​This topic is very sensitive to many people, and this study is not intended to hurt or offend anyone. This study is to simply reveal what the scripture says. Our safe guard and life comes from every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. If we stay close to scripture and allow scripture to interpret it-self then we will not be deceived. The topic I am referring to is the gift of Tongues. It is an easy topic to understand if we are paying attention to the scriptures which reveals this gift. Let's explore into the scripture and prayerfully, we will see and allow the scripture to interpret it-self.
We see here that on the DAY OF PENTECOST the Spirit was poured on the disciples. And it says clearly THEY "began to speak in OTHER TONGUES". We understand that the disciples were Galileans and unlearned men. But in these verses we see that the Spirit gave them the ability to speak in OTHER Tongues.
The next verse says that there were men from every nation at that location when the spirit fell on the disciples. The purpose of this gift is being revealed in these few verses. It states "every man heard them speak in his own language". Every man hearing the disciples speak in THEIR OWN LANGUAGE. This is quite clear that on Pentecost the purpose of the gift of tongues was to speak to non believers about the Gospel.
As we observe these verses in its context we see the purpose revealed of the gift of tongues in the last verses which says "they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" The Tongues or language that they spoke was not an unknown language that only God can understand but instead it was the tongue or languages of other people in order to deliver to them the gospel.
"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
The gift was given to the gentiles just as it was given to the disciples, and if we remember the disciples experience on Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts is very clear on the type of Gift the spirit gave in regards to tongues. Let's look at another example in the book of Acts before we move on to the letters and insights of Paul. Acts chapter 19, verses 1 to 6 which says.
We see another example of individuals receiving the spirit and then speaking in tongues. The evidence in the previous examples of the gift of tongues gives us a clear understand that they began to speak in other languages professing the gospel. Another note to add is that it is only when individuals UNDERSTAND the truth that they receive the Spirit and are equipped to deliver the truth in other language as the spirit see it fit. Now The Gift of tongues is not possessed by everyone. It is not a mark of the Holy Spirit. The evidence that one has received the Spirit is actually in Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the spirit.
These verses are quite simple and clear to as what the gifts of the Spirit are specifically the gift of tongues. This chapter reveals that one of the gifts of the spirit is "divers kinds of tongues". This simply means the the gift is to speak in different languages. That is not the only gift but also the gift to interpret different language is also a gift. This chapter reveals that the different gifts are given to different people. Everyone does not get the same gift as stated here "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." As you study the rest of the chapter you will see that the body of Christ has different members and each member cannot have the same gifts or it wont be a body.
"1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Is showing us that with this language He is able to edify or teach Himself because He understands this language. So it's not an unknown language to the person speaking but only to those who are listening.
"1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Verse 10 clearly reveals that there are many voices or languages in the world. And they all have importance. But I don't know the meaning the person speaking is like a barbarian and also if Paul speaks in a language others do not understand then Paul would be the barbarian. Verse 12 tells us that we ought to seek to teach and build the church more than anything else.
"1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Paul is extremely clear, stating that we ought to only speak in a unknown language if we can interpret after. Paul says He will pray with the spirit and with the UNDERSTANDING. To understand the words inspired is very important for the building and teaching of Gods people. And in verse 16, it states that when you speak in spirit how can them who are with you say amen unless they understand?
Paul says here that He prefer to speak in 5 words that can TEACH than more words in a unknown language that you don't understand. The language is not unknown to the speaker but only to the hearer and this is why it is unfruitful and unprofitable for the church. Lets continue to examine the verses in this chapter.
"1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Just like on the day of Pentecost and all others in the book of Acts who received the Spirit, These reveal that the gift of tongues is for the non believer and NOT for the believer. Many today are using in the church in a non biblical way. The spirit never works contrary to the word of God. The way the gift of tongues is manifested in the world today is not the gift which the bible reveals. We conclude with the final verses I will be using.
"1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
If anyone speaks in a tongue that other do not understand, let there be interpreters. If there is no interpreter, we are counseled to KEEP SILENT. To avoid bringing in confusion to the people of God, The spiritual gifts are for the building up of the church. This is the only profitable purpose for any gift given to the body of Christ. Let us understand and remember the greatest principle concerning spiritual gifts.
ANYTHING WE DO OUTSIDE OF LOVE BECOMES UNPROFITABLE. Let us do everything according to scripture for the teaching and building up of the body of Christ.