In this article on speaking in tongues, we compare the differences some find between the speaking in tongues of Acts 2:8 and 1 Corinthians 14:2. It appears that those present in Jerusalem at Pentecost made the observation, "And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" There is no suggestion here that this was anything other than a sign to those from other countries prompting them to ask, "What meaneth this?"

It was Peter who described what was happening as he preached to them about the promised outpouring of the Spirit. He spoke in a language common to all (probably Aramaic) as the observers asked for an explanation.

In 1 Corinthians 14:2 we have the answer to this dilemma, "For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands (comprehends) Him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaks mysteries." When the church comes together and the gift of speaking in tongues is operated, God gives another Spirit-filled person the gift of interpretation, to speak out and thereby edify all.

Unbelievers do not understand just how speaking in tongues can happen. How can they? There is much advice from Paul in Romans chapter eight about the inability of the carnal (without the Spirit) mind to comprehend spiritual truths. Rather than look for loopholes and make excuses for rejecting speaking in tongues we should emulate Paul who wrote: "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all."

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Israel nation constantly defied the Lord and fraternised with pagan nations. Isaiah 28:11,12 describes some of the problems that resulted from this disobedience. Israel was invaded time and time again and over-run by foreign enemies. The strange tongues of the invaders heard among them reminded them of their misdeeds. It was a contrasting preview of the "rest" (from their enemies) and the "refreshing" (from the Lord) which was yet to come. The writer to the Hebrews reminds Spirit-filled people of God's "rest", of the necessity for entering into this rest, and of Israel's failure to appreciate the promise (Hebrews 4). Peter referred to conversion at Pentecost as " ... the times of refreshing ... from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19).

Paul reminds the Spirit filled that, as in the Old Testament, " ... tongues are for a sign ..." (indication, miracle, token, wonder) and explains that this manifestation of the Holy Spirit evident in believers would be a sign " ... to them that believe not ... " (1 Corinthians 14:22.) In the preceding verse he quotes our original scripture from Isaiah 28. Speaking in tongues is to remind us that Israel was subjugated by her enemies because of unbelief and that likewise those who will not hear (comprehend because of personal experience) will fail to enter their rest (Sabbath) unless they receive the Holy Spirit as directed.

Speaking in tongues is not an incidental, unnecessary additive, but is a profound, wonderful, God-given, prophesied experience resulting from obedience to God's Word.

Speaking in tongues is not only a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is the identification of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers and is to be seen and heard. (Acts 2:33). speaking in tongues is also used as a manifestation in the Church for the purpose of indicating the presence of the Holy Spirit.

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every (Spirit filled) man to profit withal." (1 Corinthians 12:7.) and which manifestation includes the gifts as listed in the next verses. But not according to the critics!

NOT DUMB IDOLS !

Paul wrote to the Spirit-filled (all speaking in tongues) Church and made a point of reminding them that before they moved into this Pentecostal scene they were worshipping dumb idols. (I Corinthians 12:2.)

The Greek word for dumb is 'aphonos', meaning 'mute' or 'voiceless'. The same word is used to describe our Lord when he willingly died so that salvation (the Holy Spirit) could come. " ... He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth" (Acts 8:32).

Speaking in tongues in the Church is a manifestation of the Spirit. It is God speaking through His chosen vessels. Many mystics like to sit around and meditate, assuming that God will speak to them in some way as they endeavour to make their minds a blank. To communicate with God the Bible says to "... bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). In the Old Testament God promised that He would communicate with us. Since the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost nearly 2000 years ago, He communicates with us through the Holy Spirit manifestations.

In the episode at the well in Samaria Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, "Ye worship ye know not what: (but) we know what we worship ... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in (by the) spirit and in (according to) truth: for the Father seeketh such, to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in (by the) Spirit and in (according to) truth.'' (John 4:22-24.) The Word of God is truth. To worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth is to worship Him as Paul directs in Corinthians where he describes the operation of the Holy Spirit.

Critics endeavour to use the advice Paul gave to the Spirit-filled Church about the importance of speaking in tongues and its orderly use, to eliminate speaking in tongues from their considerations. By doing this they revert to the worship of dumb idols.