfill the lusts of
the flesh" (Galatians 5:16,25). The Comforter, or Holy Spirit,
within gives power over the lusts of the flesh, giving us the
power, "both to will and to do" God's will in full obedience
(Philippians 2:12,13; Romans 8:1-4). "The fruit of the Spirit is
in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Ephesians 5:9-11).
Verse 11 gives another rule of those led by (filled with) the
Spirit. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them."
Is this the rule in the modern charismatic leadership, with
over 500,000 Roman Catholics in full fellowship, and all very
loyal to their papal church traditions so opposed to Bible truth?
Is this the same Spirit that the apostles had in the Book of Acts
that caused them to reprove those Scribes and Pharisees for false
traditions, and to constantly warn against any change in the pure
gospel of Christ?
The Spirit of God guides into all truth, and reproves in
love those in error (John 16:7-13; 14:26; 2 Timothy 4:1, 2).
Sound Biblical doctrine was important to all New Testament
ministers (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-4).
Back to our text in 1 Corinthians 14:1. "Follow after
charity" as first priority, and with that foundation, What? "And
desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." This
was a corrective epistle; there were problems in the Corinthian
Church, and here Paul is correcting a misunderstanding about the
use of the gift of tongues, as this chapter reveals. They were
zealous of spiritual gifts, as Paul said in verse 12.
"...Forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye
may excel to the edifylng of the Church." Those spiritual gifts
are God-given tools to be used as needed in the ministry and work
of the Church. There is a purpose, a time, and a place for their
use. God does not play religion, but has divine purpose in all
things.
This is what Paul is teaching in chapters 12 and 14. In
verse 1 Paul says for them to "desire spiritual gifts, but rather
that ye may prophesy." In Chapter 12, verse 31, he said, "Covet
earnestly the beat gifts." Now in chapter 14, verse 1 he tells
them very plainly that the gift of prophecy is better by far in
their Church, than "tongues." Why? "For he that speaketh in an
unknown tongue (language not understood by the assembly) speaketh
not unto men, but unto God: (why?) for no man understandeth him
..."
In such a case no witnessing is done for no one understands
the message being given. As verse 9 says, "...except ye utter by
the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known
what is spoken? Ye shall speak into the air." On Pentecost in
Acts 2, those disciples who spoke in tongues were understood as
they preached the wonderful works of God. The gift of tongues was
a tool used to witness or teach God's Word to the people. More on
that later.
Gift of Prophecy Better Than "Tongues" In Local Church.
Why?
In the New Scriptures the meaning of the word "prophesy"
means to publicly expound or teach. Why is that gift of prophecy
better in the local assembly where all speak a common language?
Paul answers: "For he that prophesieth speaketh to men to
edification, and exhortation, and comfort." Those with the gift
of prophecy are used to edify the church and individuals
as the needs require. "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue
edifieth himself, but he that prophesieth edifieth the church"
(verses 3,4).
On Pentecost, the gift of tongues was not given for
self-edification, but for witnessing to others. When we
witness to others, we ourselves are edified as we do the work God
called us to do. Those spiritual tools, or gifts of the Spirit,
are given to work with to the glory of God, not to play with as a
child with a new toy.
"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye
prophesied" (verse 5).
Why? "For greater is he that prophesieth than he that
speaketh in tongues, except he interpret, that the church may
receive edifying."
The first objective in an assembly of brethren is
edification of the Church. In such a place where all understand a
common language, the gift of prophecy is far better, or greater,
in God's work than the gift of tongues, is what Paul is teaching
with emphasis in verses 5-12.
In verse 6 Paul continues, "Now, brethren, if I came unto
you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I
shall speak by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or
by doctrine?" Paul could speak in many languages, some by
knowledge and some by the gift of tongues since he preached to
people of different nationalities, as he said in verse 18. "I
thank my God that I speak with tongues more than ye all."
Five Words Understood Worth More Than 10,000 In "An Unknown
Tongue..."
Before we continue this study, let Paul speak about the
importance of the instructions being given in these chapters. "If
any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the
commandments of the Lord" (verse 37).
This is serious, my Friends. What Paul is writing here are
the commandments of God, and any spirit that refuses to acknowledge
and obey them is not of God. (See also Isaiah 8:20).
Let us continue in verses 19,20, "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" (verse 19).
In verses 11-17 the divine rule that Paul obeyed included
our prayers, too. If we do not understand the words spoken, we
are barbarians to each other (verses 11-14). "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." In whatever language Paul used, he could,
and did, pray in the Spirit; he did not have to pray in tongues
to pray in the Spirit. "The spirits of the prophets are subject
to the prophets" (verses 30-32). They can speak or keep silent as
the needs require, as these verses teach.
"Be not children in understanding:... Be men" [verse 20;
Ephesians 5:17]
Things were out of order, and a lot of misunderstanding in
that Church brought a strong rebuke in verse 20. "Brethren, be
not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children,
but in understanding be men." The margin for "men" says "perfect,
or of a ripe age." Ephesians 5:17 fits here. "Wherefore be ye not
unwise, but understanding what the will of God is." It was an
appeal for the offending ones to quit acting like children in the
use of the gifts of the Spirit but to find and understand the
will of God in this matter and be mature in obeying the rules in
their Church services.
In verses 23-25 Paul reasons further on this point. If the
whole Church came together into one place, "and all speak with
tongues" and people not understanding, unconverted, etc., hear,
"will they not say that ye are mad?" This is not an honor to God,
but a dishonor from such a meeting. But if all prophesy, teaching
the Word of truth in an orderly way, people are convicted of sin
and converted (verse 25).
Divine Rules Of Order Given
Now we come to some divine rules of order in the Church
services in verses 27-35. Verse 26 introduces those rules. "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." Confusion and disorder? The answer, or
solution, "Let all things be done unto edifying" (of the Church).
This would bring order and get self out of the way. "Let all
things be done decently and in order" (verse 40). This is
important because, "God is not the author of confusion (margin:
tumult), but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (verse
33). God was not the Author of that confusion and disorder in
their services, Satan was, and it raises a big question about the
tongues manifest in such meetings.
Now let us briefly consider those rules of order that Paul
gave - God's rules of order. "If any man speak in an unknown
tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by
course (one at a time); and let one interpret" (verse 27). No
more than three are to speak in tongues at one meeting and then
one at a time. If there is no interpreter, "let him keep silence
in the church" (verse 28). The object is to edify the church, and
if no one understands the tongue being spoken, there is no
edification; and God says to keep silent in the Church. Why not
seek for a gift that will edify and serve a better purpose than
tongues?
Those with the gift of prophecy are instructed that they may
speak "two or three" at one meeting in order as with tongues
(verses 29-32). "Ye may all prophesy one by one" is referring to
these with that gift and not to all the Church. Only certain ones
are given this gift (1 Corinthians 12:28-30).
Remember that these rules of order in the church services
are "the comandments of the Lord" (verses 32,33,37-40).
Modern Charismatic Spirit - Tried and Wanting! [1 John 4:1;
Isaiah 8:20]
Now, my dear Friends, let us in love apply 1 John 4:1;
Isaiah 8:20 to the modern charismatic spirit. John said,
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they be of God:" (why?) "because many false prophets are gone out
into the world." It is the only safe way to try every spirit by
the Word of God, the Bible, as Isaiah 8:20 says. If it is a true
Spirit from God, the test will do it no harm; instead, it will
verify the fact so that we can believe and have fellowship. Those
noble Bereans of Acts 17:10-12 "received the word with all
readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether
those things were so." Many of them believed because they found
Paul and Silas preached the truth. If this modem charismatic
spirit is true, their claims and conduct will stand the test of
scriptural investigation - honest investigation. Truth will stand
investigation. Dear Reader, are you willing to prayerfully make
this investigation with me and seek to rightly divide God's Word
of truth? (James 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15; John 5:39; 1 Thessa-
lonians 5:21).
Error Number 1 - Speaking In Tongues Is Initial, or Scriptural,
Evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
I quote from a book "The Presbyterians and the Baptism of
the Holy Spirit", page five, put out by Full Gospel Businessmen's
Fellowship International. "The scriptural evidence of the baptism
with the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues".
This is a foundation doctrine of the charismatic movement
since its start in 1900-1901 A.D. according to the records that I
read and what I have heard for over 50 years of ministry.
True or False? What Does the Bible Say? Acts 2:4-42
This is an error; their foundation was upon an error; but if
it is true, the modern charismatic tongues-speaking does not
harmonize with the Acts 2 account, as we will show in this
study. Do not misunderstand us in this statement. We believe that
there are honest people in the charismatic groups who are misled.
Yes, honest people can be misled for a season by false teachers.
Even honest teachers are sometimes misled until God sends them
more light of His Word. We believe that God's children must be
filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18,11; Ephesians
3:16-20), but those same people will be gird with trath, which is
God's Word, the Bible (John 17:17). They will be "speaking the
truth in love" as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our
Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:15,16; 2 Peter 3:18). God's Holy
Spirit guides into all truth step by step as we are willing and
able to receive it. The Holy Spirit is never out of harmony with
the Holy Scriptures.
Now let us study Acts 2 - that initial outpouring of the
Holy Spirit. There were about 120 disciples of the Lord Jesus
there (Acts 1:15). They were not babes in Christ, but men whom
Jesus had called and trained to be His witnesses in preaching the
gospel far and wide. (Read Acts 1:4-8; Luke 24:46-49). They were
waiting at Jerusalem as Jesus commanded "until ye be endued with
power from on high." "And (they) were continually in the temple,
praising and blessing God. Amen" (Luke 24:49,53). "And ye shall
receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye
shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts
1:4, 5, 8). Jesus had ascended to heaven, and those disciples
were waiting for the promised power to renew their ministry for
Him. True, God's Holy Spirit is promised to all of God's
children, but what we see manifest on Pentecost is in those 120
ministers as they preached the Word of God in that initial
outpouring of God's Holy Spirit.
They were all "with one accord in one place" on the Day of
Pentecost - no doubt in the Temple as Luke 24:53 says. Acts 2:1-4
pictures what happened that day. Speaking in tongues did not come
first as a supernatural manifestation. "...There came a sound
from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind." No, it was not a mighty
wind, but as the sound of such a wind, "filled all the house
where they were sitting" (verse 2). Another manifestation came.
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and
it sat upon each of them" (verse 3). Here were two mighty
manifestations of God's presence through His Sprit. "And they
were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (verse 4). If the account
had stopped here, all those disciples would have known personally
that they had been baptized, or filled, with the Holy Spirit -
that promised power for witnessing or preaching the gospel.
In Acts 4:23-33 we have another manifestation of God's power
when the Disciples and Jerusalem Church "were all filled with the
Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness." They
were praying for more power and boldness to witness or preach the
Word. "And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them
all" (verse 33). The miracle that came with this filling with the
Holy Spirit was "the place was shaken where they were assembled"
(verse 31). No tongues were needed here in their witnessing. Why
single out the gift of tongues as the one manifestation of God's
power as the initial evidence of God's people being baptized, or
filled, with the Holy Spirit when in Acts 2 there were two
manifestations of the arrival of the Holy Spirit of promise that
preceded the speaking in tongues?
"They ... began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance"
Yes, in Acts 2:4, when those disciples were all filled with
the Holy Ghost, they "began to speak with other tongues as the
Spirit gave them utterance." Remember that they were being given
power for witnessing - for preaching and teaching the people. Did
they teach other people as they spoke in other tongues, or
languages; or was it, as our charismatic friends teach, the
initial evidence to those disciples that they had been baptized
with the Holy Spirit? As we read verses 5-12 the answer is
obvious: they were preaching the Word of God and were being
understood. "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout
men, out of every nation..." (verse 5). A multitude of these Jews
came to see and hear and "were confounded, because that every man
heard them speak in his own language" (verse 6). "And they were
all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, behold, are not
all these which speak Galileans?" They knew that those uneducated
Galileans did not know all those languages - they knew only their
own native tongue. And here was indeed a miracle, and they said,
"We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God"
(verses 7-11). Those Jews who had been reared in other nations,
devout men, were amazed to hear those Galileans preach to them in
their own native tongues as the "Spirit gave them utterance."
This is the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) in operation
as God ordained - a spiritual tool used in the ministry of the
Word to the glory of God. This gift would be needed as the gospel
went to every nation (Matthew 28:19, 20). Paul used it in his
ministry (1 Corinthians 14:18).
There is nothing in Acts 2:4-46 to indicate that henceforth
"speaking in tongues" was to be the initial evidence to any or
all who received "the gift of the Holy Ghost," or as our friends
emphasize it, "the baptism of the Holy Ghost." Being filled with
the Holy Spirit is the same as the baptism of the Spirit in
usage. (Compare Acts 1:5 with Acts 2:4; Ephesians 5:18.) Speaking
in tongues was not given in Acts 2:4-12 as the evidence of their
baptism with the Holy Spirit, but as the spiritual gift, or tool,
to use in preaching the gospel to those Jews at that time.
To those whose hearts were touched, Peter said for them to
repent and be baptized, "And ye shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call"
(Acts2:37-39). "The gift of the Holy Ghost" is promised to all
whom God shall call, but not one word is said about the gift of
tongues being for all. Why make the Scriptures say something that
is not there?
Do All Speak With Tongues? Did They In The Book of Acts?
The Book of Acts gives us some 32 years of Church history.
In that inspired record, did all who received the gift of the
Holy Spirit speak with other tongues as in Acts 2? No, they did
not, as we will show. In Acts 8:5-17 we have the record of Philip
going to the City of Samaria and preaching the gospel with great
power, and many believed and were baptized. When the Apostles at
Jerusalem heard this, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. These
two Apostles prayed and laid hands on those new converts, "and
they received the Holy Ghost." Not a word is said about speaking
in tongues at this time when those Samaritans received the gift
of the Holy Spirit.
Another example is given in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus
in Acts 9. Jesus had met and stopped Saul on his way to Damascus.
Saul went on to Damascus a converted, but blind man as the
record says. God sent Ananias after three days that Saul should
be healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and be baptized (verses
2.16). "And Ananias went his way, and entering into the house:
and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even
Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way ... hath sent me, that
thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy
Ghost" (verses 17-20). Saul was healed and filled with the Holy
Spirit, and baptized. Not a word is said about speaking in
tongues. "Stralghtway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that
he is the Son of God." God had called him to preach the gospel,
and when filled with the Holy Spirit power, he started preaching
Christ. No tongues were needed at that time and no tongues
(foreign) were given by the Spirit or used as the record shows.
In Acts 19:1-8 we have another account. Paul found certain
disciples at the city of Ephesus, about twelve men, and he asked
if they had received the Holy Ghost yet, "since ye believed?"
They had heard nothing about the gift of the Holy Spirit because
they were baptized unto John's baptism of repentance "that they
should believe on him which should come after." Paul baptized
them "in the name of the Lord Jesus." After that he "laid his
hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied" (verses 2-7). Two gifts of the Spirit
were manifest among those twelve men when they received the gift
of the Holy Spirit; namely, tongues and prophecy (I Corinthians
12:8-10). The record does not say how many spoke with tongues, or
how many prophesied, or expounded the Holy Scriptures. Ephesus
was a large city, and no doubt the gift of tongues would be
needed at times in that Church as they preached the gospel.
Again, not all spoke with tongues. In Acts 10:34-48 Peter
was preaching to Cornelius, his household, and friends; and while
he was preaching, God "poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost"
(verses 44-46). "For they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God..." This was God's final assurance to Peter and other
Jewish brethren that came with him, that the Gentiles were also
acceptable, that truly God is no respector of persons. (read also
Acts 11:1-18). Whether all in this case spoke with tongues, the
record does not say, but it does say that Peter and his fellow
Jews heard them "speak with tongues, and magnify God." The
tongues spoken were understood, else they would not know that
they were magnifying God.
All Do Not Speak With Tongues?"
From the above evidence it is clearly shown that all who
received the gift, or baptism of the Holy Spirit did not speak in
tongues. Paul also makes a positive statement in 1 Corinthians
12:28-30. "And God hath set some in the Chinch, first apostles,
secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then
gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
Note that some, not all, are given those ministries and
gifts listed, and in verses 29,30 he makes it definite. "Are all
apostles?" (No is the implied answer to this and all questions
that follow.) "Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all
workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak
with tongues? Do all interpret?" The Holy Spirit is given to all
of God's children, but not one of those ministries, or nine gifts
of the Spirit, is given to all of His children. Since all do not
speak with tongues, as Paul plainly states, this again proves
that speaking in tongues is not the Scriptural evidence of being
filled with the Holy Spirit.
Thus with all this Bible evidence, we have shown that the
foundation doctrine of the charismatic movement is false, not
Scriptural.
Other Errors- Tongues A Sign to Unbelievers, Not The Believers,
etc.
Tongues are not a sign to the believer, "but to them that
believe not..." (1 Corinthians 14:22). Yes, Paul says, "Wherefore
tongues are for a sign," and he also said "not to them that
believe" - not to the believer. Why contradict the Holy
Scriptures and teach that speaking in tongues is the sign, or
evidence, to the believers, of the baptism of the Spirit? Tongues
in Acts 2 were a sign to those unbelieving Jews when they heard
those Galileans teaching them the Word of God in their native
tongues. This modem tongues-speaking does not fit the example in
Acts 2 at all. It is out of harmony with the Scriptures in almost
every count.
OBJECTION. "A vital purpose for speaking in tongues is that we
might edify ourselves" (see I Corinthians 14:4). (Quote from
"What Is The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit?" by Full Gospel
Businessmen's Fellowship International).
ANSWER: There is only a part of this verse used as proof. I give
it as quoted, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the Church." This is
wresting the Scriptures to use the first half of this one verse
to prove that "a vital purpose for speaking in tongues" is
self-edification; when in the context Paul is teaching the very
opposite. In Acts 2 the purpose of speaking in tongues was not
self-edification, but it was a spiritual gift by which others
could be edified as they heard the gospel preached in their own
native tongues by men whom they knew did not know those languages
in which they spoke (1 Corinthians 14:21). Paul quotes from
Isaiah 28:11 to prove this very point. Read verses 18-20 again.
Yes, read carefully the whole chapter again and see if there is
anything in this context to prove that Paul was teaching that
speaking is tongues had a vital place in the Church for
self-edification. It is not there.
"Slain In The Spirit"? "Gift of Prayer Tongues"?
"Slain in the Spirit" is a common expression among many in
the charismatic groups. People get under "the power" (spirit?)
and fall or sink to the floor. In some meetings it takes only the
touch of certain preachers hands and they are "under the power."
About 1910-1912 A.D. when they first preached in our home town in
Oklahoma, as a boy I went with my father and mother, both good
Christians, (Dad was a preacher) to their services. It was a
common thing to see several during a meeting fall over in their
seats or on the floor, mostly women, and some had to be covered
for decency sake. This is entirely without Bible example in all
the New Testament record. Such a spirit power is dangerous and
should be avoided. The only thing that is slain when God's Sprit
comes in is the old men of sin (Romans 6:3-6; 8:13).
The gift of tongues as given and used in Acts 2 was not a
prayer tongue, and yet I read testimony after testimony in the
literature before me of priests and laymen being given their
prayer tongue, and this is their evidence of the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit. This again is an error and contrary to the
Scriptures as we have shown already. Read again Isaiah 8:20; 1
John 4:1.
Is Pope John's Prayer Being Answered? Is God Pouring Out His
Spirit In A New Pentecost In The Roman Catholic Church Today?
Over 500,000 Roman Catholic Charismatics believe it is true
because they, too, speak in tongues and have other miracles among
them, like the Protestant Charismatics. In a news report in the
Spokane Chronicle, Saturday, June 18, 1983, I quote article,
"Catholics With A Difference," (page 9), It was a Charismatic
Catholic Conference at Burien, Washington. "With eyes closed and
hands stretched to the heavens, hundreds of people joined in the
mysterious 'speaking in tongues...' People sobbed and hugged.
Dozens 'came forward' to have hands laid on them and ailments
healed. Rows and rows of people swayed back and forth..." "If the
scene had all the ingredients of a turn-of-the-century
Pentecostal tent revival, it was not. It was a gathering of Roman
Catholics..., a faith healing session...part of the eighth annual
Catholic Charismatic Conference..."
"It is estimated that more than 10 percent of the country's 52
million Roman Catholics call themselves charismatics."
Are these Roman Catholics truly born again? Are they coming
out of those false sacraments and rituals that can save no one?
Are they denouncing their loyalty to the papal Anti-Christ system
that the Bible condemns so strongly? Are they returning to the
Bible as the only authority for faith and Christian conduct?
Their charismatic priests and other leaders say repeatedly, as I
read their testimonies, that there is nothing in their traditions
opposed to receiving this charismatic renewal with the gifts of
tongues, etc. In fact, they become more loyal to their traditions
when they receive that Spirit and speak in tongues in most
cases - those false rituals that make void the gospel mean more
to them. God's Spirit says, "Come out of her my people, be not
partakers of her sins..." (Revelation 18:4-8). What spirit is
sealing them in, instead of calling them out?
Protestant Charrismatics Accept Roman Catholic Charismatics as
Spirit-filled Brethren!
I have before me a book, "The Acts of the Holy Spirit Among
the Catholics Today," and two other books with the same title,
except it is "Among the Episcopalians" and "Among the Lutherans,"
all published by the "Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship
International." This is a Protestant organization. In the
"Foreword" of all these books they tell us that today we are
seeing "another mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit
on people of all denominations..." Among others, they list,
Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians,
etc. They further tell us that it is at "The Fellowship's
conventions, rallies, and chapter meetings" that men from all
these (and others) are experiencing the baptism of the Holy
Spirit. This includes Catholic priests and other leaders, and
this book, "Acts of the Holy Spirit Among Catholics Today" has
the testimonies of priests and laymen how they received that
experience of speaking in tongues as "the evidence" of being
baptized with the Holy Spirit, usually with help in some prayer
and council meetings. Often it was a prayer tongue, and took much
help and practice, etc. How those Protestant helpers find all
those us-Scriptural methods used to produce their tongues
evidence in Acts 2 I do not know. Can you imagine those brethren
in Acts 2 being coached by others to "try, speak one word" so
they could get their evidence of the baptism of the Spirit?
From all their testimonies and the news items about them
that I read, those Charismatic Catholics devotedly attend Mass,
and hold to all their Roman Catholic traditions, and yet they are
accepted as Spirit-filled Christians by their Protestant brethren
who also have the same un-Scriptural evidence of speaking in
tongues. If those 500,000 Catholic Charismatics really were
filled with God's Spirit, as in Acts 2, they would turn the
Catholic Church upside down with Bible truth; papal authority and
traditions would be uprooted as gross errors and discarded. God's
Holy Spirit guides into all truth (John 16:13), and reproves of
sin (verses 7-11).
A Strong Delusion -- Satan's Counterfeit Gift of Tongues
Satan does cause people to speak in tongues, other tongues.
It happens to some spiritualists, and in some heathen religions
when certain ones get in a trance, or possessed by a spirit.
History traces tongues-speaking back some 1100 years B.C. In the
Garden of Eden Satan caused the serpent to talk. He is deceiving
people by a counterfeit today. To teach people that "speaking in
tongues" is the Scriptural evidence of being filled with the Holy
Spirit opens the floodgates for this great this great deception.
There is the true gift of tongues, and it has its place in
the ministry, but not as the evidence of the baptism of the Holy
Spirit.
God's Word is the truth (John 17:17; 8:32), and the Holy
Spirit is "the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16,17), and God's Spirit
always agrees with His Word, the Bible. In 2 Timothy 4:1-4 Paul
foretold our times when many would turn "away their ears from the
truth (Bible facts), and be turned unto fables." Also in 2
Thessalonians 2:8-12 we are told of Satanic deceptive power in
the last days working "with all power and signs and lying
wonders, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness...", among
those who do not love the truth, or the Word of God more than
traditions. "And for this cause God shall send them strong
delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be
damned who believed not the truth (The Bible), but had pleasure
in unrighteousness." This miracle-working Charismatic spirit,
with its lying wonders among both Catholics and Protestants, is a
strong delusion to many today who reject Bible truth to follow
their Church traditions instead. They insist on going their own
way until, finally, God lets them believe a lie.
Jesus pictures many in that group, miracle workers included,
in Matthew 7:21-28. They expect to get into Christ's Kingdom, but
He says, "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Yes, they claim
to have done many wonderful works in Jesus' name, but they failed
in full obedience, just as multitudes of professed Christians are
today, including many Charismatics.
"Beware The Christless Pentecost"
This headline was given by a prominent leader in the Full
Gospel movement. Take it for what it is worth. Honest people are
being misled in that movement, and same are waking up to the fact
that something is seriously wrong. God will not dwell in an
unclean temple (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). He does not give His Holy
Spirit to sinners (Acts 5:32). Once our vessel is clean, God will
give the Holy Spirit to us when we ask Him, and it does not take
long prayer sessions of weeks or months (Luke 11:11-13).
Brethren, do not go to the enemy's camp for consolation.
This is written in love, and God loves you all and does not want
any to perish (2 Peter 3:9).
..................
Entered on this Website February 2008
NOTE:
The Pentecostal Charismatic movement is not only in the
Protestant and Roman Catholic churches, but is also among the 7th
Day Sabbath observing churches. I have attended some CoG,7Day
churches (not knowing they were "tongues"/"charismatic" groups)
and have seen the "antics" unfold before my eyes. One group got
going and a lady right in front of me was swaying back and forth,
front to backwards, so much that I was sure she was going to hit
her head on the pew back-rest behind her. Her hat came off, and
when she turned around to pick it up her eyes were all glazed
over, as being in a state of "out of here and on planet Pluto."
In another 7th Day church, which was one story up in the
building, a lady was down at ground level shouting out to people
on the street. She made her way up stairs chanting and "in
tongues" - came down the center of the congregation, fell down
before the podium rolling on the floor, still chattering away in
so-called "tongues.
I hope these two studies have shown you the truth of the matter
on the gift of tongues and the false teachings that go under the
name of "tongues."
And if anyone wants to say the mumbo-jumbo talk they produce is
"the tongues of angels" (quoting 1 Cor.13:1) .... well Paul's
instructions still apply in church services, no interpreter ...
keep silent, and keep it to yourself at home. Then again how can
you prove the "tongue" is angel talk? Oh, it might indeed be ...
the talk from fallen angels, or demons in other words.
Study my study called "Tongues in Church Services" to find all
the ins and outs of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 14.
Keith Hunt
Tongues - rules for use in the churchA study on 1 Cor.14 and the use of the gift of tongues by
Keith Hunt
This study is pertaining to the true spiritual gift of TONGUES
in the context of divine worship services, the rules of how this
gift is to be used as laid down by the apostle Paul in his letter
to the Church of God at Corinth.
I recommend you read 1 Corinthians 14 as found in the AMPLIFIED
BIBLE. I believe this translation gives the intent of the Greek,
especially the word "prophecy."
I want you to grasp the OVERALL point of what Paul is
concerned with when it comes to the use of tongues in the public
worship assemblies, in comparison with "prophecy."
I will start with the last words of Paul in this chapter.
Whatever the gifts of the Spirit, to Paul there was NEVER AT ANY
TIME TO BE DISORDER OR CONFUSION (see also verse 33) IN THE
CHURCH ASSEMBLY. To him, any disorder or confusion was NOT from
God. If such was not of God, then it left only two other sources
from where it came - 1)carnal human nature, and/or 2) the demonic
world.
I am not saying the gift per se was of demonic power (yet we
must remember that demons can copy the gifts of the Spirit and
thereby deceive many) but using it wrongly and disorderly could
be influenced by the forces of the evil one.
Let me make this crystal clear with this illustration and
example. I have the God given gift of being able to YODEL. I have
control over this gift, I can choose to yodel or not yodel.
This gift does not control me but I control it. When in Church
worship services I still have complete control over this gift. I
can be joyful and very enthusiastic or quiet and meditative,
my gift of being able to yodel is under my control, never does it
control me. I can at any time I choose start to yodel. There is a
time and place to use this gift. If I should rise and start to
yodel in the middle of the sermon, it would be disorder. It may
also lead to someone else thinking they could stand and say or do
something, and before you know it there is confusion on every
side.
Paul STRESSED very clearly that all things were to be done in
ORDER and CONTROL.
To Paul the exercising of the gift of PROPHECY in the worship
service was far more important than the gift of tongues.
The gift of tongues was not to be disallowed BUT PAUL HAD
GIVEN SPECIFIC RULES AND COMMANDS AS TO HOW AND UNDER WHAT
CONDITIONS THIS GIFT COULD BE USE IN THE CHURCH ASSEMBLY.
Please NOTE, the things Paul had instructed, ruled, and laid
out to be followed were NOT his suggestions, but were THE
COMMANDS OF THE LORD (verse 37).
We do well to TAKE HEED and UNDERSTAND the things said by
Paul in this 14th chapter of Corinthians. I have found that VERY
FEW of the ministers, let alone the members, of the Church of
God, understand Paul's teaching of the use of tongues in the
worship services, which in turn leads to a breaking of the
commandments of the Lord.
PAUL'S OVERALL THEME
Note again all the sections I have underlined. Verse one -
"especially that you may prophesy."
Verse three - "prophesies.......speaks to men for their
upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement
and consolation."
Verse four - "....but he who prophesies edifies and
improves the church...."
Verse five - "....so that the church may be edified and get
good out of it."
Notice verse twelve - ......concentrate on striving to excel
and abound (in them) in ways that will build up the church."
Verse seventeen - "....but the bystander is not edified - it
does him no good."
Then there is verse nineteen - " Nevertheless, in public
worship, I would rather say five words with my understanding, and
intelligently in order to instruct others, than ten thousand
words in a (strange) language."
Verse twenty four - "But if all prophesy.......outsiders come
in, he is told of his sin and reproved and convinced by all."
Look at verse twenty six - "What then, brethren, is (the
right course)? When you meet together.......(But) let everything
be constructive and edifying and for the good of all."
Verse thirty one - ".......so that all may be instructed and
all may be stimulated and encouraged."
The main concern and theme of Paul in this chapter regarding
the church assemblies, should now be clearly seen. Church worship
to him was for EDIFYING, for INSTRUCTION, for CONSTRUCTIVE
TEACHING, for CONVINCING SINNERS AND UNBELIEVERS TO
REPENT, for the UNDERSTANDING and GOOD of ALL.
To Paul, those that spoke in tongues (without any
interpretation, and obviously that was happening in the church at
Corinth) were speaking only TO GOD, while no one else UNDERSTOOD
or was EDIFIED by it (verse 2, 9, 11, 16).
This practice of speaking in tongues in church AND NO ONE
BEING EDIFIED BUT THE ONE DOING IT, WAS TO PAUL COMPLETE
SELFISHNESS THAT HE COMMANDED NOT TO BE DONE BUT PRIVATELY
BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL AND GOD.
The important theme of worship services to Paul was
EDIFICATION! If anything was done that did not impart
understanding, knowledge, and/or conviction of sin and Godliness,
for EVERYONE PRESENT, it was not to be engaged in, it had no
place within divine public worship.
OTHER DRAWBACKS TO TONGUES NOT INTERPRETED
Besides it being only a selfish type of "good" to the
individual using the gift of tongues where no interpretation was
given so all present could be edified, there was a deeper and
darker drawback to this happening in public worship services.
Paul elucidates on this darker side in verses 6-11, 23.
For those outside the church, not knowing the word of the
Lord, not understanding the doctrine of the gifts of the Spirit,
those outsiders coming into the assembly and hearing people
uttering things none understand or can interpret, they will think
the people of God are MAD!
Truly this would be a natural reaction from outsiders, and
Paul knew it. It would bring shame upon the Church of God, it
would cause the wrong kind of talk about the people of God. You
can imagine words being spread around like, "Those people are out
of their mind" or "They are a bunch of mad-men" or "What a
lunatic house that is."
Paul could have no part with this and laid down rules that
became the commands of the Lord.
ONE RULE
The first edification rule laid down by Paul is in regards to
the situation where some in the church have the gift of tongues,
but there is no one with the gift of interpretation. He covers
this situation in verses 12 to 19.
This MUST be talking about when there is no person in the
assembly with the gift of interpretation of tongues, otherwise
there would be no need to raise the question and give the
answer, if Paul knew that there would ALWAYS be an interpreter
when someone had the gift of tongues.
Paul had already made it clear in chapter 12 to the
Corinthians, that the gifts of the Spirit were not given to
everyone, but to those whom God chose, as He chose, and when He
chose.
It was not promised that all churches would have these gifts,
nor how many a church congregation would have, if it had any. The
gifts were individual and not necessarily given in pairs. They
were personal, given as God directed. Paul knew there could be
some in a congregation who had the gift of tongues yet not one
person in the same assembly had the gift of interpretation. So,
the question could be asked, "What can be done about that
situation?"
Paul gives ONE answer to that question in verse 13,
"Therefore, the person who speaks in an (unknown) tongue SHOULD
PRAY (for the power) to INTERPRET AND EXPLAIN what he says."
Paul knew that any given congregation, its regular members,
WOULD KNOW EACH OTHER - THEY WOULD KNOW WHO HAD WHAT GIFTS OF THE
SPIRIT, especially in a congregation like Corinth, where there
was many spiritual gifts evident. Spiritual gifts are to be used
in the proper way and opportune time within the order of the law
of God, for the furthering of the gospel. A congregation would
know who had what spiritual gift, it would not be hid. An
individual would know what spiritual gift they had been given.
Those within a church group who had the gift of tongues, but
there was no one with the gift of interpretation, could do
something, they COULD PRAY TO GOD THAT HE WOULD ALSO GIVE THEM
THE POWER, THE GIFT TO INTERPRET AND EXPLAIN WHAT HE HAD SAID, IN
EASY TO UNDERSTAND LANGUAGE FOR THE EDIFYING AND UP-BUILDING OF
ALL IN THE ASSEMBLY.
If there was no edifying to all present then no one could say
Amen. No one will receive any good for none will know what has
been said by the speaker of tongues, and to Paul that was USELESS
WITHIN THE CHURCH ASSEMBLY, because the "bystander is not
edified."
So if there was no interpreter (and people would know who had
that gift in a congregation) the one with the gift of tongues
could ask God to give them also the gift of interpretation, yet
if God chose not to give them or any one that interpretation
gift, then Paul clearly instructed (which was a command of the
Lord): "Nevertheless, in public worship, I would rather say five
words with MY UNDERSTANDING and INTELLIGENTLY in order to
INSTRUCT OTHERS, than ten thousand words in a (strange)
language."
People with the gift of tongues but did not have the gift to
interpret (and they and the congregation knew of no one with the
gift of interpretation in their midst), those persons should NOT
EXERCISE that gift of tongues as it would edify not one single
soul outside of themselves.
Paul, who had the gift of tongues above them all, would not
have used that gift unless he could have interpreted, or he knew
someone in the group DID HAVE the gift of interpretation. He
would have asked or inquired before hand from the leaders of the
congregation if any did have the gift to interpret before he
would have used his gift of
tongues.
This is what I clearly see from how Paul wrote, the words he
used, the emphasis he put on EDIFICATION and having all
UNDERSTAND what God wanted to say during church worship services.
He would have been happy to only say a few words that all could
understand than ramble off in a tongue that none understood and
were not one wit edified by.
As the gift of tongues need not be used in a congregation
where all understand each other within their common language,
Paul would have gone the extra mile to make sure he would
not appear vain, selfish, or a "chance taker" (just taking a
chance that someone was there who could interpret). Paul is
teaching that tongues should only be used in public worship IF
the one using tongues KNEW they could also interpret, or KNEW
there was someone there present who could interpret. Making sure
this was possible would then EDIFY everybody, otherwise it was
pointless and useless within public worship, except for the
negative of unbelievers among the assembly of the church thinking
such are mad, and silently laughing to themselves.
In verse 20 Paul asks them to be MATURE in THINKING, in their
MINDS. They were not to be BABES in their reasonings.
I believe the mature thinking of what Paul is teaching in this
chapter so far discussed, IS WHAT HAS BEEN SAID IN THIS ARTICLE
THUS FAR.
Paul did not want one word said in the public worship assembly
that could not be understood by all present. His reasoning:
Public worship was for edifying, teaching godliness, building-up,
convincing of sin, and bringing unbelievers to repentance.
The use of tongues to Paul, in the public service, was of no
value unless interpreted by the user or another, as they would
only be speaking into the air. The sound of the Trumpet is
only edifying if those listening UNDERSTAND the sound they hear.
The tongue and sounds produced by it is edifying if those
listening understand with their minds what is being voiced.
I find that many who use "tongues" in public assembly worship,
and KNOW they cannot interpret, and KNOW there is no person
present with the gift of interpretation, are either
lacking in the ability to grasp what Paul is teaching in 1
Corinthians 14, not willing to acknowledge the command of the
Lord through Paul, and/or just wanting vain public atten-
tion. It can also be due to out and out uncontrolled emotions
that can be manipulated by the world of the Adversary. Not that
the gift is not from God (as my gift to yodel is from God)
but the using of it can be at the wrong time or outside the
boundaries God has laid down
pertaining to public worship.
Those who say, "Well maybe there was someone present who could
have interpreted, so I took the chance to use tongues." I answer:
Paul is MUCH TO STRONG on his teaching for EDIFICATION in public
worship (that all words spoken should be for all to learn the
truths of God, nothing said that is speaking into the air, or
having some think the church is mad) TO TAKE ANY CHANCES.
If time is not taken to enquire who if anyone has the gift of
interpretation within a congregation (a few seconds of inquiry
from the ministers or deacons would answer it) then I believe
Paul would call tongue users who only have THEMSELVES in mind,
immature children in polite language, and much stronger language
if he felt they were willfully rebelling against the commands of
the Lord.
STILL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TONGUES USER
In verse 26 Paul starts to lay down some specifics, some rules
and regulations, which later he says are the commands of the
Lord. Again he is concerned with everything being done in a
constructive, edifying, instructive manner.
Verse 27 is very clear. The number of persons who may speak in
tongues during public assemblies must NOT EXCEED THREE. Notice
also what is said, "and each one (taking his) turn, and LET ONE
INTERPRET AND EXPLAIN (what is said)."
Paul did not say, "If there is someone who can interpret, let
them do so," or "We will hope there is someone in the assembly
who can interpret."
Paul was quite emphatic in his statement and instructions -
LET ONE INTERPRET!
From what he has already told them, as previously discussed in
this article, it is natural he would be dogmatic and very clear
with his words to them that an interpretation in understandable
language for the edifying of all would be A MUST. His following
words make this VERY PLAIN if any thought differently.
"But if there is no one to do the interpreting, LET EACH OF
THEM KEEP STILL IN CHURCH and talk to himself and to God."
The argument of some is: A person is allowed to talk in
tongues in the assembly, and all will wait to see if there will
be an interpretation given by the speaker or someone else. The
argument continues: How do we know if there is an interpreter in
our midst unless someone speaks in tongues first.
Such reasoning goes on: If there is no interpreter the
speaker in tongues will be asked to be silent if they want to say
more.
This is to some extent a "wait and see" a "chance we'll take"
a "hit and miss" conduct and proceeding of divine public worship.
To which Paul in his writing to the church at Corinth WOULD NOT
GIVE NOTION TO IN ANY MANNER OR FORM. He is expounding that, "all
things should be done with regards to DECENCY and PROPRIETY and
in an ORDERLY fashion" (verse 40).
The very wording of verse 28 shows that Paul had in mind
NOTHING CLOSE TO THE ARGUMENT ABOVE, namely, one is allowed to
speak in tongues UNTIL no interpreter is found, or one is allowed
to use tongues TO SEE IF there is someone with the gift of
interpretation.
Paul is predisposing NOTHING OF THE KIND, but contrary, that
KNOWLEDGE among the assembly is the natural ORDER of the day and
the gifts of the Spirit are known among them, who has them, and
what gifts they are, especially the VERBAL gifts.
There was no "chance taking" with Paul. This is proved by
the VERY WORDING OF VERSE 28.
Notice it carefully, "But if there is NO ONE to do the
INTERPRETING" are words that carry with them BEFOREHAND ORGANIZED
KNOWLEDGE that such was the situation. This is clearly what Paul
was saying with these words as shown by what he said next.
".... let EACH OF THEM KEEP STILL."
He did not say that after the FIRST one had spoken with
tongues and there was found to be no interpreter (no one with the
gift of interpretation among the assembly) the OTHER one or two
were to keep silent and not use their gift of tongues as they
were planning to.
ALL OF THEM - EACH OF THEM - FROM THE FIRST ONE TO THE SECOND
ONE TO THE THIRD ONE were to be still, be SILENT and keep their
gift of tongues in the public assembly to themselves and God.
To Paul, the very FIRST person who wanted to use tongues in
the public worship service, was to REMAIN SILENT, not even START,
keep it to themselves, between them and God only, IF THERE WAS
NOT AN INTERPRETER!
All this shows that Paul had no thought WHATSOEVER in his mind
about public church services being "hit and miss" or "taking a
chance" type of assemblies. Everything done and SAID was to be
for the edifying, understanding, upbuilding, instruction,
teaching and correcting of ALL PRESENT, which the speaking in
tongues, WITHOUT AN INTERPRETATION, did not fulfil, was useless
for others, as none could say Amen. And it was speaking into the
air, purely vain selfishness, which could lead some unbelievers
to think the people of the Church of God were mad.
Paul in verse 28, was saying that NOT EVEN THE FIRST of the
two or three should START with their gift of tongues, unless
there was an INTERPRETATION to be given by themselves or another
who had that gift to interpret.
All this shows that Paul taught and believed that ANY local
congregation would have KNOWLEDGE BEFOREHAND of the gifts within
its midst. That they would possibly INQUIRE from those visiting
if any had the gift of interpretation, prophecy, tongues, or
revelation, IN-ORDER that services would be conducted with
decency, propriety, and with no confusion.
Why should this seem strange to some today? Possibly because
they have not meditated upon and understood what Paul is teaching
in this chapter of 1 Corinthians, and/or, because the practice of
their church is very much in contradiction to all or nearly all,
that Paul instructs to the church at Corinth.
Any church, with its Elder/s and Deacons, together with its
local members, would have enough inter-action to know who had
what gifts of the Spirit.
With a church like that at Corinth where many had various
spiritual gifts, there would need to be KNOWLEDGE and ORDER
especially emphasized or utter confusion would prevail, as it
apparently did, so Paul had to correct them and set rules to
follow.
In such a church they would probably have to enquire with a
public announcement before services began, if there was any one
present with the gift of interpretations of tongues. If there was
NOT, then those with the gift of tongues WOULD KNOW TO KEEP STILL
AND BE SILENT WITH THAT GIFT AS IT WOULD NOT EDIFY OR IMPART
UNDERSTANDING TO ANYONE PRESENT IF USED WITHOUT AN
INTERPRETATION.
To Paul there was no such thing as "well I just could not help
myself, the Spirit made me do it."
It was not in the theology of Paul that the gift of the Spirit
was in control of the individual. To him it was always the other
way around. The person always had control of their gift, as he
said, "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets"
(verse 32). Because of that, God's order of divine public
worship services was NEVER confusion, but PEACE and ORDER, verse
33.
WOMEN TO REMAIN SILENT?
I have covered this teaching of Paul elsewhere in some depth,
notably in my article called WOMEN'S WORK (now in two parts). I
will not here restate all that I have previously written on it.
But I will give an overview.
Paul's context is TEACHING INSTRUCTION TO EDIFICATION AND
UPBUILDING OF THE CHURCH IN PUBLIC WORSHIP. To that intent all
gifts of the Spirit could to be used in public services. And with
all that, Paul's instruction (which was the command of the
Lord - verse 37) was that "women should keep quiet in the church,
for they are not AUTHORIZED to speak, but should take a secondary
and subordinate place, just as the LAW SAYS" (verse 34).
As the gifts of the Spirit could be given to ANYONE - male and
female, with what Paul had already said it would have been a
natural question to have asked: So is it true that women can use
their gift to TEACH and EXPOUND the oracles of God to all (men
and women) present in public worship assemblies.
Paul anticipated such a question and GIVES THE INSPIRED ANSWER
in verses 34 and 35.
Women are not permitted to use their special gifts of the
Spirit in and during public divine worship.
What this amounts to in our specific study is this: Even if
there is someone with the gift of interpretations of tongues in
the assembly. A woman CANNOT use that tongues gift in public
worship, as it constitutes TEACHING THE ORACLES OF GOD, which
during public services she is not authorized to do. She is in
such services to take a secondary and subordinate role as
required and taught by the law from the Lord.
The public worship service was to Paul a time of TEACHING and
LEARNING for all present. That duty fell upon the MEN of the
congregation to the point that Paul said if any woman has a
question on anything said, they had to note it and ask their
husbands at home concerning it, and not to bring up their
question in worship services.
All this outlines, underlines, and follows through with God's
order as he created, that man is head of the woman. The spiritual
conduct of the Church of God in public worship services was to
reflect that order of creation as instituted by the Eternal God
who established that headship and order at creation.
In verses 36-38 Paul pulls no punches as they say. Anyone
claiming some spiritual gift or special power from God, will
KNOW, Paul says, that what he has spoken IS THE TRUTH OF THE
MATTER - IS THE COMMAND OF THE LORD. Those that disregard it,
will not acknowledge this truth, then Paul puts them in with a
group that shall not see the favor of the Lord.
Again let me say, this question of "women speaking in the
assembly" is covered fully in another two part study of mine,
which will be sent free to anyone who requests it, please ask
for the article called "Women's Work?"
Then I also recommend the book (300 pages) by Dr.Samuele
Bacchiocchi, entitled "WOMEN IN THE CHURCH - A Biblical Study of
the Role of Women in the Church."
Chapter 6 will be of special interest with regards to our
study in this article of mine.
For those interested in obtaining this book, you can write to
Dr.Sam (as he likes to be called)
at:
Biblical Perspectives, 4569 Lisa Lane, Berrien Springs, MI
49103, USA.
................................
Written June 1995.
All articles and studies by Keith Hunt may be copied,
published, e-mailed, and distributed as led by the Spirit. Mr.
Hunt trust nothing will be changed without his consent.
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment