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The Issues Of
Tongue Verse 1---Follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts,
but rather that ye may prophesy.
On this verse the reader is being reminded that charity means
love and prophesy in this text is not just limited to the
foretelling of future events, but would mean to teach or preach
in an understandable manner, that’s inspired of God. A
testimony could also be prophesy.
Verse2---For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh
not to man, but unto God for no man understandeth him, howbeit
in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
This verse is one of the most misunderstood of all. First we
cover what it does NOT teach. It is not teaching that someone is
speaking a mysterious language or that someone is speaking
mysteries (in the spirit) known only to God. Jesus told the
disciples in Matt 13:11 that they were given to know the
mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and in 1 Cor 4:1 we learn
that ministers of Christ are stewards of the mysteries of God.
In Eph 1:9 Paul said that Christ has made known unto us the
mysteries of His will…..etc…1 COR 2:12-14, Col 4:3-4
THE verses are just to show that spiritually minded people
can utter understandable mysteries and are to know and
understand the mysteries of spiritual things. Therefore, the
“mysteries” are not in the language or something known only
to God; but means the mystery of the Gospel. Then to teach that
speaking “in the spirit” or that “praying in the Holy
Ghost” (Jude 20) is always speaking in tongue is incorrectly
interpreting the scriptures because, when one is speaking “in
the Spirit” he is NOT necessarily exercising the gift of
tongue no more than he is exercising any of the gifts when he
“walks in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16) or “led of the Spirit”
(VS18) or “live in the Spirit” (5:25) or worship God in the
Spirit (Phil 3:3) or “bound in the Spirit” (Acts 20:22) or
“purposed in the Spirit” (Acts 19:21). When Jesus in
foretelling of the persecution of the disciples He says in Mark
13:11; “But when they shall lead you and deliver you up, take
no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye
premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour;
that speak ye for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost.”
This same thought is also covered in Matt 10:20. This
“speaking” would not have been exercising the gift of
tongues but would be defending themselves with intelligent
speech as the Spirit gave them utterance, or speaking under the
unction of the Holy Ghost.
Now this verse two is simply teaching that “he who speaks
in a language unknown to the local congregation (Unknown tongue)
is not speaking to men but only to God as no man (present)
understands the language he is speaking. Howbeit, (nevertheless)
he may be speaking the mysteries of the gospel while under the
unction of the Spirit.”
In verse 1 Paul had said he would rather that they would
prophesy. (Understandable teaching or preaching inspired of
God). Then in verse two his meaning is that even though someone
may be inspired of the Spirit to testify or exhort in some
manner they wouldn’t “truly” be prophesying if they were
to speak in a language unknown locally. This “no man” would
not mean the speaker, but the audience. In 1 Cor 2:11 it states:
“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of
man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth “no
man” but the Spirt of God. In 1 2:12-14 this “no man’ mean
the natural man.
So in short….In verse two Paul is not implying that this
anonymous individual is endowed with some ecstatic utterances
nor that he is exercising any gift of the Spirit. He is simply
teaching that if someone were to speak in a LANGUAGE unfamiliar
to the group addressed, they obviously couldn’t understand him
only God would; even though this individual could be uttering
mysteries of the gospel and could be inspired by the Spirit.
Paul’s implication is that if the church can’t understand,
they wouldn’t be edified; only the speaker would be.
Verse 3---But he that propesieth speaketh unto men, and
exhortation, and comfort
Verse 4---He that speaketh in an unknown tongue (foreign
language) edifieth himself; but he that propesieth edifieth the
church.
This verse is FALSELY taught by some to mean that “he that
speaketh in an unknown tongue” is supposedly speaking ecstatic
utterances and that his utterance is supposedly edifying
himself. They use this false teaching to try to support a reason
for seeking to speak in ecstatic utterances. But this is all
false and these ecstatic utterances were not practiced by the
early church nor taught, and definitely are not of God.
This fourth verse is just tying in with the same thought of
the first three verses and means that “he that speaketh in a
LANGUAGE unknown to the local congregation (unknown tongue) is
only edifying himself since the church does not understand;
therefore is not edified; while he that propesieth
(understandable inspired teaching or preaching) edifies the
church.”
Verse 5--- I would that ye all spake with tongue, but rather
ye prophesied; for greater is he that propesieth than he that
speaketh with tongue, except HE INTERPRET, that the church may
receive edifying.”
Every time the word “tongue” is mentioned it means
languages and not ecstatic utterances!!!! The false tongue
teaching is so widely spread to where it is imbedded into the
minds of many to the point that every time they see or think of
the word “tongue” they think of these ecstatic utterances.
But not only the dictionary but all through the Bible (when
properly divided) proves that “tongues” means languages or
dialects and never ecstatic utterances.
Paul is simply saying here in verse 5 that “he wishes
(would) they had the ability to speak various languages (for
that ability would have been very useful there in that seaport
city) but he would rather they had the ability to prophesy, for
greater (or more useful) is he that prophesieth that he that has
the ability to speak various languages except he uses his
linguistic ability in an interpreting manner (such as
interpreting the testimony of a foreign speaker) (see verse 27)
that the church may receive edifying.
Verse 6---Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in
tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some
revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
Verse 7.---Even in the case of lifeless things that make
sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what
tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
Verse 8.---Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call,
who will get ready for battle?
Verse 9.---So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible
words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are
saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 1
Verse 10---Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in
the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
Verse 11---If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone
is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a
foreigner to me.
In these verse Paul is showing that the ability to speak
various languages would be unprofitable unless it was
understandable and edifying. He goes on to show the absurdity of
not knowing the meaning of the sound, voice or language.
Verse 12---Even so ye, foreasmuch as ye are zealous of
spiritual gifts; seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the
church.”
Now in this verse Paul instruct them to seek gifts that they
may excel to the edifying of the church. One such gift besides
prophesy would be the gift of interpretation. (The ability to
understand language(s) not physically learned. Since there were
those that didn’t speak the local language (common to bible
days), this gift would have enabled them to not only understand
when others prophesied, but then they too could sing and pray in
the local language.
Verse 13---Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown
tongue (foreign language) pray that he may interpret.
Paul here is just advising those that don’t speak the local
language (him that don’t speak the local language) to pray for
the gift that will enable them to interpret what is being said
and also that they should pray publicly in language that would
be understood locally.
Verse 14---For if I pray in an unknown tongue (foreign
language) my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Paul is using a supposition here in saying (just suppose) I
were to pray in a language foreign to the local congregation, my
spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful, or
(unprofitable to others). Paul is not saying here that he prays
in some “so called” unknown prayer language. He is again is
pointing out, as he does all through this chapter how utterly
useless it is to use language (whether it be preaching, praying,
singing, testimony etc.) that is not understood.
Verse 15--- What is it then? I will pray with the spirit and
I will pray with understanding also; I will sing with the
Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
This is another verse that is grossly misinterpreted. Paul is
not saying that when he prays (or sings) “with the Spirit”
he is praying in an ecstatic utterances that he does not
understand. NO absolutely not!!! If he did not understand what
he is saying he wouldn’t even know for sure that he is
praying. His meaning is simply that he will pray with the
unction of the Spirit, but also with a language understandable
to others so that the understanding will be fruitful.
(Profitable to others). He ties this in the next two verses….
Verse 16---Else (otherwise) when thou (you) shalt bless with
the Spirit (give thanks in prayer with the unction of the
Spirit) how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned
say Amen at thy giving of thanks seeing he understandeth not
what thou sayest?
Verse 17---For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other
is not edified.
So on this verse it can be seen that the speaker had
understanding of what they were praying “with the Spirit”
for they KNEW they were giving thanks.
Verse 18---I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye
all.
Here again, Paul is not saying anything about being in an
unconscious state of warbling in any “so called” heavenly
language. It is a well-known fact that Paul was able to speak
several language. A study of Paul’s life will reveal that he
speaks at least nine languages. How many (if any) he received of
the Holy Spirit isn’t recorded. If there is any man who needed
to speak in tongue (foreign language) it was Paul. He traveled
one missionary journey right after another and passed through
areas where there were different languages of every kind.
Verse 19---Yet in the church I had rather speak five words
with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others
also than ten thousand words in an unknown tongues.
Here again Paul is staying with the same thought he has been
dealing with in this chapter. That he would rather speak five
words where the understanding would be fruitful that 10,000
words in a language that would be foreign (unknown) to the
audience and therefore unfruitful.
Verse 20—Brethren be not children in understanding: Howbeit
in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
This verse should be self-explanatory.
Verse 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 not hear me, saith the Lord.
This verse in the Old Testament Paul is referring to is
Isaiah 28:11---For with stammering lips and another tongue will
he speak to this people. This verse is sometimes taught to mean
so called unknown tongues. But in the light of what have been
covered, you would have to wrest this scripture to make it teach
“heavenly” or “prayer” language etc. This Old Testament
verse is also sometimes used by some to claim the true people of
God will be known and recognized by a stammering tongue as a
sign to Jew and Gentile. But this false idea conflicts with
Isaiah who also prophesied of the coming of Christ and the Holy
Spirit and the effect it would have on thos4 who received Him.
For in Isaiah 32-4—it says…The heart also of the rash shall
understand knowledge and the tongue of the stammerers shall be
ready to speak plainly. Then another sign Isaiah gives is to
recognize the true people of God is found in Isaiah 33:19---
Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech
than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou
canst not understand. This verse of Isaiah 28:11 was prophecy of
the gift of tongues (language) and was fulfilled on the day of
Pentecost where intelligent language were definitely manifested.
Verse 22--- Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them
that believe, but to them that believeth not; but prophesying
serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which
believe.
Here Paul points the purpose of the gift of tongues
(languages). It is not a sign to supply evidence they have the
Holy Ghost or a gift for personal edification or a special
prayer language but for a sign for non-believers to convince
them to the point of believing. (The gospel being preached to
them in their native language).
Verse 23---If therefore the whole church be come together
into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in
those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that
ye are mad?
This verse starts out with “if” and means that visitors
would think the congregation was all crazy if they all were
speaking in various languages. (How much more ridiculous if they
were all speaking in modern day ecstatic utterances).
Verse 24---But if all prophesy, and there come I one that
believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all, he is
judged of all.
Verse 25---And thus are the secrets of his heart made
manifest, and so falling down on his face he will worship God
and report that God is in you of a truth.
These verse are teaching that when an unsaved one visits the
congregation one visits the congregation and hears Holy spirit
inspired preaching, exhortation, or life changing testimonies,
he realizes God is truly thee and he will “see himself” and
get under conviction which will enable him to humble himself and
get saved.
Verse26---How is it then, brethren. When ye come together,
every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine hath a tongue,
hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be
done unto edifying
In this verse Paul means why show off with various talents
and gifts when you assemble when gifts and talents are not for
show but to edify the church.
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.
Here again Paul is not referring or settling limitations on
speaking in ecstatic utterances. Paul would not impose
limitations if unknown tongue were something from the Holy
Spirit or if the interpretation would be supernatural mystery.
His meaning is so clear, it is hard to believe this verse would
be misunderstood. He means that when or if those be in
attendance who do not speak the local language but wish to
testify etc..let it be done by two or at the most three and that
by course and have on interpret. He goes on in verse 28 to
inform that if no one present can interpret, to remain silent
and just commune with himself and with God.
The subject is again mentioned in verse 39
Verse 39---Wherefore brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid
not to speak in tongues.
Verse 40 Let all things be done in decency and in order.
Paul again stresses prophesy, but not to forbid foreign
language to take part, but to obey the instructions of doing all
things in decency and in order.
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