Thematic Bible: Power of speaking different


Thematic Bible



If therefore the whole congregation comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and the unlearned, or unbelievers, come there will they not say that you are out of your mind?

For the person who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to men, but to God. No man understands him. He speaks secrets by the spirit. But the person who prophesies (proclaims God's Word openly) speaks to men to build up, encourage and comfort. The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares God's Word enlightens the entire congregation! read more.
I would like it that you all speak with tongues, but I prefer that you prophesy. The person who announces (teaches) (preaches) God's Word is greater than the person who speaks with tongues. The person who speaks with tongues should have an interpreter so the congregation may receive understanding and knowledge. Now, brothers, if I come to 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? Inanimate objects that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? If the trumpet gives an unclear sound, who will prepare himself for the battle? The same for you unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will speak into the air. There are many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning. Therefore if I do not know the meaning of what someone is saying I will be a foreigner to him that speaks. And he that speaks will be a foreigner to me too. As much as you are zealous for spiritual gifts, strive to build-up (increase) the enlightenment (understanding) of the congregation.



So they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.


Therefore speaking in tongues is a sign not for believers, but for those who do not believe. Prophesying (proclaiming God's Word) serves the believer and not the unbeliever.




Holy Spirit descended on all who heard the message Peter spoke. Those circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of Holy Spirit was also poured out on the people of the nations. They heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then Peter responded:


And they were all amazed and marveled. They said to each other: Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? How do we each hear them in our own language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, read more.
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our language the wonderful works of God.


Tongues of fire that sat on each of them appeared. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.