Do All Speak With Tongues?
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Introduction
Introduction
The subject of tongues is just like any other doctrinal study. Many churches teach many different things. Such diversity invariably leads one to ask the question: “How do I know which church and which teaching is right?” Obviously, differing views cannot contradict each other and both be right. They may both be wrong, but it is impossible for opposing views to both be right.
The key to distinguishing truth from error must be found in the Word of God. Indeed, that is exactly where it is found. In Jesus’ prayer in John 17:17, He said “Thy Word is Truth.” The Apostle Paul instructed us that, when necessary, we are to “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). The Bible is the only unbiased source of absolute truth. Therefore, all of our beliefs and doctrines must be founded upon Scripture.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Another important fact for our consideration is the difference in interpretation. It is often noted that two people can read the same scripture and yet come to varying conclusions. While this may be true, that is not the way God intends for it to be.
Our source of truth, the Word of God, plainly tells us that no scripture “is of private interpretation” (II Peter 1:20). Since “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” (II Timothy 3:16), we must accept God’s interpretation of His Word and align our ideas and doctrines with Him.
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
As we enter into this study, let us know and understand that God is sovereign – He is not required to answer to any man. Whatever He chooses to do, and however He chooses to do it, is not for us to question. He is not obligated to limit His expectations for us to our human understanding. Rather, we are obligated to “search the scriptures” (John 5:39) until we come to a proper understanding of His will for us. Furthermore, let us undertake this study with a realization that His Word will judge us in the last day (see John 12:48).
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES DEFINED
SPEAKING IN TONGUES DEFINED
Acts 2:1-12
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
The first recorded incident of people “speaking in tongues” took place on the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Jewish Passover (at which time Jesus had been crucified). When this occurred, the Bible says the amazed onlookers from sixteen different nations cried, “We do hear them speak in OUR TONGUES the wonderful works of God.”
What was obviously occurring was that those who had just been filled with the Holy Ghost were speaking in known languages. They were not taught these languages, and did not speak them by their own ability or knowledge, but rather they “began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them UTTERANCE (the ability to speak).”
I Corinthians 13:1
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Here the Apostle Paul mentions speaking in the tongues (languages) of MEN and of ANGELS . Evidently some who speak in tongues do not necessarily speak in a language recognized by man.
I Corinthians 14:2-4
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.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
This passage identifies what may be a third classification of tongues, called UNKNOWN tongues. This may also be simply another way of describing the tongues of angels mentioned in chapter 13. It should be evident, however, that tongues do not have to be a language that can be understood on earth in order to be genuine. One thing that is clear is that genuine “tongues” are NOT understood by the one speaking.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES PROPHESIED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
SPEAKING IN TONGUES PROPHESIED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Isaiah 59:20-21
20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, And unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.
21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, And my words which I have put in thy mouth, Shall not depart out of thy mouth, Nor out of the mouth of thy seed, Nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, From henceforth and for ever.
The Redeemer seems to be making a connection between His Spirit that will come upon us and His WORDS which He will put in our MOUTH.
Isaiah 28:11-12
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue Will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; And this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
Here we find that stammering lips and another tongue are said to be the REST God will give to the weary.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES PROPHESIED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
SPEAKING IN TONGUES PROPHESIED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew 11:28
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jesus promised REST to those who are weary. Isaiah has already informed us what that means – it means to speak with tongues!
Mark 16:16-17
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Jesus tells us two important things about believing. First, it must be accompanied by baptism in order for us to be saved. Second, when we believe, we should speak with NEW TONGUES .
John 3:3-8
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
In mentioning and explaining the new birth, Jesus said we are to be born of water and Spirit. He went on to compare being born of the Spirit to the wind. He stated that, while we may not understand everything about the Spirit or the wind, there is one thing they have in common – you will always HEAR THE SOUND . He said, “So is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” There must, then, be an accompanying sound to every spiritual birth.
Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Paul said that the Spirit itself BEARS WITNESS that we have become children of God. Therefore, the sound of which Jesus spoke must be the witness of which Paul speaks.
SPEAKING IN TONGUES FULFILLED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
SPEAKING IN TONGUES FULFILLED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 2:1-4
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
When these 120 were born of the Spirit, they began to SPEAK WITH TONGUES as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. Here is a sound – a witness – just as Jesus and Paul said there would be.
Acts 2:33
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Peter said that the promise of the Holy Ghost was an experience which the crowd could both SEE and HEAR.
Acts 2:37-39
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
In response to the question, “What must we do?”, Peter explained that a person must repent, be baptized (born of water) in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Ghost. NOTE: We have already seen that the Holy Ghost was an experience that could be heard, and what was heard originally was speaking in tongues. Now we learn that this same promise is for ALL that are AFAR OFF , even as many as God shall call.
Acts 8:14-18
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Although the Bible does not explicitly state that the Samaritans spoke with tongues, it does let us know that something miraculous accompanied this birth of the Spirit. We understand this through the fact that Simon the Sorcerer SAW that the Holy Ghost was given through the laying on the apostles’ hands.
Acts 10:1-6, 44-48
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Although Cornelius was a very religious man, the angel said there was more for him to do. He sent for Peter, who began preaching to Cornelius and his household. Suddenly the Holy Ghost came upon them. Peter and those with him knew this had happened, “for they heard them SPEAK WITH TONGUES .
Acts 19:1-7
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.
These were believers, disciples, and followers of John the Baptist, by whom they had been baptized. After being re-baptized (this time in the name of Jesus Christ), they received the Holy Ghost. The immediate evidence is found in the fact that they SPOKE WITH TONGUES and prophesied.
I Corinthians 14:18
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
In Acts 9, we find the story of the Apostle Paul’s conversion. Ananias prayed for him to receive the Holy Ghost, and there is no record there that he spoke with tongues. However, Paul plainly writes to the church at Corinth that he is thankful he SPEAK WITH TONGUES more than any of them. Obviously Paul had experienced the same witness – the same sound – that everyone else who is born of the Spirit experiences.
I Corinthians 14:22
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Jesus said in John 3:8 that everyone who is born of the Spirit would have an accompanying sound. Paul said in Romans 8:16 that everyone who is a child of God would have a witness from the Spirit. Now we see that TONGUES are given for a sign, further proving that this practice is the fulfillment of what both Jesus and Paul said would come to pass.
WHY DID GOD CHOOSE TONGUES?
WHY DID GOD CHOOSE TONGUES?
James 3:4-8
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
While man has the ability to tame beasts and control large vessels, James said no man can control or tame his own TONGUE . What better way for God to show the recipient – and the world – that He has taken control of a person’s entire life than to control the one thing that person cannot control on his own?
SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND THE GIFT OF TONGUES
SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND THE GIFT OF TONGUES
I Corinthians 12:7-11
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Here is a list of the nine gifts of the Spirit. Along with “divers kinds of tongues,” we also find the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, FAITH , gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, and interpretation of tongues.
We should readily recognize the fact that there is a difference between the gift of faith and faith that is necessary for salvation.
This is true inasmuch as we know that “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (see Hebrews 11:6), yet not every man has the gift of faith.
If this is true concerning one gift – faith – it can also be true of another gift – tongues.
While not everyone has the gift of tongues, everyone will speak with tongues when they are born of the Spirit.
I Corinthians 12:29-30
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
This is an obvious reference to the gift of tongues and not the evidence of Spirit birth. Notice the mention of the word GIFTS in reference to healing. This same word applies to the other two references in the scripture – tongues and interpretation.
I Corinthians 14:27-28
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.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Again, the reference is to the gift and not the evidence of being born of the Spirit. Notice also that the practice is not forbidden without an interpreter. Rather, Paul says to let them speak to THEMSELVES and to GOD .
WHEN SPEAKING IN TONGUES SHALL CEASE
WHEN SPEAKING IN TONGUES SHALL CEASE
I Corinthians 13:8
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
The Apostle lets us know that there will be a time when people will no longer speak with tongues – when prophecies fail and knowledge shall VANISH AWAY.
I Corinthians 13:9-10
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Here we see that all these shall end when THAT which is PERFECT is come. Jesus Christ is the only Perfect One there has ever been. This is not in reference to the completion of the New Testament as some have claimed because verse 12 says we shall see Him “face to face”.
I Corinthians 14:39
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Paul closes his discussion of the spiritual gifts with a command that we are NOT to forbid the practice of SPEAKING WITH TONGUES.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
If God has more for you than you have already received why would you NOT want to have it? If you have never enjoyed this glorious experience, why not open your heart and receive it TODAY?