Reference: Tongues, Gift of
Easton
granted on the day of Pentecost (Ac 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mr 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Ac 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (comp. Joe 2:28-29).
Among the gifts of the Spirit the apostle enumerates in 1Co 12:10-14:30, "divers kinds of tongues" and the "interpretation of tongues." This "gift" was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost, although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be "a sign to them that believe not."
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they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages:
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.
Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus,
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages. but all are wrought by one and the same spirit, distributing to every one in particular, as he thinks fit. read more. For as the body is one, tho' it has many members, and all the members of that one body, tho' many, are one body: so also is the body of Christ. for by one spirit we have all been baptized, to be form'd into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and have been all made to drink of one spirit. the body is not one member, but many.
Fausets
Mr 16:17; 1/type/mace'>Ac 2:1-13; 10/46/type/mace'>10:46; 19/6/type/mace'>19:6,1 Corinthians 12,14. The Alexandrinus manuscript confirms Mr 16:9-20; The Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts, omit it; "they shall speak with "new" ("not known before", kainais) tongues"; this promise is not restricted to apostles; "these signs shall follow them that believe." a proof to the unbelieving that believers were under a higher power than mere enthusiasm or imagination. The "rushing mighty wind" on Pentecost is paralleled in Eze 1:24; 37:1-14; 43:2; Ge 1:2; 1Ki 19:11; 2Ch 5:14; Ps 104:3-4. The "tongues like as of fire" in the establishing of the New Testament church answer to Ex 19:18, at the giving of the Old Testament law on Sinai, and Eze 1:4 "a fire enfolding itself"; compare Jer 23:29; Lu 24:32.
They were "cloven" (diamerizomenai), rather distributed to them severally. The disciples were "filled with the Holy Spirit"; as John the Baptist and our Lord (Lu 1:15; 4:1). "They began to speak with "other" (heterais, different from their ordinary) tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Then "the multitude were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language; and they marveled saying, Behold are not all these which speak Galileans? and how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born, the wonderful works of God?" This proves that as Babel brought as its penalty the confusion of tongues, so the Pentecostal gift of tongues symbolizes the reunion of the scattered nations. Still praise, not teaching, was the invariable use made of the gift. The places where tongues were exercised were just where there was least need of preaching in foreign tongues (1/type/mace'>Ac 2:1-4; 10/46/type/mace'>10:46; 19/6/type/mace'>19:6,1 Corinthians 14).
Tongues were not at their command whenever they pleased to teach those of different languages. The gift came, like prophesying, only in God's way and time (Ac 2:1-18; 10:46; 19:6). No express mention is made of any apostle or evangelist preaching in any tongue save Greek or Hebrew (Aramaic). Probably Paul did so in Lycaonia (Ac 14:11,15; he says (1Co 14:18) "I speak with tongues (the Vaticanus manuscript, but the Sinaiticus and the Alexandrinus manuscripts 'with a tongue') more than ye all." Throughout his long notice of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 he never alludes to their use for making one's self intelligible to foreigners. This would have been the natural use for him to have urged their possessors to put them to, instead of interrupting church worship at home by their unmeaning display.
Papias (in Eusebius, H. E. iii. 30) says Mark accompanied Peter as an "interpreter," i.e. to express in appropriate language Peter's thought, so that the gift of tongues cannot have been in Papias' view a continuous gift with that apostle. Aramaic Hebrew, Greek, and Latin (the three languages over the cross) were the general media of converse throughout the civilised world, owing to Alexander's empire first, then the Roman. The epistles are all in Greek, not only to Corinth, but to Thessalonica, Philippi, Rome. Ephesus, and Colosse. The term used of "tongues" (apofthengesthai, not only lalein) implies a solemn utterance as of prophets or inspired musicians (Septuagint 1Ch 25:1; Eze 13:9). In the first instance (Acts 2) the tongues were used in doxology; but when teaching followed it was in ordinary language, understood by the Jews, that Peter spoke.
Those who spoke with tongues seemed to beholders as if "full of new wide," namely, excited and enthusiastic (Ac 2:13,15-18), in a state raised out of themselves. Hence, Paul contrasts the being "drunk with wine" with being "filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" (Eph 5:18-19). The ecstatic songs of praise in the Old Testament, poured out by the prophets and their disciples, and the inspired musicians of the sanctuary, correspond (1Sa 10:5-13; 19:20-24; 1Ch 25:3). In 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14 tongues are placed lowest in the scale of gifts (1Co 12:31; 14:5). Their three characteristics were:
(1) all ecstatic state of comparative rapt unconsciousness, the will being acted on by a power from above;
(2) words uttered, often unintelligible;
(3) languages spoken which ordinarily the speaker could not speak.
They, like prophesyings, were under control of their possessors (1Co 14:32), and needed to be kept in due order, else confusion in church meetings would ensue (1Co 14:23,39). The tongues, as evidencing a divine power raising them above themselves, were valued by Paul; but they suited the childhood (1Co 14:20; 13:11), as prophesying or inspired preaching the manhood, of the Christian life. The possessor of the tongue "spoke mysteries," praying, blessing, and giving thanks, but no one understood him; the "spirit" (pneuma) but not "understanding" (nous) was active (1Co 14:14-19). Yet he might edify himself (1Co 14:4) with a tongue which to bystanders seemed a madman's ravings, but to himself was the expression of ecstatic adoration. "Five words" spoken "with the understanding" so as to "teach others" are preferable to "ten thousand in an unknown tongue."
In Isa 28:9-12 God virtually says of Israel, "this people hear Me not though I speak to them in their familiar tongue, I will therefore speak to them in other tongues, namely, that of the foes whom I will send against them, yet even then they will not hearken to Me." Paul thus applies it: ye see it is a penalty to encouuter men of a strange tongue, yet this you impose on the church by abusing instead of using the tongue intelligibly. Speakers in foreign tongues speak like "children weaned from the milk, with stammering lips," ridiculous because unintelligible to the hearers (Isa 28:14), or like babbling drunkards (Ac 2:13), or madmen (1Co 14:20-23).
Thus, Isaiah (Isa 28:9-14) shows that "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." Tongues either awaken to spiritual attention the unconverted or, if despised, condemn (compare "sign" in a condemnatory sense, Eze 4:3-4; Mt 12:39-42), those who, like Israel, reject the sign and the accompanying message; compare Ac 2:8,13; 1Co 14:22; "yet, for all that will they not hear Me," even such miraculous signs fail to arouse them; therefore since they will not understand they shall not understand. "Tongues of men" and "divers kinds of tongues" (1Co 12:10,28; 13:1) imply diversity, which applies certainly to languages, and includes also the kind of tongues which was a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (1Co 14:2). It was only by "interpreting" that the "understanding" accompanied the tongues.
He who spoke (praying) in a tongue should pray that he might (be able to) interpret for edification of the church (1Co 14:13,26-27). Hebrew and Aramaic words spoken in the spirit or quoted from the Old Testament often produced a more solemn effect upon Greeks than the corresponding Greek terms; Compare 1Co 16:22, Maranatha, 1Co 12:3; Lord of sabaoth, Jas 5:4; Abba, the adoption cry, Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6; Alleluia, Re 19:1,6; Hosannah, Mt 21:9,15. "Tongues of angels" (1Co 13:1) are such as Daniel and John in Revelation heard; and Paul, when caught up to paradise (2Co 12:4).
An intonation in speaking with tongues is implied in Paul's comparison to the tones of the harp and pipe, which however he insists have distinction of sounds, and therefore so ought possessors of tongues to speak intelligibly by interpreting their sense afterward, or after awakening spiritual attention by the mysterious tongue they ought then to follow with "revelation, knowledge, prophesying or doctrine" (1Co 14:6-11); otherwise the speaker with a tongue will be "a barbarian," i.e. a foreigner in language to the hearer. A musical tone would also be likely in uttering hymns and doxologies, which were the subject matter of the utterance by tongues (Ac 2:11). The "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Ro 8:26) and the "melody in the heart" (Eph 5:19) show us how even inarticulate speech like the tongues may edify, though less edifying than articulate and intelligible prophesying or preaching.
Either the speaker with a tongue or a listener might have the gift of interpreting, so he might bring forth deep truths from the seemingly inc
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but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas. for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. read more. the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, because they were converted at the preaching of Jonas, and now there is one superiour to Jonas here. the queen of the south shall rise up at the day of judgement against this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now a greater than Solomon is here.
while the crowd that were marching before, and behind, cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna."
but when the chief priests and Scribes saw the wonders that he did, and the young people crying in the temple, "Hosanna to the son of David;" they were full of indignation.
Now Jesus being risen early on the first day of the week, he appear'd first to Mary Magdalene, whom he had dispossess'd of seven demons. immediately she went to those who frequented Jesus, and were then bemoaning themselves in tears, and acquainted them with it. read more. but though they heard that he was alive, and had appear'd to her, they did not believe. after that, he appear'd under another form to two of them, as they were taking a walk into the country. and they went and acquainted the rest: but neither did they believe them. afterwards he appear'd to the eleven, as they were all sitting at table, and he reproved them for their incredulity and obstinacy in not giving credit to those, who had seen him after his resurrection. Then he said to them, go ye into all parts of the world, and preach the gospel to all mankind. he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that disbelieves, shall be condemned. they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages:
they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages: they shall handle serpents, and if they drink any mortal poison, it shall do them no hurt: they shall lay hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover. read more. Now after the Lord had convers'd with them, he was assum'd up to heaven, where he sat on the right hand of God. as for the disciples, they went and preached the gospel in all parts: the Lord co-operating with them, and confirming their doctrine by the miracles that accompany'd it.
he shall appear as a divine messenger. he shall drink neither wine, nor any other strong liquor: he shall be filled with the holy spirit, even from his infancy:
Now Jesus being full of the holy spirit, return'd from Jordan, and was led by the spirit into the desart,
Upon this, they said to one another, to what ardor did not our affections rise, while he talk'd with us by the way, and while he expounded to us the scriptures?
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord.
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord.
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were.
when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were.
when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:
and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:
and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world.
now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language.
and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans?
struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue?
how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue?
how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus,
Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes,
Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be?
and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.
others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.
others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.
others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.
others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. read more. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day.
these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day. but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel,
but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel, "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams:
"it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy:
and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy:
for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.
for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.
for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.
When the people saw what Paul had done, they cry'd out in the Lycaonian tongue, the Gods have assum'd a human form, and are descended among us.
cry'd out, "sirs, what are you going to do? we are but men as well as you, and we exhort you to renounce these vanities, and turn to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth and the sea, and all that they contain:
Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them,
Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them,
and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:
and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:
and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:
for the spirit you have received is not servile to keep you still in fear; but it is the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, that is, father.
The spirit likewise softens our afflictions: for being at a loss to apply for the most proper relief; the spirit it self affects us with those pious ejaculations, which we can't well express.
wherefore I give you to understand, that no man who has the spirit of God, can pronounce Jesus anathema: and that no man can acknowledge Jesus to be the Lord, but by the holy spirit.
wherefore I give you to understand, that no man who has the spirit of God, can pronounce Jesus anathema: and that no man can acknowledge Jesus to be the Lord, but by the holy spirit.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
For tho' I should speak with the eloquence of men, and of angels, and not have social affection, I should be like sounding brass, or a noisy cymbal.
For tho' I should speak with the eloquence of men, and of angels, and not have social affection, I should be like sounding brass, or a noisy cymbal.
Social affection will never fail: but as for prophecies, they shall be out of use; as for languages, they shall cease; as for knowledge, it shall vanish away.
when I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I reasoned as a child: but when I became a man, I laid aside my childish ways.
for he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God: for no man can understand the mysteries he delivers by the spirit.
he that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself alone: but he that expounds, edifies the church. I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it. read more. for instance, brethren, if I deliver myself to you in an unknown tongue, what good shall I do you, except I deliver to you the meaning of what is said, whether it relate to revelation, to mystical knowledge, to prophecy, or to doctrine. And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune?
And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune? for if the trumpet give an undistinguish'd sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? read more. in like manner, if you express yourselves in words of obscure signification, you may as well talk to the wind, for how shall any comprehend you? there are, it may be, as many different languages in the world as there are people, and none of them without signification. therefore if I don't know the meaning of the language, with respect to him that speaks, I shall be a barbarian; and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me.
therefore if I don't know the meaning of the language, with respect to him that speaks, I shall be a barbarian; and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me.
wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray for the gift of interpretation.
wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray for the gift of interpretation. for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prays, but my meaning is of no benefit to others. read more. what then is to be done? why, I will pray by the spirit, but my prayer shall be intelligible: I will sing by the spirit, but my hymn shall be intelligible. otherwise if you should give thanks by the spirit in an unknown tongue, the hearer cannot but appear unlearned upon this occasion; how then can he say Amen to thy thanksgiving? since he does not conceive what you say. thy thanksgiving indeed is right, but the other is not all edified by it. I thank God, I speak more languages than you all:
I thank God, I speak more languages than you all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words that convey my meaning to the instruction of others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. read more. Brethren, be not childish in understanding: be as innocent as babes, but use your understanding like men.
Brethren, be not childish in understanding: be as innocent as babes, but use your understanding like men. 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." read more. wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers: but expounding the prophets, not for unbelievers so much as for those who believe. when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad?
when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad?
what is then to be done, my brethren? when you come together, one of you with a psalm, another with a doctrine, another with a strange tongue, another with a revelation, another with an interpretation: let the whole be done to edification. and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret.
and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret.
the prophetic gifts are to be subservient to the prophets.
wherefore, brethren, zealously exercise the gift of prophecy, and don't prohibit those that speak in an unknown language.
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accurst.
this I know, that he was snatch'd up into paradise, and heard such secrets as it is not lawful for a man to reveal.
and because ye are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba, that is, father;
do not drink to excess, for that tends to dissoluteness, but be regal'd with spiritual entertainments: expressing yourselves in psalms, in hymns, and spiritual songs; and let your hearts beat the time, in concerts of praises to the Lord,
expressing yourselves in psalms, in hymns, and spiritual songs; and let your hearts beat the time, in concerts of praises to the Lord,
hark! what a noise there is of hire, of which you cheated the labourers, who gather'd in your harvest! the cries of the reapers have reach'd even the Lord of the celestial militia.
And after these things I heard a great voice of a numerous multitude in heaven, saying, "alleluia; salvation, glory, honour, and power unto the Lord our God:
and I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, which was like the sound of many waters, or like a volley of thunder, saying, "alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent does reign."
Hastings
TONGUES, GIFT OF
1. In NT we read of 'speaking with tongues' or 'in a tongue' as a remarkable sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; but the exact meaning of the phenomenon described has been much disputed. We may take the passages in the chronological order of writing.
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soon after they that stood by coming up, said to Peter, certainly you are one of them, for thy speech bewrays thee.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.
Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus,
Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.
Jesus) the apostles therefore gave them imposition of hands, and they received the holy spirit.
for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.
and while I was speaking to them, the holy spirit descended upon them, as it did on us, at the beginning.
When the people saw what Paul had done, they cry'd out in the Lycaonian tongue, the Gods have assum'd a human form, and are descended among us.
but Paul and Barnabas being appriz'd of it, tore their clothes, and throwing themselves among the crowd,
as she followed Paul and the rest of us, she cried out, these men are the servants of the most high God, who show you the way to salvation.
At length Paul went to the synagogue, where he spoke with great freedom, and for three months he conferr'd with them to persuade them of the truth of the evangelical kingdom.
for the spirit you have received is not servile to keep you still in fear; but it is the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, that is, father.
The spirit likewise softens our afflictions: for being at a loss to apply for the most proper relief; the spirit it self affects us with those pious ejaculations, which we can't well express.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
Social affection will never fail: but as for prophecies, they shall be out of use; as for languages, they shall cease; as for knowledge, it shall vanish away.
for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prays, but my meaning is of no benefit to others.
I thank God, I speak more languages than you all:
when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad?
when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad?
let all things be done with decency, and without disorder.
and because ye are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba, that is, father;
expressing yourselves in psalms, in hymns, and spiritual songs; and let your hearts beat the time, in concerts of praises to the Lord,
Morish
This gift was in the early church, and was a sign 'to them that believed not,' in fulfilment of Isa 28:11-12: cf. 1Co 14:21. The gift was exhibited in a special way on the day of Pentecost, when people of many lands heard the wonderful things of God each in his own language. In the assembly these gifts were not to be exercised unless there was present an interpreter, that the saints might be edified. Paul thanked God that he spake with tongues more than all at Corinth; but in the assembly he would rather speak five words through his understanding, that he might teach others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 1Co 12:10,8/type/mace'>28,30; 13:1,8; 14:2-39.
The expression 'unknown tongue' is unhappy, because it has led some to think that the gift of tongues consisted of a sort of unintelligible gibberish. The word 'unknown' has been added in the A.V., where it should read simply 'tongue.' At Pentecost it was shown that the gift of 'tongues' was in a person speaking a language which he had never learnt, but which was at once understood by those who knew it.
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to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
For tho' I should speak with the eloquence of men, and of angels, and not have social affection, I should be like sounding brass, or a noisy cymbal.
Social affection will never fail: but as for prophecies, they shall be out of use; as for languages, they shall cease; as for knowledge, it shall vanish away.
for he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God: for no man can understand the mysteries he delivers by the spirit. but he that expounds, speaks to the edification, exhortation, and comfort of men. read more. he that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself alone: but he that expounds, edifies the church. I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it. for instance, brethren, if I deliver myself to you in an unknown tongue, what good shall I do you, except I deliver to you the meaning of what is said, whether it relate to revelation, to mystical knowledge, to prophecy, or to doctrine. And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune? for if the trumpet give an undistinguish'd sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? in like manner, if you express yourselves in words of obscure signification, you may as well talk to the wind, for how shall any comprehend you? there are, it may be, as many different languages in the world as there are people, and none of them without signification. therefore if I don't know the meaning of the language, with respect to him that speaks, I shall be a barbarian; and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me. But since there is emulation among you concerning spiritual gifts, seek to abound in the exercise of such gifts as tend most to the edification of the church. wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray for the gift of interpretation. for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prays, but my meaning is of no benefit to others. what then is to be done? why, I will pray by the spirit, but my prayer shall be intelligible: I will sing by the spirit, but my hymn shall be intelligible. otherwise if you should give thanks by the spirit in an unknown tongue, the hearer cannot but appear unlearned upon this occasion; how then can he say Amen to thy thanksgiving? since he does not conceive what you say. thy thanksgiving indeed is right, but the other is not all edified by it. I thank God, I speak more languages than you all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words that convey my meaning to the instruction of others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not childish in understanding: be as innocent as babes, but use your understanding like men. 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."
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." wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers: but expounding the prophets, not for unbelievers so much as for those who believe. read more. when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad? but if you all expound, and an unbeliever, or one unlearned come in, he is examin'd by all, he is tryed by all: the secrets of his heart become manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, and declare that God is certainly amongst you. what is then to be done, my brethren? when you come together, one of you with a psalm, another with a doctrine, another with a strange tongue, another with a revelation, another with an interpretation: let the whole be done to edification. and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret. but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and tacitly address himself to God. of the prophets let but two or three speak by turns, and let the others deliberate. if the meaning be revealed to another that sits by, let the first be silent. for ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may receive instruction and exhortation. the prophetic gifts are to be subservient to the prophets. for God is not the God of confusion, but of peace, in all christian assemblies. Let your women be silent in your assemblies: for they are not allowed to discourse there; but are to observe orders, as indeed the law implies: and if they desire to have information about any point, let them consult their husbands at home: for it does not become women to ask questions in the church. What, did the gospel take its rise from you? or was it communicated to you alone? if any one pretends to be a prophet, or to spiritual gifts, let him be assured that the rules which I have here prescrib'd, are the commandments of the Lord. but if he will be blind, I leave him to his blindness. wherefore, brethren, zealously exercise the gift of prophecy, and don't prohibit those that speak in an unknown language.
Smith
Tongues, Gift of.
I. glotta, or glossa, the word employed throughout the New Testament for the gift now under consideration, is used-- (1) for the bodily organ of speech; (2) for a foreign word imported and half-naturalized in Greek; (3) in Hellenistic Greek, for "speech" or "language." The received traditional view, which starts from the third meaning, and sees in the gift of tongues a distinctly linguistic power, is the more correct one. II. The chief passages from which we have to draw our conclusion as to the nature and purpose of the gift in question are-- 1.
2
3
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... III. The promise of a new power coming from the divine Spirit, giving not only comfort and insight into truth, but fresh powers of utterance of some kind, appears once and again in our Lord's teaching. The disciples are to take no thought what they shall speak, for the spirit of their Father shall speak in them.
The lips of Galilean peasants are to speak freely and boldly before kings. The promise of our Lord to his disciples, "They shall speak with new tongues,"
was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when cloven tongues like fire sat upon the disciples, and "every man heard them speak in his own language."
IV. The wonder of the day of Pentecost is, in its broad features, familiar enough to us. What views have men actually taken of a phenomenon so marvellous and exceptional? The prevalent belief of the Church has been that in the Pentecostal gift the disciples received a supernatural knowledge of all such languages as they needed for their work as evangelists. The knowledge was permanent. Widely diffused as this belief has been it must be remembered that it goes beyond the data with which the New Testament supplies us. Such instance of the gift recorded in the Acts connects it not with the work of teaching, but with that of praise and adoration; not with the normal order of men's lives but with exceptional epochs in them. The speech of St. Peter which follows, like meet other speeches addressed to a Jerusalem audience, was spoken apparently in Aramaic. When St. Paul, who "spake with tongues more than all," was at Lystra, there is no mention made of his using the language of Lycaonia. It is almost implied that he did not understand it.
Not one word in the discussion of spiritual gifts in 1Cor 12-14 implies that the gift was of this nature, or given for this purpose. Nor, it may be added, within the limits assigned the providence of God to the working of the apostolic Church,was such a gift necessary. Aramaic, Greek, Latin, the three languages of the inscription on the cross were media, of intercourse throughout the empire. Some interpreters have seen their way to another solution of the difficulty by changing the character of the miracle. It lay not in any new character bestowed on the speakers, but in the impression produced on the hearers. Words which the Galilean disciples uttered in their own tongue were heard as in their native speech by those who listened. There are, it is believed, weighty reasons against both the earlier and later forms of this hypothesis.
1. It is at variance with the distinct statement of
They began to speak with other tongues.
2. It at once multiplies the miracle and degrades its character. Not the 120 disciples, but the whole multitude of many thousands, are in this case the subjects of it.
3. It involves an element of falsehood. The miracle, on this view, was wrought to make men believe what was not actually the fact.
4. It is altogether inapplicable to the phenomena of
... Critics of a negative school have, as might be expected, adopted the easier course of rejecting the narrative either altogether or in part. What then, are, the facts actually brought before us? What inferences may be legitimately drawn from them? (a) The utterance of words by the disciples, in other languages than their own Galilean Aramaic, is distinctly asserted. (b) The words spoken appear to have been determined, not by the will of the speakers, but by the Spirit which "gave them utterance." (c) The word used, apoftheggesthai, has in the LXX. a special association with the oracular speech of true or false prophets, and appears to imply a peculiar, perhaps physical, solemn intonation. Comp.
(d) The "tongues" were used as an instrument not of teaching, but of praise. (e) Those who spoke them seemed to others to be under the influence of some strong excitement, "full of new wine." (f) Questions as to the mode of operation of a power above the common laws of bodily or mental life lead us to a region where our words should be "wary and few." It must be remembered then, that in all likelihood such words as they then uttered had been heard by the disciples before. The difference was that before the Galilean peasants had stood in that crowd neither heeding nor understanding nor remembering what they heard, still less able to reproduce it; now they had the power of speaking it clearly and freely. The divine work would in this case take the form of a supernatural exaltation of the memory, not of imparting a miraculous knowledge of words never heard before. (g) The gift of tongues, the ecstatic burst of praise, is definitely asserted to be a fulfillment of the prediction of
We are led, therefore, to look for that which answers to the gift of tongues in the other element of prophecy which is included in the Old Testament use of the word; and this is found in the ecstatic praise, the burst of sang.
1Sa 10:5-13; 19:20-24; 1Ch 25:3
(h) The other instances in the Acts offer essentially the same phenomena. By implication in ch.
by express statement in ch.
it belongs to special critical epochs. V. The First Epistle to the Corinthians supplies fuller data. The spiritual gifts are classified and compared arranged, apparently, according to their worth. The facts which may be gathered are briefly these:
1. The phenomena of the gift of tongues were not confined to one church or section of a church.
2. The comparison of gifts, in both the lists given by St. Paul --
places that of tongues and the interpretation of tongues lowest in the scale.
3. The main characteristic of the "tongue" is that it is unintelligible. The man "speaks mysteries," prays, blesses, gives thanks, in the tongue,
but no one understands him.
4. The peculiar nature of the gift leads the apostle into what at first appears a contradiction. "Tongues are for a sign," not to believers, but to those who do not believe; yet the effect on unbelievers is not that of attracting, but of repelling. They involve of necessity a disturbance of the equilibrium between the understanding and the feeling. Therefore it is that, for those who believe already, prophecy is the greater gift.
5. The "tongues," however, must be regarded as real languages. The "divers kinds of tongues."
the "tongues of men,"
point to differences of some kind and it is easier to conceive of these as differences of language than as belonging to utterances all equally mild and inarticulate.
6. Connected with the "tongues" there was the corresponding power of interpretation. VI.
1. Traces of the gift are found in the Epistles to the Romans, the Galatians, the Ephesians. From the Pastoral Epistles, from those of St. Peter and St. John, they are altogether absent, and this is in itself significant.
2. It is probable, however, that the disappearance of the "tongues" was gradual. There must have been a time when "tongues" were still heard, though less frequently and with less striking results. For the most part, however, the pierce which they had filled in the worship of the Church was supplied by the "hymns and spiritual songs" of the succeeding age, after this, within the Church we lose nearly all traces of them. The gift of the day of Pentecost belonged to a critical epoch, not to the continuous life of the Church. It implied a disturbance of the equilibrium of man's normal state but it was not the instrument for building up t
See Verses Found in Dictionary
but when they take you. into custody, be not sollicitous, how or what ye shall speak, for at the very instant you shall be inspir'd what to say. for it is not properly you that speak, but the spirit of your father that speaketh by you.
now when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not sollicitous about your defence, don't premeditate upon it; but what shall be suggested to you at the very occasion, that deliver: for it is not you that will plead, but the holy spirit.
they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages:
they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages:
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord.
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were.
when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:
and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world.
now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language.
and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans?
struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue?
how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus,
Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes,
Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be?
and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.
for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages. then Peter said, can we refuse the water of baptism to such as have received the holy spirit as well as we?
and while I was speaking to them, the holy spirit descended upon them, as it did on us, at the beginning.
if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will?
he said to him aloud, rise and stand right upon your feet: upon which he leap'd up and walk'd. When the people saw what Paul had done, they cry'd out in the Lycaonian tongue, the Gods have assum'd a human form, and are descended among us.
When the people saw what Paul had done, they cry'd out in the Lycaonian tongue, the Gods have assum'd a human form, and are descended among us. Barnabas, they stiled Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. read more. even the priest of Jupiter, whose statue was at the city-gates, brought oxen and garlands there, and together with the people, would have offer'd sacrifice to the apostles. but Paul and Barnabas being appriz'd of it, tore their clothes, and throwing themselves among the crowd, cry'd out, "sirs, what are you going to do? we are but men as well as you, and we exhort you to renounce these vanities, and turn to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth and the sea, and all that they contain: who in past ages has let all Nations proceed in their own ways.
and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:
for to one the spirit gives the knowledge of the prophetical writings; to another the same spirit gives the knowledge of the doctrines of religion; to another faith; to another the gifts of healing; read more. to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? read more. have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
For tho' I should speak with the eloquence of men, and of angels, and not have social affection, I should be like sounding brass, or a noisy cymbal.
Cultivate social virtue; then desire spiritual gifts, but chiefly that of explaining the prophetical writings.
what then is to be done? why, I will pray by the spirit, but my prayer shall be intelligible: I will sing by the spirit, but my hymn shall be intelligible. otherwise if you should give thanks by the spirit in an unknown tongue, the hearer cannot but appear unlearned upon this occasion; how then can he say Amen to thy thanksgiving? since he does not conceive what you say.