Thematic Bible: Power of speaking different


Thematic Bible



Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in other languages and people who are uninformed or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? Verse ConceptsLanguages ConfusedAssemblyChurch OrderChurch GatheringsNot Believing The GospelEach Local ChurchReckoned Insane

For the person who speaks in [another] language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation. The person who speaks in [another] language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church. read more.
I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in [other] languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? Even inanimate things producing sounds-whether flute or harp-if they don't make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle? In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner = in Eng a barbarian. To a Gk, a barbaros was anyone who did not speak Gk. to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. So also you-since you are zealous in matters of the spirit, seek to excel in building up the church.

And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in other languages and to prophesy. Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritecstasyApostles, Function In Early ChurchCharismatic IssuesThe Holy Spirit, And PrayerLaying On Hands For The Holy SpiritProphesying In The Church

Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Verse ConceptsLaying On Of HandsReceiving The Spirit

It follows that speaking in other languages is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers. But prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. Verse ConceptsBelieversNot Believing The GospelProphesying In The ChurchSigns And Wonders Of The GospelThe TongueSpiritual Gifts


While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speaking in [other] languages and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded,

And they were astounded and amazed, saying, "Look, aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, read more.
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-we hear them speaking in our own languages the magnificent acts of God."

And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.


Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.